1. Amy’S Turn
City: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (904) 241-5437
Address: 1415 North Third St.
Description: Budget-conscious shoppers love browsing through the clothing and toys at Amy’s Turn. Some things are more used than others, so make sure you have time to ferret out the great bargains hidden here. Your pocketbook will be happy with the results. Amy’s Turn also sells consignment clothes for teenagers and very hip adults, but it’s the baby stuff, some of it brand new, that dominates the rooms. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
2. North Florida Golf Ball Co.
City: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (904) 247-5377
Address: 815 Beach Blvd.
Description: If you hit a $5 golf ball into a water hazard, chances are it will end up here. With this in mind, the owner of North Florida Golf Ball Co. periodically dons SCUBA equipment and cleans out the ponds at various golf courses. He then resells the balls, either wholesale or retail, at his Jacksonville Beach shop. Prices, depending on the quality of the ball when it’s fished out of the lagoon, range anywhere from 50 to 80 percent less than if you were to buy it new.
3. Miriam’S
City: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (904) 339-0309
Address: 2400 South Third St.
Description: Located in historic San Marco, Mandarin, and Jacksonville Beach, Miriam’s specializes in hip, unusual jewelry with a large selection of silver, gold, and gemstones. And if you need to consign that diamond engagement or wedding ring that reminds you too much of your ex, Miriam’s is a good place to do it.
4. Sunrise Surf Shop
City: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (904) 241-0822
Address: 834 Beach Blvd.
Description: This is where local surfers have shopped since 1975. Sunrise has a great collection of wet suits and new and used surfboards, as well as boards to rent for an afternoon. Teenagers love the cool T-shirts and the store’s frequent two-for-one specials.
5. Emly Benham
City: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (904) 246-1401
Address: 2400 South Third St.
Description: With locations in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, Emly Benham carries shoes, bags, and accessories to flip over. Stocking the latest from jewelry designer Alexis Bittar as well as clothing from the hippest of the hip, including Balenciaga, One of 2, Prada Rossa Linea, and White + Warren, Emly Benham is one of the best places to find a variety of cutting-edge collections in town. The St. Johns Avenue location is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the beach location is open an hour later (6 p.m.) Monday through Saturday. Both shops are closed on Sunday.
6. Dirty Blonde Salon
City: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (904) 241-4247
Address: 2409 Third St. South
Description: This is a very cool little place. Count on getting a good haircut and good color here. It’s also a popular stop for waxing and facials. Best of all, you won’t have to wait months for an appointment. And you don’t even have to be a blonde.
7. Players By The Sea
City: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (904) 249-0289
Address: 106 Sixth St. North
Description: A former laundry has been transformed, believe it or not, into a cozy community theater in Jacksonville Beach. The main stage theater features some of the most popular musicals, dramas, and comedies in town and seats up to 120 people. Theatergoers enjoy being able to order cocktails before the show or during intermission in the lounge, which also features rotating exhibitions of art, photography, and other mediums. Players by the Sea also hosts a busy children’s program called Acting Up, which includes a popular summer camp and special theatrical performances by the kids. Season memberships are affordably priced and can save you around $3 to $85 over regular admission prices. Visit the Web site to check out the current lineup.