One of my favorite places to reset, a hidden bookshop worth the drive, and what's happening around Jacksonville this September.
Shanon Bond
Home & Beyond
Shanon Bond · Life, Home & Community in Northeast Florida
September 2026
From Me to You

Welcome to the very first Home & Beyond!

I've been wanting to create this for a while. I spend so much of my time out in our community, talking with people, finding great local businesses, collecting names of people I trust, and learning things that I immediately think, I need to share this with my people.

So that's exactly what Home & Beyond is going to be.

Each month I'll share a little real estate, but also the people, places, events and resources that make Northeast Florida home.

I'm really excited you're here!

Shanon Bond, REALTOR
 
A quiet lake at the UNF Nature Trails
One of My Favorite Places
UNF Nature Trails

One of my favorite places to go for a nervous system reset is the UNF Nature Trails. I walk for a while, then find a bench where I can sit, listen to the birds talking to one another and just be still. There really is something about spending a little time outside, surrounded by nature that helps me feel more grounded and at peace.

My son Evan and I have had some of our best conversations walking these trails together, and now he's in his junior year at UNF. I still can't quite believe I'm saying that!

The trails wind around lakes, through woods and across boardwalks, and there's always something to see. Over the years I've spotted alligators, armadillos, turtles sunbathing and even the occasional wild pig.

It’s one of those special places right here in Jacksonville that makes me feel like I’ve gotten away for a little while.

Explore UNF Nature Trails
Shanon sitting at the edge of the lake at UNF Nature Trails

A little bench, a little quiet, a lot of birds. My favorite kind of afternoon.

Wooden boardwalk winding through the trees Boardwalk curving past palmettos A sunlit forest trail
 
Worth a Visit
Chamblin Bookmine
Rows of packed bookshelves inside Chamblin Bookmine  

If you've never been, this is one of those Jacksonville places you have to experience at least once. You can wander forever and still feel like you've only seen half of it.

Chamblin Bookmine has been part of Jacksonville since 1976, and walking through it feels a little like entering a never-ending maze of books: aisles and aisles of used, new, collectible and out-of-print titles, and you never know what you'll find.

You can even bring in books and other media to trade for store credit. Give yourself some time for this one. Browsing is half the fun.

Explore Chamblin Bookmine
 
Shoppers browsing tents at the Riverside Arts Market under the bridge
What's Happening Around Town
Riverside Arts Market

One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday: local artists, makers, farmers, food and live music, all under the Fuller Warren Bridge.

Every Saturday  |  10 AM–3 PM  |  Rain or Shine
715 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville

Plan a Saturday at RAM
 
Good to Know
Some Good News for Florida Homeowners

Florida homeowners have had a rough few years when it comes to insurance. For several years, roughly 75% of the nation's property insurance lawsuits were filed right here in Florida.

A lot of that was driven by roofing claims and companies offering free roofs while taking over the insurance claim for the homeowner. The lawsuits and rising claims costs caused many insurance companies to leave Florida and helped drive premiums up.

The good news is that changes were made, and we're starting to see the results. Rates are much more competitive, and there are now 21 new insurance carriers in Florida compared with 2024.

Want to see if there's a better rate out there?

Knowing who to call and where to start can be the hardest part. If you'd like to get a new homeowners insurance quote, reach out to me. I can make the introduction to a local insurance professional, provide them with your home information and help get the quote process started for you.

Help Me Get a Quote
 
Resource Highlight
Tim Phelan  |  T.E.C. Electrical Contracting LLC

Tim is my go-to electrician and someone I'm always happy to recommend. He's personally worked in my home and has helped several of my clients. What I especially appreciate about Tim is how willing he is to go above and beyond. There have been times when I didn't even know exactly what I needed to order, and Tim helped me figure it out, ordered it and had it delivered.

That's the kind of service I remember, and the kind of professional I like sharing with my people.

904-254-9731   |   Tim@tecjax.com

Looking for a local resource?

Over the years I've built a list of local people and businesses I've worked with, referred to clients, used personally or gotten to know through our community. From home services and lenders to accountants, doctors and more, I've put them together in my Home & Beyond Resource Guide so you have somewhere to start when you need someone.

Get My Home & Beyond Resource Guide

Prefer a printed copy? Click here to email me for a copy!

 
Real Estate, Locally
Northeast Florida at a Glance

July 2026  ·  Single-Family Homes

Duval County

$335,000

Median Sale Price

28 days on market

Clay County

$360,000

Median Sale Price

29 days on market

Nassau County

$451,540

Median Sale Price

56 days on market

St. Johns County

$589,030

Median Sale Price

33 days on market

What does this mean?

Every real estate decision is personal. These numbers give us a big-picture view, but what's happening in your neighborhood and price range can look completely different.

Want to know what's happening where you live? Send me your address and I'll take a closer look for you.

What's Happening in My Neighborhood?
 

Until next month…

I hope you found something useful, discovered somewhere new, or saved a resource for later.

And I want your recommendations too! If there's a local business, hidden gem, event or person you think I need to know about, hit reply and tell me. I may feature them in an upcoming Home & Beyond.

Shanon Bond

Shanon Bond, REALTOR®

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lifestyles Realty

(904) 962-7329  ·  shanon@agentbondrealtor.com

agentbondrealtor.com

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Shanon Bond, REALTOR — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lifestyles Realty

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lifestyles Realty

9726 Touchton Rd, Ste 101, Jacksonville, FL 32246  ·  (904) 962-7329

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