Shopping at St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville

By Janet K. Keeler

There are many reasons to take a day for yourself, and one of them is pampering body and soul. St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville is a fine place to put you at the top of priority list.

That’s not to say you can’t bring along a buddy to enjoy a full day of indulgences. Maybe she needs manicure, you want an old-fashioned barber shop shave and you both crave deep-tissue massages. St. Johns can satisfy all those desires.

Located southeast of downtown Jacksonville, St. Johns is about 10 miles from the roaring Atlantic Ocean. The outdoor shopping plaza is home to 150 stores and restaurants, and gives off an upscale vibe thanks to designer giants like Michael Kors, Ann Taylor, BCBG-MAXAZRIA, Steve Madden, Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch.

But back to that pampering. The big question is where to start: head, shoulders, knees or toes?

Head to La Biotique Threading Spa if your eyebrows have become unruly (think Frida Kahlo or maybe even the late TV newsman Andy Rooney). The technicians at La Biotique have fast-moving hands and use a threading technique to turn those face caterpillars into sleek face frames.

Perhaps it would be wise to save the hair care for last, and start with an amazing massage or facial. After all, you have been kayaking on the St. Johns River, haven’t you?

To get your full-on relax on, book yourself into bluemercury for spa treatments and expert skin care advice. Among the products used at bluemercury is Kiehl’s, the skin care line that’s been around since, oh, only 1851. The no-frills label means trusted skin-care relief to customers across the country. The company got its start in New York City and has recently migrated to stores nationwide. 

Hand & Stone is a massage and facial spa specializing in tranquility. The only danger here is that you might drift into a deep sleep while a therapist works your deep tissue. Not to worry, they will send you on your way when it’s time, weak and happy though you might be. Natural Body Spa & Shoppe is yet another stop on the St. Johns Town Center massage trail.

For women, a make-up makeover is an indulgence that’s saved for special occasions like weddings or reunions. But when in sunny Florida and on vacation, why not celebrate with a trip to MAC, the store that can make you up in the most contemporary colors or soft-pedal your look with traditionally cool shades. MAC is another St. Johns store that was born in New York City and was once considered THE makeup supplier for fashion models. It’s here where you can go from everyday girl to glamazon.

If Sephora doesn’t have what you are looking for in the makeup department, then it likely doesn’t exist. You can spend an entire day alone checking out hundreds of fragrances. Complimentary makeovers are available for walk-ins. You can also get makeup guidance at Dillard’s and Nordstrom.

Perhaps you want to buy beauty products and take them back to your hotel or home to play with. You can do just that at the department store beauty counters, Bath & Body Works, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and Sally Beauty Supply.

Now, for those nails and maybe even some waxing. Get ready for Florida’s year-round sandal weather (or maybe even a marriage proposal) at Venetian Nail Spa or Polish: The Nail Bar.

Hopefully you stopped long enough in your it’s-all-about-me journey for a revitalizing veggie-fruit elixir at the Smoothie King. So even after that and a full-day of primping, you’ll be hungry for something tasty (and healthful) to eat. You will find that in the salads and grilled items at tossgreen or Zoe’s Kitchen, where the Mediterranean diet is fully featured and includes vegan choices.

And just like, the day is done. You are rebooted for the rest of your vacation.

When you go…

St. Johns Town Center
4663 River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246-7429
(904) 998-7156

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