For a trip back in time through American history, stop at Florida's largest retailer of Civil War memorabilia. While Uncle Davey's Americana specializes in the American Civil War and railroad history, you will also discover timeless artifacts including photographs, autographs, period currency, music, documents, relics, jewelry, prints, military items, books, uniforms and weaponry representing nearly every era or phase in the growth of America. The selection of books, photographs and weaponry is quite large, but if they don't have what you are looking for, they will try to get it for you.

It is Christmas all year long at Christmas Closet at this historic Riverside store. Thousands of holiday decorations of every size and shape pack a quaint house that has been converted to accommodate the store. Seasonal décor, gifts and accessories are all looking for good homes. Collectibles from top names are on display. Just stepping through the door will help put you in the holiday spirit, even in the middle of a hot summer's day. Soak up the atmosphere and scents of Christmas.

Rosenblum's is one of Jacksonville's favorite stops for the fashion-minded. Women's career clothing is a specialty of this well-known local clothier that offers a selection of designer suits and dresses. They also have formal wear for black-tie events, plus casual and sporty clothes for outdoors. Plenty of accessories can be found here too, including scarves, jewelry and handbags to complete the look for executive women on their way to the top.

Blue Buddha is the place to go in Jacksonville for unusual and hard-to-find ingredients. They have all kinds of exotic eats and spices, including New Mexico hatch chilies, mountain oysters, hedgehog mushrooms, seaweeds and others. You could say that the uncommon is common at The Blue Buddha, which is located in historic Riverside, off Park Street and a few miles from I-10.

Located a few miles north of downtown off I-95 at exit 121, Gateway Shopping Center offers more than 70 specialty stores featuring fashions, shoes, gifts, beauty products, jewelry and electronics. Restaurants include Subway, Popeye's and Lemon Tree Eatery, among others. Visitors will also find convenient access to city services including the Jacksonville Housing Authority, Sheriff's Office, and the Florida Star newspaper. It is also home to fitness centers and a few private academies for children.

Located in the San Marco shopping district, Fifi's is otherwise known as a consignment shop. Gently used designer clothing (with reduced price tags) for women is the shop's specialty, with items from major labels including the Gap, Liz Claiborne, DKNY, Anne Klein, Gucci and Ralph Lauren. Consignors receive 50% of the sale price for items they bring in. Inventory is updated frequently, so there is always something new. Accessories and handbags are also featured to complete the perfect outfit.

This cleverly named shop is a creative person's heaven. At Do Your Dishes you pick the piece of unfinished pottery that you would like to paint, choose your favorite colors and brushes and get started. The staff provides all the necessary tools and supplies, and a helping hand if needed. When you are through, your masterpiece is fired and it's ready for pick-up a few days later. It is located in the historic Riverside district.

Uncover hidden treasures at the Midnight Sun Jewelry and Gifts shop, located in the historic Five Points district of downtown Jacksonville. It carries a varied assortment of women's jewelry and accessories, including fashions from India and other imported items. Browsing through their jewelry collection could take some time, but it is well worth the effort if you uncover that special piece that was made just for you. Pick up a piece for your home; perhaps ethnic drums and whistles, statuettes or masks.

Edge City has been around since 1975 and is full of gifts, trinkets and fashions. It carries a funky assortment of women's clothing, shoes, accessories and glasses for the fashion conscious. Shoppers are received by a charming storefront of cool pastels and flowers, and by the Mexican tiled roof, into a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Hip new fashions from featured designers Betsey Johnson and Vivienne Tam are for sale, as well as wild shoe designs from Steve Madden. Browse the collection of fashion glasses, jewelery, and the latest hot colors in makeup and home décor.

They pay cash! Did that grab your attention? Vintage Vinyl, located near the Regency Square Mall in Arlington, just a few miles from I-295 and the Arlington Expressway, buys, sells and trades new and used music CDs, old records, videos, and DVDs. The best part is that its vast selection comes with a very reasonable price tag. A friendly staff is well-versed in the world of music and entertainment.