In 2025, residents and visitors of Clay County can celebrate with the opening of a new hotel, new shopping destinations and new experiences where families can experience a getaway with local flavor and plenty of fun too.
Here’s a look at what’s already on tap for Clay County in the new year of 2025 –
New Accommodations in Clay County
For those in need of more room traveling with a small group or family members, The W River Retreat in Green Cove Springs is available as a vacation rental. With five bedrooms, three baths and room to sleep twelve, the property overlooks the stunning St. Johns River. The property’s kitchen has all stainless steel appliances and an assortment of cookware and every bedrooms has Smart TV’s with Amazon Prime Included. Nearby wedding venues and events in Green Cove Springs make this a popular destination for overnight stays in 2025.
Paradigm Development Partners, LLC has broken ground for the upcoming TownePlace Suites by Marriott Middleburg. This contemporary, extended-stay hotel will be located at the Clay Town Center, a new mixed-use development at the southwest corner of Branan Field Road and Old Jennings Road.
Anticipated to open in summer 2025, the property will be home to 124 rooms and suites with full kitchens, situated across five floors. Guests can also enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor pool and pool deck. The hotel will also offer a complimentary daily hot breakfast and an in-house market stocked with ingredients and snacks available for purchase.
Renovated Walnut Street
After a six-month closure due to the construction and reimagining of Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs, local merchants are excited for the re-opening of one of the city’s most popular streets for shopping, nightlife and dining.
Work done on the street during the closure included existing street bricks removed, cleaned and repaired before being placed back onto the street. Other enhancements included new, wider sidewalks for visitors, new landscaping, more street parking and additional lighting along the street with newly, installed light posts.
New Businesses in Clay County
Reparation Earth Farms, an aquaponics farm located just south of Green Cove Springs, offers a variety of engaging agritourism events and serves as a scenic venue for private gatherings. Past events, like Infused Elegance: Mastering Food and Mocktails with Olive Oil and Balsamics and Goat + Yoga + Brunch at the Farm, have provided guests with unique, memorable experiences. Looking ahead to 2025, the farm plans to host an Intro to Aquaponics class and additional events designed to connect visitors with nature and sustainable agriculture. Surrounded by serene landscapes, Reparation Earth Farms is the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories.
Nationally-known 7Brew, a drive-thru coffee shop, has plans to expand into the Middleburg community in 2025. Coffee fans can enjoy iced, hot or chilled beverages along with handcrafted espresso drinks. Non-coffee lovers – there’s something for you too! Enjoy energy drinks, handmade shakes and a variety of smoothies and lemonades.
Set to open in the first quarter of 2025 in the Clay Town Center near the First Coast Expressway, Anejo Cocina Mexicana prepares modern interpretations of classic Mexican dishes along with a lively bar area with unique cocktails.
In Orange Park, everyone is Irish at the new Callahan’s Irish Bistro. This family-owned and operated restaurant is run by generations of the Callahan family that came to the United States from Count Cork in Ireland. Today, the family is proud to serve their grandparent’s classic Irish dishes & drinks to the residents of Clay County.
Popular Green Cove Springs restaurant, Chef X, is moving to a new location – the historical Gustafson House at 515 Walnut Street. With exposed brick and a pedestrian-friendly location, the home was built in 1896. Once repairs to the home are complete, Chef X will once again serve their American-style food known for dishes with a bit of Chicago flair. Stayed turn to the Chef X Facebook page for updates on construction and news of an opening date coming in 2025.
Kairos Jax is also set to open at the Clay Town Center during the first quarter of 2025. Known for their healthy menu featuring smoothies, juices, coffees and teas, they also serve a variety of breakfast items and have a large selection of items for lunch.
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans has made its way to the Oakleaf area!. This new location serves hot breakfast sandwiches, pastries, on-the-go lunch items and a variety of coffees. Don’t miss ordering their popular beignets dusted with powdery confectioners sugar.
The new Randevou Caribbean Bar & Grill is now open for guests at 14 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park. Featuring a menu of classic Caribbean dishes like Griot served with plantains and rice along with Caribbean goat stew and oxtail stew, those that love the islands cuisine will feel at home here. Nighttime events at the bar and grill include live DJs, sip and paint nights and karaoke nights.
Discover creativity and fun at The Dirty Palette in Keystone Heights! This vibrant art studio offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including paint-your-own pottery, canvas painting, wood door hangers, resin art, and even glass blowing. Perfect for corporate team building, ladies’ nights, kids’ camps, and parties, The Dirty Palette provides an inspiring space for every occasion. Exciting additions like pottery wheel classes and a splatter room are coming soon, promising even more ways to unleash your inner artist!
