Shopping

Jacksonville, once a shopping desert, has transformed into a shoppers’ delight. This has much to do with the development of St. Johns Town Center, a modern outdoor plaza offering luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and restaurants like Cantina Laredo that are both new to the area and surprisingly good. Shopping also got more hometown-fun with the arrival of the Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller Warren Bridge every Saturday where folks from all walks of life come on Saturday mornings to meet and mingle over apples, meat pies, and local artwork.

What follows should give shoppers, spontaneous or otherwise, a starting point. The shopping center listings are arranged by neighborhood, including Riverside/Avondale, Southside/San Marco, and the Beaches. Downtown Jacksonville isn’t a shopping mecca because, like a lot of cities, most of the stores headed to the suburbs in the 1960s. The Jacksonville Landing and a few scattered specialty stores are still Downtown draws, but have not been able to keep up with the times as much as the newer shopping plazas have.

The area also has some nearby outlet malls, which are about 40 minutes south of Jacksonville in St. Augustine. While not necessarily Insider, the outlets have recently expanded to include some luxury brands with slightly lower prices. Be aware: some designer outlets only stock merchandise that has been specifically designed for their outlet locations’ lower price point and do not carry the same merchandise as their normal retail stores do. That being said, the good stuff still makes appearances at reduced prices.

After the shopping centers, the chapter is divided into areas of interest such as Women’s and Men’s Clothing, and Bookstores, each of which is followed by a listing of local-favorite specialty shops. (It’s impossible to list all of the fine stores in Jacksonville, that would be a book unto itself, but this list hits most of the high points.)

Jacksonville’s Farmers’ Market and Arts Market scene has boomed in recent years. Look to that section for activities best enjoyed on a sunny afternoon with or without the kids.

In the end, there’s no shortage of places to spend your money in Jacksonville. May you find plenty of fine goods and plenty of bargains!

Shopping - Salons And Spas

Jacksonville Insiders love to look good. Thankfully, an undercurrent of hip new salons and spas has joined with some traditional favorites to add depth and edge to the city’s beauty scene. The majority of the city’s more hip and forward-thinking salons can be found in the Riverside, Avondale and 5-Points areas, while the Beaches are home to some time-honored standbys that serve as elegant and reliable go-tos.

Thanks to the city’s plethora of options, it’s generally not difficult to get an appointment at any of the city’s spas and salons, even on short notice. So pick up the phone and make a date for a new do, a facial, a massage, or a mani-pedi with any of these Insider faves.

Shopping - The Arts

The old-school image of Jacksonville as an arts desert with little to offer in the way of contemporary culture and new influences can finally be put to rest. Thanks to an influx of new blood and a kindling of like-minded spirits, the city has turned into an arts-focused entity enlivened by Downtown Art Walks, Arts Markets, annual arts events, experimental theater, and new galleries popping up all over town.

Sure, the city has its own symphony and pops orchestra, but it also has the oldest continually operated community theater in the country. The city has also become a prime stop for traveling Broadway musicals and ballet companies, and has one of the finest performing arts high schools in the country.

The most exciting evolution of all is happening in the visual arts scene. Jacksonville has turned into a hub for up-and-coming visual artists seeking a lower cost of living and year-round good weather. This burgeoning arts scene means that the city has become a great place for novice aficionados to start building their art collections. Many soon-to-be-discovered artists live in the area and, lucky for us, their work remains affordable. And thanks to events like Art After Dark, Art Walk, and the Riverside Arts Market, the city provides loads of opportunities to meet new talent and purchase works directly from the artists. All you need is a good eye and a modest bank account to get started. In addition, we’ve listed several excellent galleries to help you find what’s out there, but be sure to check local listings as new galleries pop up (or, unfortunately, close) all the time.

This chapter is organized in four ways: by venue, concert series, production company and gallery with lots of valuable extra tips and Close-Ups in between. Our goal is that, with just a visit to a Web site or a phone call, you can find out “who’s doing what where” all over town.