| John’s Pass in Madeira Beach is a quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village that’s now home to over one hundred merchants ranged over the Village and Boardwalk areas. With a variety of restaurants and a marina that’s the launching point for pirate ship cruises, parasailing, casino cruises, boat and jet ski rentals, John’s Pass is the perfect day out when in Pinellas County.
The Boardwalk is filled with charm and retail shops like Caribongo, where everything in store changes color in the sun. The Treasure House boutique offers upscale yet casual ladies clothing and The Shipwreck Store sells coins and items from authentic wrecks, including the SS Republic, as well as note cards embellished with 3D sea creatures, pirate toys and T-shirts, including my favorite, “Women Who Behave Rarely Make History.” There’s Gray Jewelers and Sinbad’s, where nautical themed gifts include kitschy painted coconut heads, lamps and home accessories. Kilwin’s, the famed chocolate and ice cream shop, has a location here, too. At Pirates of the Pass Old Time Photos you and your friends can don historic costume - Old West, Pirate, Victorian or Civil War - and have a professional portrait taken as a souvenir of your visit.
There are sandwich shops and sit-down restaurants including the Friendly Fisherman and the casual Hut, located downstairs with a fountain and Tiki God waiting to greet visitors. I lunched at an outdoor table at Sculley’s and received the added bonus of being able to watch the dolphins play in the channel while I ate. Dolphins are regularly seen here and come right up in between the boats in the marina searching for food. Have your camera handy, because you’re sure to see them while you’re here.
On Village Boulevard
Half a block away from the Boardwalk is Village Boulevard, which is simply lined with one store after another selling interesting items. Two stories of shops line the street, which has a casual, Old Florida feel to it. My favorite of all was Bronze Lady Home Furnishings, which carries unique trinket boxes in whimsical shapes such as sea horses, lighthouses and various shells. There are also gorgeous, nautically themed Christmas ornaments, Swarovski crystal, colorful and quirky Franz Jewelry and other upscale gift items. The Mystic Cottage offers tarot readings and you can find ear spirals at the Wrap Vine. Anastasia’s Boutique carries eclectic ladies clothing and Cool Style has designer sunglasses. There’s the Global Candle Gallery, Grandma & Grandpa’s Puppets and The Merry Mouse and Forever Florida, where you’ll find tons of Florida merchandise and souvenirs. Things, Etc. has shells, gifts and jewelry and Angel Haven is the place for angel themed gifts and collectibles. Don’t forget to stop in at John’s Pass Winery, where they carry an amazing variety of Florida wines. If you get hungry, try a slice from Delosa’s Authentic New York Pizza or a real Nathan’s hot dog.
John’s Pass is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon and there’s enough on hand here to keep both adults and children entertained. The entire area has a “real” Florida ambience that makes you want to move at a much slower pace - shop, stroll, eat and relax! |
