Buy a new outfit. Get lunch. Catch a movie. Maybe even take a water taxi ride across the St. Johns River. You can do it all from one of seven major Jacksonville malls and shopping centers.
1. The Avenues Mall
Photo © Simon Property Group, Inc.
The Avenues Mall is a two-level, Southside hotspot located at the intersection of Phillips Highway (US 1) and Interstate 95 and anchored by Dillard's, Belk, J.C. Penney and Sears. Its 150 specialty stores include Ann Taylor, Bandolino, Williams-Sonoma and MAC Cosmetics. But locals know it as spot where the original Bennifer (Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck) made a stop at the Pottery Barn.
Location: 10300 Southside Blvd.
Hours: Mon.-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-5:30.
2. Gateway Town Center
Jacksonville's oldest mall, Gateway Town Center located on the Northside, has weathered some tough times that nearly shuttered the ceter for good. Today, it has reemerged as a thriving urban retail center with a Publix Super Market, a few small eateries and several non-retail businesses sprinkled in. Favorite retail spots include Ice Man/Mr. Kicks, Footlocker and Ashley Stewart. Non-retail tenants include WorkSource; chiropractic, dialysis and pediatric care providers; and War on Poverty, a nonprofit organization that works to revitalize minority communities in Florida.Location: 5184 Norwood Ave.
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun noon-6 p.m.
3. The Jacksonville Landing
Photo © The Jacksonville Landing
The Jacksonville Landing is a u-shaped festival marketplace on the St. Johns River downtown. It boasts about 40 shops and restaurants, plus several bars and nightclubs. The two-level center's center courtyard features a fountain where the little tykes cool off on a hot day and plays host to countless concerts and other events.Fave shops are the Nine West outlet, Hana & Her Sister Fine Jewelry and The Toy Factory. There's fast food court and several full-service restaurants, including Koja Sushi, Benny's Steak & Seafood and, of course, a Hooters. Stay late and hit The Twisted Martini or Maverick's Rock 'N Honky Tonk.
Location: Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sun. noon-5:30 p.m. Bars and clubs open late.
4. Regency Square Mall
Regency Square Mall in East Arlington features more than 170 stores and is anchored by Belk, Sears, J.C. Penney and a Dillard's outlet. The mall also features the Sunshine Express, a kiddie train ride that works wonders with shopping-weary little ones, and an AMC 24-screen megaplex.Location: 9501 Arlington Expressway
Hours: Mon.-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.
5. River City Marketplace
River City Marketplace is Northside Jacksonville's largest shopping center. The open-air plaza features 70 stores and restaurants, plus a 14-screen Hollywood Theaters movie house. Wal-Mart Super Center, Lowe's, PetsMart, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Old Navy are favorites. The center is located near Jacksonville Internatinal Airport and the Florida/Georgia line to cash in on tourists.Location: Intersection of Interstate 95 and Airport Road
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
6. Roosevelt Square
Roosevelt Square on Jacksonville's Westside features a Publix Super Market, Belk and Stein Mart. Lots of smaller specialty stores, like GNC, and eateries, including Moe's Southwest Grill, Panera and Longhorn Steakhouse.Location: 4535 Roosevelt Blvd.
Hours: Mon.-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.
7. St. Johns Town Center
Photo © Simon Property Group, Inc.
Located in the heart of Jacksonville's Southside, St. Johns Town Center is arguably the area's trendiest shopping center. The open-air plaza features staples like Target, Dillard's, Barnes & Noble and a two-story Dick's Sporting Goods. Plus, you'll find a few shopping hotspots here that you won't find anywhere else in Jacksonville, including Anthropologie, which features designs inspired by treks through flea markets, antique shops and estate sales throughout Europe, India and the Far East. Top-rated restaurants include P.F. Chang's China Bistro and Maggiano's Little Italy.
Location: 4663 River City Drive
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.