‘Hop’ on the JAX Ale Trail Near Tamaya

Residents of Tamaya, ICI Homes’ master-planned community on Jacksonville’s southeast side, have so many fun things to do at home that it might be tempting not to leave.

Amazing amenities, distinctive architecture and a welcoming community five minutes from gorgeous Atlantic beaches has that effect.

But the Jacksonville metro area boasts many wonderful activities, including one that’s right on trend — the JAX Ale Trail. This itinerary spotlights the city’s craft brewing scene.

No longer a foodie phenomenon, craft brewing is a tasty window into the creativity of unique ales, brews, seltzers and other home-brewed treats. Brewers often take advantage of local tastes and ingredients, and taprooms and breweries often are community gathering places for food, drink and special events.

Here’s how to hop on the JAX Ale Trail near Tamaya

What it is

A great introduction to all things hops, wheat and grapes — just a few of the traditional raw materials used by brewers for centuries — and how they contribute to local brews.

Many breweries also have on-location taprooms for customers to sample and enjoy their brews, and many host special events such as trivia contests, live music and watch parties, particularly for sporting events. It’s the 21st-century version of the local pub!

The current JAX Ale Trail numbers 25 breweries. Exploring it is easy thanks to the folks at Visit Jacksonville. They’ve compiled a list of the city’s expanding craft-brewery scene and offer a passport as a handy guide.

Tamaya residents can pick up a printed passport at any of the participating breweries or download Visit Jacksonville’s “Visit JAX” app on the Visit Jacksonville website. Either way, you can have your passport marked at each JAX Ale Trail location and earn rewards and prizes.

Luckily for Tamaya residents, there are five breweries on the JAX Ale Trail just around the corner — four in neighboring Jacksonville Beach, and one just east of Tamaya.

Jacksonville Beach

Green Room Brewing at 228 Third Street North — claims to be Jacksonville Beach’s first microbrewery with plenty of selections on tap. It welcomes friendly, leashed dogs, and although it doesn’t offer food, patrons can bring munchies.

Ink Factory Brewing at 602 Shetter Avenue — the name echoes the former magazine-publishing warehouse where the brewery is located. Boasts a coffee shop, plus bakery goodies and food vendors scheduled Wednesday through Sunday. There’s also a merchandize shop.

Southern Swells Brewing Company at 1312 Beach Boulevard — a tap room and craft brewery with a popular outdoor patio. Serves snacks and features occasional food vendors.

Engine 15 Brewing Company at 1500 Beach Boulevard — also has a downtown location. The Jacksonville Beach location has a kitchen offering appetizers, salads and sandwiches, among other items, and a merchandize shop.

Just east of Tamaya, off Southside Boulevard

Bottlenose Brewing at 9700 Deer Lake Court — offers event space, a kitchen that churns out burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads and appetizers to go with its taproom and brewery

Ready for your Tamaya lifestyle? Talk to ICI Homes here.