Springfield Historic District

Established in 1869, and located adjacent to the north of Downtown Jacksonville, Springfield is the oldest neighborhood in Jacksonville and offers a variety of experiences for visitors and residents alike! This historic neighborhood is filled with restored mansions (and bungalows), hip restaurants, locally owned shops, some of the city's oldest parks, craft breweries and tons of southern charm with majestic oaks providing protective shade and a beautiful visual along its residential streets.

Retail Stores in Springfield Jacksonville: Where to Shop in Springfield

Springfield has seen a steady influx of small retail shops popping up over the last few years. For quirky, colorful women’s clothing in the style of the 40s and 50s, check out Best Dressed Dame on Main Street. The Classic Maven caters to full-figured women with a variety of styles. Ysyntricity is a women’s apparel boutique featuring the latest in trendy fashions from sizes slim to curvy. Simply Ke’say Boutique specializes in the latest fashions for elegant, classy, and sophisticated women. If skateboarding is more your speed, head to The Block Skate Supply which boasts the coolest footwear, apparel, and hardgoods from both local and global brands. Located a few doors down, Bobby K Boutique carries a variety of basics for both men and women including button-up shirts, cotton dresses and graphic tees, with some home decor and gift items sprinkled in. Looking for a special treat for your furry friend? Bark on Park offers all sorts of goodies including dog collars, chew toys, pet carriers, and grooming products. They also provide grooming, boarding, and training services! For all your natural and organic apothecary need, Auntie Peaches will delight your senses with a wide variety of herbs and spices, coffee and tea, candles and essential oils, as well as bath products and home goods. Sweet Christi's offers fantastic bath and body products in the shapes of some of your favorite sweets. Owner Christianna Alexander is only 13 years old, making her the youngest of Springfield's entrepreneurs! 8103 Clothing, a lifestyle brand from Jax Beach recently moved his shop to Historic Springfield’s Main Street. You’ll find limited edition hand screen print tees, hoodies, hats, and accessories all while he promotes his mission of "Community over Competition.” The Sweet Spot and Urban Lounge on East 8th Street will be your new favorite place to purchase jams, jellies and other “sweet treats”.

Places to Visit in Springfield:

The Karpeles Manuscript Library - Located on the corner of First and Laura streets sits the grand Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. This beloved library museum opened in 1992, and is one of ten Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums in the United States, which were founded by David and Marsha Karpeles in an effort to bolster an interest in learning. The impressive collection of original manuscripts and documents covers an array of subjects including science, religion, music, art, history, and literature. Also on display are rotating art exhibits from both local and regional artists. New exhibits are launched every three to four months and all pieces are centered around a single theme. Admission to the Karpeles Manuscript Library is free to the public. The building can also be rented as an event space. With its striking stained glass windows and balcony seating, the museum is the perfect venue for weddings, theater performances, and even corporate events. All proceeds are used to maintain the upkeep of the historic building. The next time you’re strolling around Henry Klutho Park or driving through the lower Springfield area, pay a visit to Karpeles and check out the beauty and wonder within.

Things to do in Springfield:

Bicyclists, rejoice! According to WalkScore.com, Springfield is the most bikeable neighborhood in Jacksonville’s urban core. In 2018, Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) received a Neighbors Get Moving award from the City of Jacksonville, recognizing SPAR for it’s role in organizing and promoting wellness activities in the Springfield Historic District community. You’ll find bicycle repair stations in Henry J. Klutho Park (intersection of Pearl and 3rd St) and behind the SPAR building at 1321 N Main Street.

Visitors can enjoy a ride on the S-Line Urban Greenway, or easily ride to many of Jacksonville’s other attractions.

Henry J. Klutho Park is also home to the Springfield Disc Golf Course and Sculpture Walk Springfield.

Whether its to the Riverside Arts Market, Jacksonville Farmers Market, or the Stadium Area, Springfield continues to be one of the most connected and easily bike-able neighborhoods in the Urban Core. Want to experience it yourself? SPAR organizes bike socials throughout the year, free and open to all ages and skill levels. Check out their website for a list of dates and times. In the meantime, you can Explore the Core yourself using these suggested routes and activities.

Where to Eat & Drink in Springfield:

You’ll find a variety of fantastic and award winning dining options in Springfield, including 1748 Bakehouse, 1 Foxy Lady Café & Catering, Bleu Chocolat Café, Crispy’s Springfield Gallery, Fred Cotton’s Landmark BBQ, Hola Mexican Restaurant, Icecapade Frozen Treats, The Cookbook Restaurant, Uptown Kitchen & Bar, and Wafaa N Mike’s Café .

For delicious coffee, don’t miss Social Grounds Coffee Company. When you’re ready to switch to beer, don’t miss Springfield’s breweries: Hyperion Brewing Company, Main & Six Brewing Company, and Strings Sports Brewery. If you’re looking for a truly local experience, Shantytown Pub is Springfield’s favorite dive bars.

Annual Yearly Events in Springfield:

Springfield is home to some of Jacksonville’s favorite annual events!

Held each year in November, Jacksonville PorchFest is a music festival held on the welcoming front porches of Historic Springfield. This family-friendly, free event features musicians from a wide variety of genres and draws over 10,000 people to the neighborhood. PorchFest brings important attention to Springfield’s historic architecture and ongoing revitalization and highlights the breadth of musical talent in Jacksonville. Proceeds from the event are dedicated to SPAR’s arts programming and education fund.

There are two annual Home Tours in Springfield. The Spring Tour of Homes is held in May and is produced by SPAR. This tour has showcased the unique character of the community for over 40 years. Held in December, the Historic Springfield Holiday Tour of Homes is produced by Springfield Improvement Association and Archives (SIAA) and features beautiful historic homes that are decked out for the holidays.

Getting Here from Downtown:

Go north on Ocean Street, turn left onto E State Street/US-1 N then take the first right onto N Main Street/US-1 and that leads to the heart of Springfield.