Jacksonville's Makers Scene
Jacksonville is a city of makers. It's a city where people from all over the nation are coming to open new businesses because our residents are all about local and authentic, so the community stands behind itself.
Jacksonville is in the middle of a major renaissance fueled by local ‘Makers’ that are helping the city find its true identity. Jax’s new wave of ‘Makers’ are young, passionate and hungry for all things local and real. They are embracing the city’s unique culture and history, and carving a progressive path that fuses our coastal and southern influences to create a unique experience and a new sense of place.
Arts Markets and Districts
- Jacksonville has undertaken an initiative to re-purpose old industrial buildings for the artists’ community. The CoRK Arts District is one example of this initiative. The CoRK Arts District is comprised of more than 80,000 square feet of warehouse space in several Riverside warehouses centered around artist studios and galleries. CoRK's network of warehouses date back to the 1920s. Businesses such as the Atlantic Match Company, Peter Ballantine & Sons, Francis H. Leggett & Company, Schell-Sasse, and Dixon Powdermaker established a presence there.
- Another district to feast your eyes on beautiful art is Phoenix Arts & Innovation District. They host a monthly outdoor market called Flea For All where creators come together amongst the murals of this district.
- North Beaches Art Walk is the third Thursday of every month from 5-9 pm in at the Beaches Town Center. The event is open to the public and features art and performances from dozens of artists. Indulge at one of the delicious restaurants along that strip before or after you're done shopping!
- Downtown Art Walk: If you are in Jax on the first Wednesday of the month, then don’t miss the Downtown Art Walk. Explore Downtown while visiting pop-up galleries and purchasing from amazing local art vendors. Don't forget to try a new food truck and listen to live music along your journey through the art walk.
- Riverside Arts Market features dozens of local craft makers, food trucks, and even craft beer brewers under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge every Saturday morning. The market is a 15-minute walk from Downtown.
- 904 Pop Up is Jacksonville's largest curated pop-up featuring more than 200 creatives and 15 food trucks. The monthly event takes place at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.
- Jax Melanin Market is a quarterly market that takes place along A Philip Randolph Boulevard. Their mission is to highlight Black-Owned businesses in the community.
- Atlantic Beach Arts Market is another can't-miss stop. Unlike some of the other markets, this one is open seven days a week so you will never miss out! Their creative space holds over 90 local vendors as well as a learning studio for their classes.
Brewers and Distillers
Breweries
Jacksonville’s beer scene is thriving. The area is home to more than 25 locally owned and operated craft breweries that are all part of the Jax Ale Trail. Breweries along the Ale Trail offer unique takes on IPAs, ales, barrel aged stouts, pilsners and more. Every beer lover needs to visit Jacksonville, if we may say so ourselves.
Distilleries
If beer isn't your thing, try one of Jacksonville's distilleries. The area's growing distillery scene includes makers focused on vodka, whiskey, rum and gin.
Coffee
Mention coffee in Jacksonville and people may think of coffee giant, Maxwell House, which operates the last remaining plant in the United States in Downtown Jacksonville. If you're looking for something local, we've got plenty of that too! Check out a few of them below.
- With a local cult-like following, Bold Bean Coffee has two locations in Jacksonville and partners with several breweries for unique craft beers.
- In addition to sourcing the best coffee from around the world and roasting it in-house, Social Grounds works with the City of Jacksonville to employ and empower homeless veterans.
- Vagabond aims to create an environment allowing everybody to come together as a community and enjoy a great cup of coffee.
- BREW is an espresso bar in the heart of Historic Five Points serving brunch every day. Discover new things, make new friends, and enjoy yourself in the process.
- In the Southside neighborhood you'll find Brass Tacks Coffee. They offer some of the most unique flavor combinations. If you are in need of some extra fuel for your day, order your drink "Florida Man Style", you'll be ordering a hefty 32-ounce coffee.
- Urban Grind is a staple for the folks that work in Downtown Jacksonville. You will always see a line for this favorite in the early morning hours.
Creators
Rethreaded
Sex trafficking survivors become creative powerhouses at this Jacksonville nonprofit. The organization recycles materials to create beautiful products that can be shipped across the nation. Their story is one of on empowerment and awareness as Rethreaded provides employment for survivors of human trafficking in Jacksonville. Rethreaded also operates as a distribution company that sells products from like-minded businesses who also employ women who have found freedom from the sex trade.
Wolf & Cub
This finely curated concept shop in Downtown Jacksonville is packed with independently produced products, interesting goods for the home and beautiful things to wear for women and men. The Wolf & Cub brand proudly offers one-of-a-kind jewelry, local hand-screenprinted clothing, unique vintage finds and curiosities that stand out in a crowd. Their Jax-branded products are beautiful and can be purchased all across the nation on their website.
Eco Relics
This one-of-a-kind antique store is “committed to reducing waste, repurposing supplies, and providing reclaimed and discount building materials to our community.” They clean out buildings being renovated or torn down and resell the items in this huge store. Anything from antique doorknobs, reclaimed wood, bathtubs, furniture, you name it! They also have their own woodworking shop and use their products to create beautiful pieces. Even if you aren’t remodeling, it’s inspirational just to explore the store and consider all that is there!
Farmers Markets
- With over 200 vendors, the Jacksonville Farmers Market is the oldest, still operating outdoor farmers market in Florida. Since 1938, this historic market has offered fresh produce, handmade goods and local favorites like Jacksonville's famous Mayport shrimp. The Jacksonville Farmers Market is minutes away from Downtown.
- Murray Hill Farmers Market takes place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Here you will find locally grown items such as microgreens, fresh mushrooms and honey. As a bonus, this market is in the backyard of Fishweir Brewing so you can enjoy a local brew while shopping around.
- In the Springfield neighborhood, stop into the brick-and-mortar Farmery Bakery & Bodega for produce from Green Legacy Farm, freshly baked goods and more.
- Congaree and Penn on the Northside of Jacksonville is not only an expansive farm but also a restaurant where the community can enjoy a farm-to-table experience like no other. Make sure to take a farm tour and sip on their signature Farm Cider while you visit.
- Every Saturday from 10 am-2 pm you can shop for local produce from White Harvest Farms. They also offer workshops throughout the year where you can learn a variety of topics relating to sustainable agriculture.
- Vendors at Beaches Green Market focus on sustainable products and consumer education. Look for organic coffee, fresh flowers, desserts, green crafts, natural pet treats, native plants, local beef, and in-season produce.
#OnlyInJax Marketplace
Jacksonville has thousands of incredible artists, makers and designers. It would be nearly impossible to list them all but the #OnlyInJax Marketplace is a great resource to help you find local products. Find anything from candles and jewelry to cocktail kits and spices. We can assure you everything is made with love and passion. Browse the online marketplace here.
If you know of a Jacksonville Maker who should be on this list, please email marketing@visitjacksonville.com.