The Little Shoppes of Avondale Florida

When you visit Jacksonville, Florida the city appears to be like just another sprawling mass of concrete, that is, until you drive through the historical part of the city called Avondale. You won’t find it on any tourist maps, but this area takes you back to the 1920’s with massive homes adorned with the original architecture, and parks and streets lined with trees which have stood as guardians of their ancestors.

The drive to the Shoppes of Avondale is scenic and quaint, the tree lined streets are filled with people walking and riding bicycles, people fishing off docks, and flowers in every yard.

In the middle of all this beauty is a strip filled with restaurants , galleries, chocolatiers and shops, each one more unique than the other, and after a fine meal it’s fun to walk off the calories by strolling up and down the strip and shopping. There are too many shops to name each one, they range from bicycle shops, oriental rug stores, Incredible Edible, bake shops, and boutiques for everyone from baby to grandpa.

If you’re looking for sophisticated women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories then Chico’s is a great place to stop, but bring a big wallet because private label clothing is not cheap.

For the antiques collector or if you’re just looking for a souvenir or card, the Avondale Gift boutique is a great place to find those hidden treasures.

This area is rich in the arts and several galleries show works of art from locals to the famous. Avondale Gallery is filled from top to bottom with painting from local artist, and makes decorating your home affordable.

Florida's most prominent purveyor's of fine art R. Roberts Gallery although a neighborhood gallery, has clients come from all over the nation and abroad because of the gallery's reputation for excellence. They feature Renoir and rare Editions From The Seuss Estate.

If you want to make a statement with jewelry, Hope Jewelers carries a nice line of cultured pearls and jewelry.  Underwood’s Jewelers are members of Accredited Gem Laboratory of American Gem Society since June 24, 1971. They will custom make jewelry for your taste, and they also have a great collection of Herend porcelains.

For those with a sweet tooth, Peterbrooke is a must. A local chocolate company, Peterbrooke mixes things up by adapting European candy making traditions and techniques to the American palette. Chocolate covered popcorn anyone?

Come early and stay late, a day of shopping in Avondale will be a memorable one.

Metro Jacksonville did such a wonderful job with the photo tour, it’s worth a visit: