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Warm Temps Draw Holiday Shoppers to Outdoor Markets in Jacksonville

Enjoy sublime shopping experiences during the holidays in sunny Jacksonville's variety of open-air town centers

October 23, 2014 // By Amy West

By Amy West
Jacksonville Local Expert October 23, 2014

 
  • slide 1

    Jacksonville Artisans' Crafts Make Memorable Gifts

    Needing inspiration for your holiday gift giving? These Jacksonville-based businesses craft gifts unique to the First Coast you can't find anywhere else. Get a taste of the "River City by the Sea" with these products that showcase what makes the city special, gifts that range from food to fashion. 

    Photo courtesy of Rethreaded

  • slide 2

    Hand-Shaped Boards by Whisnant Sufboards

    Crafting boards since 1989, Mike Whisnant and his team are known for creating quality boards to exact specifications. These boards make the perfect gift for both avid and beginners. Shop online or pick up a board at their factory in Atlantic Beach, Fla. They start at $539.

    Photo courtesy of Whisnant Surfboards

  • slide 3

    Bold Bean Coffee

    Gift organically grown and locally roasted coffee straight from the “Bold New City of the South”. A brand dedicated to community and passionate about the bean, Bold Bean Coffee is available for purchase online or at one of their two Jacksonville locations. Prices start at $13 per 12-ounce bag.

    Photo courtesy of Amy West

  • slide 4

    Grace Scarf by Rethreaded

    You can make a difference by purchasing products from Rethreaded. This company makes a local and global impact by providing safe, viable and dignity-giving work to survivors of the sex trade. Purchase the Grace Scarf for $20 online or at their retail store, located on Barnett Street in Jacksonville.

    Photo courtesy of Rethreaded

  • slide 5

    Fine Fragrances by Spadaro

    Jet setter Kim Spadaro created her line of Fine Fragrances to capture the spirit of her travels. These products have a way of making each experience come alive. Spadaro products are available online, in a variety of local boutiques and at Nordstrom online and nationwide. Eau De Parfumes begin at $95.
     

    Photo courtesy of Spadaro

  • slide 6

    Original Artwork by Marsha Glaziere

    Local artist Marsha Glaziere's mixed media paintings, sculptures and drawings are known as contemporary and dynamic. Take home a uniquely inspired piece of the First Coast by Marsha, and be moved by her creation. Purchase Marsha’s work through O’Steen Art Consulting by emailing osteenart@mac.com or calling 904-993-6481. Original pieces begin at $10,000.

    Photo courtesy of Marsha Glaziere

  • slide 7

    Swimwear by Lisa Kaminski

    Locally created swimwear and resort wear by Lisa Kaminski make the ideal gift for the fashionable sun-worshipper. Created in small batches with limited runs, these collectibles go fast. Purchase each unique design online, or locally at Gwen Berlin Boutique and Hammock Beach Resort. Prices begin at $239.

    Photo courtesy of Lisa Kaminski

  • slide 8

    Shabby Chic Home Goods by Echo at the Beach

    Give the gift of coastal chic design from Echo at the Beach. Creating new from old, Echo carefully restores once forgotten furniture and home goods into statement pieces that embody casually sophisticated coastal style. Echo at the Beach is located in Jacksonville Beach. Pieces in this image (above) range from $10 to $95.

    Photo courtesy of Amy West

  • slide 9

    Darling Children's Clothes at Ashes Boutique and Tea Garden

    Artist Dana Roby's hand-drawn charcoal sketches find their perfect companion on adorable infant and children's pieces, from soft onesies to cotton summer dresses. Visit Ashes Boutique and Tea Garden in Jacksonville Beach for luxurious basics, uniquely made with her creative touch. Purchase onesies for $16.

    Photo courtesy of Amy West

  • slide 10

    Sweet Pete's Sea Salt Caramel Corn

    All-natural local candy purveyor Sweet Pete’s is famous for their Sea Salt Caramel Corn. One bite, and you won’t be able to stop. Made in old-fashioned copper kettles and prepared in small batches, this caramel corn is truly addictive. Purchase online or at their Jacksonville storefront for around $8.50. 

    Photo courtesy of Sweet Pete's

  • slide 11

    Liv-n-Grace Bracelet

    Give a gift that keeps giving with the Liv-n-Grace Bracelet from the McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation. Proceeds from this stylish accessory go towards the nonprofit's efforts to empower young people to recognize their full potential. Purchase these $15 bracelets at local boutiques or through Natural Life, either online or in store.

    Photo courtesy of Amy West

Jacksonville, Fla., is a city full of diversity, divided into a medley of creative cultures from urban to coastal cool. You can expect the shopping experience to be as eclectic as its residents. Apart from the mosaic of lifestyles, the city is ultimately a Southern one rich in tradition and down-home goodness, a place where experiences are as valuable as any item you could purchase.

The desire for rich experiences certainly influences the shopping scene on the First Coast. Here, outdoor markets like the St. Johns Town Center and the River City Market Place create open-air wonderlands for their guests, inviting them to partake in annual festive events for the whole family.

Shoppers flock to open-air shopping centers during Jacksonville's warm holiday season — Photo courtesy of St. Johns Town Center

Jacksonville’s nearly year-round great temps certainly make open-air shopping the way to go, as the sunshine and fresh air invigorate and energize you between stops.

The Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is another outdoor venue, full of character and urban appeal. It's located right on the St. Johns River in the shade of the Fuller Warren Bridge. On Saturdays every week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., creative vendors showcase hand-crafted artwork, jewelry and clothing to gift-givers seeking that special something you can’t get anywhere else.

“The RAM annual Holidazzle event gets visitors in the spirit, with holiday movies on a 32-inch big screen, while market-goers enjoy holiday cocktails, hot chocolates and other kid-friendly treats," says Communications Manager Heather Bailey. "Vendors deck out their booths in holiday themes, adding to the festive atmosphere.“

The Riverside Arts Market draws shoppers outdoors to hunt for unique, hand-made gifts — Photo courtesy of Riverside Arts Market

Locals and visitors alike flock towards the beaches during the holidays as a traditional pilgrimage. Families send loved ones holiday cards with warm memories of the beach to make them jealous, and you shouldn't be so surprised to see a few be-glittered starfish atop Christmas trees, instead of traditional stars.

At the Beaches Town Center, local boutiques are conveniently located just one block off the sand, where you'll find yourself merry in flip flops, discovering new exotic finds at the Bali Cargo Company. Or get that hard-to-find title at The Bookmark.  

Palm trees and Christmas trees co-habitate at the Beaches Town Center — Photo courtesy of Beaches Town Center

If you're looking for some good, old-fashioned holiday cheer, travel just steps from the Beaches Town Center to One Ocean Resort and Spa’s annual gingerbread house unveiling, where you'll see hundreds of pounds of sugar, gingerbread and cream come together in a larger-than-life creation.

How to deck the halls coastal style? Shop owner of shabby chic store Echo at the Beach, Stacey Brigham, says her shoppers embrace beach-themed decor and gifts, while vintage ornaments are trending, too.

Beach-themed ornaments and holiday decor are in demand at Echo at the Beach — Photo courtesy of Amy West

If you love the hipster culture, journey to Jacksonville’s 5 Points ,where you’ll discover vintage fashions, antique finds and something just for Fido at a boutique dedicated to man’s best friend, appropriately named Bark Boutique.

For the perfect stocking stuffer that's uniquely Jax, consider locally owned brands like Sweet Pete's candy shop, where you can take home a tasty batch of freshly made Sea Salt Caramel Corn.

If it's a coffee aficionado you're shopping for, they are sure to thank you for introducing them to organically grown Bold Bean coffee, available in stores and online.

Personal stylists are available at Nordstrom Department store at the St. Johns Town Center — Photo courtesy of David West

Giving comes from the heart, and part of the fun is the hunt. Jacksonville’s shopping destinations carry name brands like Tiffany’s, Nordstrom and Louis Vuitton for all your high fashion desires. Meanwhile, they still keep it real with handmade gifts crafted with loving care.

Personal shopping services are even available from the St. Johns Town Center and stores like Nordstrom, for those who need a little inspiration.

That special find is out there! You can be sure Jax has the weather, the selection and the atmosphere to make your hunt an experience as cherished as the gift.

Bali Cargo Company at the Beaches Town Center welcomes shoppers right off the beach — Photo courtesy of Beaches Town Center

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About Amy West

Amy West resides in relaxing Jacksonville Beach, where visits to the sand and sea are basically mandatory on Christmas.

Read more about Amy West here.

Connect with Amy via: Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest


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