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Shopping Gems of the Sunshine State


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By Jeanette Scott
Published November 22, 2011
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Naples' Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South offer a scenic place to stroll, plus unique shops and some of your favorite brands.

Photo Credit: Jeanette Scott

Downtown Winter Park.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Luxury shopping and public art on Worth Avenue in West Palm Beach

Photo Credit: Terry Ward

Boutiques and sidewalk cafes line Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, a charming riverfront thoroughfare.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

St. Armands Circle in Sarasota

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Shopping is only one of the options in Historic Cocoa Village, which dates back to the 1860s.

Photo Credit: Florida?s Space Coast Office of Tourism

Palafox Street in Pensacola

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Florida is a shopper's paradise, but you don’t have to fight the crowds to find deals, steals and one-of-a-kind buys. Here's a look at some hidden favorites.

Imagine strolling along a tree-lined street on a gorgeous, sunny day. You are surrounded by clothing boutiques, jewelry stores and gift shops that are totally new to you and full of unique finds. Sound exciting and yet relaxing?

Florida may be a shopper’s paradise, but battling the crowds at a multi-level mall complex is not always a fun experience. Fortunately, the Sunshine State has several off-the-beaten-path shopping areas that offer unique stores and a charming atmosphere. Take an afternoon to soak up a little slice of Old Florida and hunt for treasures at these eight shopping districts across the state.

Park Avenue, Orlando

Tucked away from all the busy, touristy activities in nearby Orlando is beautiful Park Avenue in Winter Park. This tranquil tree-lined street is packed with local clothing boutiques like Tuni and Violet Clover, full of hip finds for the entire family.

Worth Avenue, Palm Beach

Worth Avenue is often referred to as the “Rodeo Drive” of Florida and it’s not hard to see why. Full of upscale jewelry and clothing stores like Neiman Marcus and Tiffany & Co., this quiet, yet ritzy, street is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the lap of luxury.

Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

Situated along the causeway in Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas provides views of the lavish houses and grand boats on the sparkling water. Featuring more than 20 galleries and craft stores such as Saba Gallery, it’s also the perfect shopping experience for the art lover.

Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach

Downtown Delray Beach is a shopping area that truly has something for everyone. It features clothing boutiques like Style and Wine, bookstores including the cleverly named Murder on the Beach, gift shops like Theo’s Gifts, and when the sun goes down, a bustling nightlife scene.

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota

Soaking up the sun on Lido Key? Hop on over to St. Armands Circle, a shopping experience with a unique twist. The area is known for its historical ties to John Ringling, so be sure to check out the Circus Ring of Fame, featuring a brief summary of each circus performer, along with local boutiques such as co-ed clothing store Island Pursuit.

Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, Naples

Double your shopping fun with these streets in Naples located less than a mile apart. Both areas provide a scenic place to shop for local goodies as well as some of your favorite brands like Tommy Bahama. Be sure to stop by Silver Eagle for Native American jewelry and Marissa Collections for women’s clothing.

Cocoa Village, Cocoa

Cocoa Village not only has great shopping, but a wonderful regional theater – the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse – whose performances, some say, rival Broadway. Its Riverfront Park also holds events throughout the year. Don’t miss Miss Bailey's Curiosity Shoppe, full of carefully curated estate jewelry and furniture.

Historic District, Pensacola

Among the multitude of historic sites in this classic Florida vacation spot, downtown Pensacola features several gift shops and boutiques situated along Palafox Place. You also won’t want to miss J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company just a short drive away, known for their tasty Southern pecans and sweets.

If You Go

Whether you’re looking for a touch of glamour or some quirky, Old Florida flair, these shopping districts will leave you with a memorable experience – and some special souvenirs to bring home. Make sure to stop by these favorite gems in each shopping district:

Tuni
301 South Park Avenue
Winter Park

Tiffany & Co.
259 Worth Avenue
Palm Beach

Saba Gallery
1015 E Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale

Theo's Gifts
111 E Atlantic Ave
Delray Beach

J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company
2400 West Fairfield Drive
Pensacola

Miss Bailey’s Curiosity Shoppe
404-D Brevard Ave.
Cocoa

Silver Eagle
651 Fifth Ave. S.,
Naples

Island Pursuit
357 St. Armands Circle
Sarasota

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Map Listings

Longboat Key - Lido Key - St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce

J.W. Renfroe Pecan Co.

St. Armands Circle

Historic Cocoa Village

Visit Orlando

Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau

Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau

Marissa Collections

Historic Walking Tours of Wonderful Worth Avenue

Worth Avenue Association (Merchants Association)




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