8 Stores That Anyone Who Grew Up In Florida Will Undoubtedly Remember
By Marisa Roman|Published April 13, 2018
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
It’s time to take a trip down memory lane, Floridians! Perhaps you grew up in Florida and remember these places fondly, or maybe all you’ve heard of from relatives is how they miss shopping here. No matter the reason, here are a few of those famous stores that if you grew up in Florida, you’ll probably remember.
Woolworth was a department store from way back when that unfortunately no longer exists today. However, if you ever were looking for this unique five-and-dime deals, this was the place to be. The Coral Gables location as shown above, was a particularly popular place to be.
In case you didn’t know, Pensacola Hardware is one of the longest running businesses, not to mention oldest in the city of Pensacola. Founded in 1851, this was the place to go for most families who were looking for some home improvement items.
Publix is the queen of all grocery stores in Florida and has been for quite some time. In fact, the very first Publix store was opened in Winter Haven in 1930. Growing up with a Publix nearby was a tell-tale sign that you were from Florida, and still to this day it probably holds a special place in your heart.
Growing up, Festival Marketplace was the place to go with the whole family. The flea market was LOADED with unique treasures and collectibles, all at discounted prices. Many Floridians can recall spending a Saturday afternoon walking through this gigantic market, shuffling behind their parents, but keeping an eye out for toys and treats.
Some things never change. And for many of us, it means that Chuck E. Cheese was the place to be in the early 80s, all the way through to the late 90s in Florida. Sure the animatronics were a bit different back then, and perhaps the characters were more terrifying than entertaining, but heck, it was still a great way to pass the time.
When you were a kid in Florida you probably begged your parents to take you to Boomers every weekend. With an abundance of games, entertainment, options for excitement and competition, this was easily the place to be for many Floridians growing up.
The Oldest Store Museum is still a great place to visit, because it is a slice of history that has been preserved in St. Augustine. If you grew up in north Florida chances are a field trip might have taken you over to these parts a time or two. It’s a glimpse back in time, way back in time, at what life was like in the early 1900s.
Ahh, the memories. Before being demolished in 2013 and replaced by an outlet mall, Palm Beach Mall was a favorite spot for many. At the time, the mall was over 40 years old, and probably was a place you frequented if your family was looking for a way to spend the weekend.
Let’s keep this list going! Add some of your favorite stores in Florida that you frequented most often as a kid. Perhaps we can add those to a Part II 😉
