Shopping in Fruit Cove

Scrapbooks are commemorative collages that chronicle some of life's best memories, and Pictures In Time creates its own full PIT-kits with everything you need to display special events like birthdays ($9.99–$14.99), family vacations ($9.99–$12.99), sporting events ($9.99), and Grandma's wicked fastball. Each kit contains acid- and lignin-free supplies to ensure long-lasting photo health. Handy instructions are accompanied by a full-color photo of a finished layout to help you build your page. If your concept of scrapbooking is similar to a third grader intuitively doing quantum mechanics, just ask one of the friendly and knowledgeable staff members to help you navigate through the abundance of crafting inventory. Peruse the aisles of single products to create a custom-made scrapbook with in-store treasures.

Spokes have populated the space around 1630 West University Avenue for 65 years, turning stoically as numerous bike shops have come and gone. The spot’s newest cycling incarnation, Chain Reaction Bike Shop, owes its staying power to owner Raleigh Faust and his staff of experts who cater to collegiate commuters, recreational cyclists, and serious athletes alike. Inside the unvarnished wooden storefront, rows of rides from Scott, Jamis Bicycles, and Surly await ownership. Every bike purchased at the shop comes with a lifetime of free service adjustments, making owning a bike as hassle-free as combing a hairless cat. Technicians see to these new rides, taking more than a dozen measurements for individualized fittingsand performing maintenance services that range from spot repairs to comprehensive tune-ups.

The specialists at Mr. Frame It take pride in preserving and enhancing memories in all of their physical embodiments—from artworks and photographs to prized sports souvenirs. They draw on more than 1,000 samples from brands such as Larson-Juhl to create custom frames that either serve as focal points or blend in with room decor. In addition to encasing children’s artwork and family portraits, the staff stretches canvases, mounts mirrors, and builds shadow boxes to house awards and first-edition time-share brochures.

Armed with more than 20 years of framing experience and a lifelong passion for preserving artistic works, Héctor Puig personally helps customers select the perfect display methods for their pieces. Together, they sift through the gallery's selection, which includes wooden and metal frames with matte black, cherry, and antique gold finishes, to name a few. In addition to aesthetically completing a picture or a diploma's presentation, these frames, along with other materials, come in archival varieties for customers who value conservation above all else.

For inspiration, visitors can peruse the gallery's eclectic displays of paintings and sculptures by regional, national, and intergalactic artists. Héctor explained his motivation for continually seeking out these works to the Gainesville Sun in 2005, saying, "I want people to feel like they can come in and see what real art is about, as opposed to feeling like it's something they can't understand." Among these works are pieces from Héctor's personal collection of hand-carved santos de palo figures, which come from his native Puerto Rico and occasionally appear in domestic and international museums, according to Gainesville Magazine in 2006.

Bicycle Clinic’s owner has been selling bikes by Vilano, 3G, Green Line, and Benotto, and servicing two-wheelers of all makes and models, for more than two decades. Complete tune-ups include inspection of all components, lubrication, brake and gear adjustment, cable and housing inspection, and wheel truing, which teaches wheels to center themselves until they experience the peace necessary to destroy enemy wheels. Riders who are within 20 miles of the shop can have a mobile mechanic pick up their pre-tuned cycles free of charge and take them back to the full-service repair station. Bicycle Clinic's cycle gurus also cosmetically spiff up vintage and new bikes with custom restoration and frame-painting services that restore rusty cruisers to their former banana-seat glory or emblazon flames upon stems and top tubes. Steed-less riders can still enjoy a leisurely ride down Jacksonville's quiet streets and drag-racing strips with rentals of new 3G beach cruisers, regularly rotated to keep stock fresh.