San Marco: Shopping with a Difference

Approximate time: 4 hours

The San Marco neighborhood was originally the home of a single resident, William Hendricks in 1797. Called Oklahoma in the 1800s, it was later named South Jacksonville in 1907. When the Acosta Bridge was completed in 1921, the south bank of the river became a target for residential development. Telfair Stockton began buying up parcels of land and accepting down payments for lots in the area eventually to be known as San Marco. The shopping district was named San Marco Square and fashioned after the famous St. Mark's Square in Venice.

The tour begins at Preservation Hall, the Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church, established in 1888. This quaint Carpenter Gothic building was originally erected on another sight on Atlantic Boulevard. It has been moved four times and finally rests in its present location to serve as home to the San Marco Preservation Society.

For a sweet experience, stop in at the Peterbrooke Chocolatier Production Facility on San Marco Boulevard. Visitors can observe the production of the now famous chocolate popcorn, chocolate dipped strawberries and hand-crafted treats. The retail shop offers a variety of chocolate-coated gifts to give and enjoy personally.

The heart of San Marco is marked by Balis Park and the newest addition of three sculpted lions, guarding the town square. San Marco is the home of Theatre Jacksonville, which is the oldest, continuously running community theater in the country. This neighborhood is a delight to visitors and residents alike with its eateries and upscale shopping spots.

Next stop is Jessie Ball DuPont Park, site for the making of many movies in the 1900s, including jungle pictures which brought elephants, tigers, camels and horses to the park. At one time, it also included a 160-foot roller coaster and a large merry-go-round called The Flying Jenny. Unfortunately, Dixieland Amusement Park faded after World War I, but a huge tree still stands today at the center of where all the excitement once took place. The giant Treaty Oak, purported to be the oldest living thing in Duval County, is possibly 200 years old. A few blocks away on the Southbank Riverwalk is one of the world's tallest fountains known as Friendship Fountain. The fountain is 200 feet in diameter and the water in the center rises 150 feet.