Shoppers can fill their days exploring the island through its variety of shopping districts, offering everything from evening wear and jewelry, to sculptures and antiques. The city of Anna Maria offers one of the finest full-service marinas in the county, with several souvenir, jewelry, clothing, and antique shops. In Holmes Beach, coffee shops, galleries, and boutiques stretch across a seven-block section of town. In funky Bradenton Beach, the newly restored Bridge Street is home to many shops offering an unusual blend of arts and crafts. Die-hard fashionistas can venture to mainland Bradenton, where upscale malls and bargain-friendly flea markets await. Great shopping and dining is available on Lido Key's beautiful and luxurious St. Armand's Circle.
Red Barn Flea Market
1707 First Street East, Bradenton
(941) 747-3794
www.redbarnfleamarket.com
One of Florida's most popular markets, the Red Barn Flea Market boasts over 600 unique shops and flea market-style booths. Bargain hunters browse antiques, jewelry, produce, clothing, and many more items. The market offers free admission, free parking, and an assortment of food vendors.
Village of the Arts
(941) 747-8056
www.artistsguildofmanatee.org
Downtown Bradenton has been revitalized as a dynamic arts district. The avenues around Main Street are lined with art studios, galleries, and boutiques. Additional development for antique shops, cappuccino bars, outdoor cafes, and a trolley connecting The Village of the Arts District to the Riverwalk District are planned in the near future.
Prime Outlets
5461 Factory Shops Boulevard, Ellenton
(941) 723-1150
www.primeoutlets.com
The huge Prime Outlets shopping plaza in nearby Ellenton lures fashion addicts with the largest assortment of outlet stores in the area. Leave lots of space in your trunk, as you're sure to leave with bags of goodies from Polo Ralph Lauren, OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Coach, BCBG, Gap Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Kate Spade, Mikasa, Harry & David, Ann Taylor, and more!
St. Armand's Circle
300 Madison Drive, Sarasota
(941) 388-1554
www.starmandscircleassoc.com
The brainchild of circus magnate John Ringling, St. Armand's Circle resembles an elegant European market with Italian statuary, lush landscaping, and glittering outdoor lights in the evenings. Shoppers come from all over the world to browse the collection of over 130 upscale boutiques, unique galleries, and outdoor cafes.
Southgate Plaza
3501 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
(941) 955-0900
www.westfield.com/southgate/
For traditional mall shopping with an upscale twist, Southgate Plaza offers chic apparel stores and the home furnishing chains Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and Home Resource. For frocks and such, browse through Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Banana Republic, Chicos, Ann Taylor Loft, Dillard's, The Gap, and more!
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