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You Are Here: Home » Things to Do » Shopping » Off The Beaten Path »
By Ana Crespo
Vacation shoppers make no apologies, set no budget and believe that away from home they will find that one perfect object forever out of their reach. That one unique item that will ceaselessly carry them back to carefree vacation days – and inject their not-so-exciting lives “back home” with unparalleled chic and romance. Ahh, the vacation shopping spree.
This applies across the spectrum; whether you’re young or young at heart, family-focused or free to follow your own impulses. Check out St. Petersburg's most distinct shopping stops.
The Honeymooners
Creating the perfect love nest means looking for unique pieces of furniture and accessories that will help merge diverse styles back home.
Afternoon: First things first, outfitting the bedroom. The ladies at Good Night Moon take genuine pleasure furnishing the young couple with everything from lavishly comfortable bedding to luxurious his and her robes. Feeling suitably integrated the newlyweds head to Central Avenue for a host of distinctive furniture stores. At Dwelling Furniture fine contemporary pieces make compromise easy, whereas Retro World and Echo Antiques offer electric, one-of-a-kind furniture and accessories that let personalities shine through. At Urban Living a sensational teak dining room set is purchased and the transaction sealed with a kiss.
Evening: The Saturday Gallery Walk is an excellent opportunity to see, enjoy and purchase the region's finest art in addition to meeting gallery owners and artists. Our couple makes stops at Artists Gallery Royale, ArtSpace, Central Gallery, Studio Encanto where they agree on several pieces by Latin artists and W. Curtis Foundation Gallery where a major work by regional artist Leslie Neumann becomes the sentimental purchase of their honeymoon.
Young family, celebrating their 10-year anniversary
Morning: Walking to the Saturday Morning Market our young family enjoys breakfast alfresco, booth shopping and live music. On Beach Drive, Cherie’s offers customized St. Petersburg T-shirts and flip flops with rhinestone initials. Then its to Aveda Institute, where the family gets haircuts for $12 each, leaving just as the rain begins to fall.
No fear, indoor fun awaits at Great Explorations Children’s Museum store where Mom shops for the children’s birthday gifts selecting toys that are both fun and educational. Across the street at Reno Beach Surf Shop the kids satisfy their skateboarding fantasies with T-shirts, boards and trucks, while Mom and Dad browse an expansive bathing suit selection.
Afternoon: Mom takes the kids to Haslam’s Book Store where the kids learn how a book is made, as Mom picks up the latest blockbuster novels and a rare first edition as an anniversary gift for Dad. Heading back to the hotel, the group stops at Animal House to get a new leash and gourmet doggie treats for Daisy, who had to stay home.
Meanwhile Dad meets with Rose and Lornie Mueller owners of Lithos Jewelry where he hopes to find an unforgettable anniversary gift from the selection of high-end jewelry.
Bridal Party, Girls Weekend
Morning: For showers to rehearsal dinner and bachelorette revelry, the fashionable group heads to Ambria’s, St. Petersburg’s gallery of wearable art. Next at CC’s Boutique, the full service wedding salon pledges that selecting bridesmaid dresses can be a relaxing and pleasurable experience.
Meanwhile our chic bride does some solo shopping with a final fitting at Malindy Elene, A Bridal Salon for serious coddling and a one of a kind dress. At the Schakolad Chocolate Factory the chocolate is made on site so our bride can create personalized and decadent thank you gifts. Traveling on to Fourth Street Cigars she has a chance to indulge her grooms panache for cigars and purchase accessories fit for a connoisseur.
Pick Me Up: Reuniting at Lola Jane's Beauty Lounge customized make up lessons guarantee a beautiful wedding party. A visit to the urban oasis Tranquility Spa, provides spa packages in step with every preference and need, keeping shopping stress free.
Afternoon: With wedding duties over the ladies hit the clothing boutiques along Fourth Street: The Shop, for discounted staples, If and Only If for hip labels, Body & Sole for a shoe fix and Marion’s for exclusive Brighton products.
Empty Nesters
Morning: After an invigorating tennis lesson, the couple takes in the exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts making a stop at the museum store for gorgeously illustrated art books. Inspired, they spend the morning looking for art of their own, first at Glass Canvas Gallery, one of the region’s largest one-of-a-kind glass studio, before heading up Central Avenue to Florida Craftsmen Gallery and The Arts Center, awaking a enthusiasm for regional collecting. At St. Petersburg Clay Company and Salt Creek Artworks artist studio visits are possible and making an original art purchases is a chance to learn more about the artists and themselves.
Afternoon: Realizing that their newly purchased art will fit more contentedly in an updated decor, they stop in at Fanitsa’s, the home furnishing and accessories store on Beach Drive where Fanitsa Meehan sells more that home accents. Her interior design services enable her clients to transform their lives through their dwelling, just the ticket for this evolving couple. An afternoon on Beach Drive is not complete without experiencing Bruce Watters Jewelers a downtown establishment for 75 years.
Walking across the park into Demens Landing the carefree couple slips into Marina Point Ships Store so he can learn more about the local boating and fishing culture while she buys them both Sperry Top-Siders, footwear for everyone who loves the water.
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