My husband and I had a very pleasant stay at this B&B several months ago. So much so, that enroute home I enthusiastically wrote a glowing review via iPhone. Alas, technology. As I submitted it, something went wrong and the entire thing disappeared(!) Regretfully, it's taken me awhile to get back to this, but I want to be sure to give them the mention and praise they deserve and also give those looking for an attractive, clean and friendly B&B the information that might help them in making a selection.
The lovely Prairie Style house is easy to find in the Riverside Historic District of Jacksonville. On our way in we stopped and had a terrific lunch at Hawker's, a nearby semi open-air establishment serving Asian street fare. It's in a shopping area known as Five Points, which is diverse and fun - well worth a visit while in the vicinity. Upon arriving at the Jenks House, we found ample parking at the end of a driveway on the side of the house, with close access to the front entrance. Tom met us at the door with a warm greeting and we were soon also greeted by his wife, Ila Rae. They were helpful to us in getting settled - showing us around the house - and to our room (the Mission Room), one of two used for guests. It was extremely inviting, comfortable and clean - with plenty of space.
Although our major purpose for being in town was dinner with a business colleague, we wanted to add some leisure as well. Once settled in, we were ready to get out into the neighborhood a little more and Tom was helpful with suggestions of things we might find interesting. The Riverside area has a free Arts Market that operates all or most Saturdays. It has just about everything you might imagine, from fresh flowers & live music to produce and hand-crafted soap. We thought about walking there, but in order to save time we opted to drive. Tom was even a help with suggesting some out-of-the-way parking spots that might still be available on a crowded Saturday afternoon. In addition, he told us about a wonderful opportunity that's currently available: The Cummer Museum of Art and its wonderful riverfront gardens are open to the public at no charge on the first Saturday of every month (which this just happened to be) courtesy of Wayne and Delores Weaver, former owners of the Jaguars football team.
After an excellent night's sleep, we headed downstairs to a fabulous breakfast, with freshly ground coffee. There was another couple at the table and it was fun talking with them. Both Tom and Ila Rae, who was in the kitchen cooking much of the time, also joined the conversation now and then.
In summary: The location was central and convenient - close to lots of good restaurants, shopping and entertainment. The hosts were helpful and congenial. Parking is easy and readily available. The rooms are attractive, well-kept, and very comfortable. The breakfast was delicious. The cost is reasonable. In addition, we like their emphasis on environmentally sound practices. We will definitely return there and have already recommended it to friends.