The Little Shop of Locals – By Paula and Terry Erdmann

Downtown Jacksonville

That’s when it struck us; the search had been fun. Along the way we’d spotted toys and utensils, trinkets and t-shirts, oysters and ales, quilts and candles, and wine, wine, wine—all carefully arranged to tickle the fancy of each holiday shopper who happens into Jacksonville.

Well, our fancies were so tickled that we established a gift-shopping tradition. Each December, we walk California Street—and 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, Oregon and C streets—and match up the names on our holiday list with unique delights in the Jacksonville stores. And here’s the neat part: not only do we fill our bags with lovely presents, but gathering all of our season’s offerings right here serves as a gift to the town.

Think of it as a festive scavenger hunt! Take your list of giftees and channel each individual’s most heartfelt desires. What would please teenager Tiffany? How about one of those pretty Starlightz hanging lamps from the Crown Jewel? What about collectibles-crazy Cousin Ken? He’d love those Disney figurines at Country Quilts and Crafts. And speaking of crafts, little Joni is a bead freak; she could string herself unlimited necklaces from those great $1, $3, and $5 bead bins at Kharmic Creations! Sis adores sweaters—you’re bound to find the perfect style at the Cotton Broker, Tobiano, Jacksonville Company or La Boheme.

            What about fussy Grandpa, who hates his appearance in every family photo? Put him in charge by setting up a session at David Gibb Photography. Uncle Lou spills soup on Aunt Belle’s table every year. Get him a set of those colorful (and washable) tatami place mats from Pico’s. Judi likes to cook, but can’t find the “fixin’s”—set her up with a basket of gourmet staples from the Mercantile. Can’t spot Ida’s illusive gift in a window? Step inside the Jacksonville Barn Company, Terra Firma, or Farmhouse Treasures—before you know it you’ll have checked your list twice! Need more in-depth counseling? Visit Jo at Willowcreek Gifts, Kay at The Blue Door, Joe at Carefree Buffalo, or Steve at the Pot Rack for advice on the perfect package.

Of course, the search will take you several days—but think of the perks. Along the way, you’ll find adequate sustenance! Sip a root beer float at the Candy Shoppe. Hoist an ale at Boomtown, the Bella or the J’ville Tavern. Grab a schnitzel at the Schoolhaus Brewhaus, dip a latke in applesauce at MacLevin’s, compare the chili rellenos at La Fiesta and Las Palmas, dig into a cinnamon roll at the Mustard Seed. Discover the pulled pork at C Street Bistro, the raspberry hazelnut meringue torte at the Jacksonville Inn, the poke salad at Umi Sushi, and the curry at Thai House. And did we mention the wine tasting rooms?

If all of those morsels make you sleepy, absorb the world’s best caffeine at the Good Bean or the Pony Espresso. Then collapse (temporarily) into a comfy (and beautiful) chair at Renaissance Upholstery. Or cuddle a teddy bear from Scheffel’s Toys as you sleep it off at one of our amazing B&Bs.

Get the idea? Skip Walmart and shop local! You’ll brighten the day for your family, your friends, and the whole merry, merry town.

Paula and Terry each have long impressive-sounding resumes implying that they are battle-scarred veterans of life within the Hollywood studios. They’re now happily relaxed into Jacksonville.