antiques, art galleries, etc. (Jacksonville, University: real estate, new home, university)

[deealina]

We just moved to the Jax area (Fleming Island) and are decorating our new home here. We are wondering where to find unusual items either antique or artistic one of a kind. We are aware of Fernandina Beach and St. Augustine but both seem to cater to tourists somewhat. I am particularly interested in anything unique to the south. Any suggestions of places to explore and shop would be great. By the way we love it here!!

[LM1]

There are some great places like that in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. Florida really isn't the "south". Most everything here is tourist slanted.

(I know what you mean about antique shops... I'm an antique buff myself and I don't waste my time with any of the local shops)

[titaniummd]

I, too, live in Fleming Island. Welcome! I love it here, too.

My real estate agent recommended Iron Gate in Jacksonville for unique pieces but I haven't been there (I believe it was closed on Saturdays):

Iron Gate LLC
3380 Phillips Hwy
Jacksonville, FL 32207-4312
Phone: (904) 398-6505

[mawipafl]

Welcome to Fleming Island -- I love it here as well!

I've visited a number of shops in the area (on the other side of the St Johns). You will see some of the "same old same old", but you'll also find some unique pieces:

Tin City Antiques, 11740 San Jose Blvd
Tin City Antique Mall | Jacksonville, Florida

Avonlea Antique Mall, 8101 Phillips Highway
Welcome to Avonlea Antique Mall

San Jose Antique Mall, 5107 San Jose Blvd
San Jose Antique Mall - 2916 University Blvd W. - Jacksonville FL - 32217

And here's a site with a list of many others: Antiques - Jacksonville, Florida

As for art that's unique to the south, there's nothing more Floridian than Highwaymen art. I'm searching for a piece myself - not cheap, and real ones aren't easy to find.
This site has info about the art: Art About Florida - Highwaymen - James Gibson (broken link)

Every first Wednesday of the month is the Art Walk downtown. There are many talented local artists (and .. um .. some not so talented), and the galleries are open with no admission from 5 to 8. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is also open and free during the Art Walk.

Again, a hearty welcome to our fair part of The Sunshine State!

[deealina]

Thanks for those great suggestions. I will check them out. Mawipafl we are also at Eagle Harbor. Love it here!

[riveree]

Originally Posted by mawipafl

San Jose Antique Mall, 5107 San Jose Blvd
San Jose Antique Mall - 2916 University Blvd W. - Jacksonville FL - 32217

San Jose Antique Mall moved.......the link has the correct address though.

They left San Jose Blvd and are now in Lakewood on University Blvd just west of the Saint Augustine Road intersection. Look for the Purple Awning on the south side of the street . There are still a few antique shops right by their old location though (on San Jose Blvd just north of University....near the Oaklawn Cemetary & Calico Corners fabric shop).

I'd also recommend stopping by your local library or your local Loop Pizza restaurant and picking up a free copy of Arbus magazine - it's one of our free local art mags. Jacksonville Magazine (avail in Publix or B&N) has their design issue a few times a year and you'll find some good resources in there too.