Those familiar with everything from the white sands of Siesta to the shark teeth in Venice know we have many treasures waiting to be discovered in Sarasota. Among them are the antiques and collectibles at a variety of quaint shops, many of which are in a few-block radius stretching from Fruitville Road to Pineapple Avenue.
Whether you’re an avid collector or just looking for an edgy vintage piece, you’re bound to find something irresistible during your stroll through the antique stores in downtown Sarasota.
Kick off your very own antique walk at Steve’s Shadow Box and Antique Mall, where you’ll find a garden-like entrance at the back of the store, along with shabby chic outdoor antiques. Once inside, you’ll find high-end furniture and basic collectibles, as well as everything in between. While perusing the Shadow Box, check out Bakelite jewelry, an impressive array of vintage kitchenware, an extensive record collection and even funky clothes.
The owner, Steve Willman, has been there for 18 years. He started out in hotel management, which moved him to Sarasota 23 years ago. When the hotel went under, he had the option to relocate, but opted to stay in sunny Sarasota, where he fulfilled his dream of opening an antiques store.
Willman had a love for antiques since he was 10 years old, when he first began refinishing furniture. Some of his refinished pieces are even available in his store—he brought some wood pieces from blonde to dark and back to blonde and they still look flawless. Like those items, everything in his store is in excellent condition.
Originally, he went on house calls and to auctions to find the gems inside the Shadow Box, but, he says, “A lot of it finds me now.”
Visitors from all over the world stop by the store. Just within the past few weeks, Willman’s store attracted visitors from Germany and Sweden. He says the people that come in make the experience that much more fun.
You, too, should swing by. Steve’s Shadow Box is located at 1522 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota.
On the same block, you’ll find Picasso’s Moon and Sander’s Antiques (1542 Fruitville Rd.), which have a decidedly more old-fashioned vibe. Picasso’s Moon has a variety of colorful and intricate hand-knit scarves, sweaters and hats while Sander’s Antiques has silver, wood furniture and nautical pieces.
Just another block down is Twice’s Nice (1480 Fruitville Rd.), where you can peruse a collection of antique chairs and sofas, as well as oriental rugs and dressing screens.
Sharalyn’s Faded Rose (1472 Fruitville Rd.) is a few steps away. It is aptly named, with its pink interior and floral décor. Sharalyn’s has a large selection of china dishes, jewelry, sterling silverware and even an antique wooden bird cage. Pop into American Pie right next door for their quilts and kitchen goods.
Walk down to Pineapple Avenue next to browse through the retro furniture and mod pieces in Jack Vinales’ 20th Century Classics (539 South Pineapple Ave.). Most of his pieces are from the 1940s-1970s, though the charming spot has a ‘60s vibe. The store specializes in mid-century modern interiors, as well as Bakelite and American and European art pottery.
Burke and Co. (527 South Pineapple Ave.) is also along Pineapple, in the spot that formerly housed Creative Collections. You may feel like you’re entering a parlor in Versailles when you’re greeted by elaborate hanging chandeliers, statues and large antique furniture. There is even an antique harp for sale.
Before you leave downtown, visit Sarasota Architectural Salvage (1093 Central Ave.), the site of a recent episode of “Dirty Jobs”, a popular Discovery Channel show. You’ll find artifacts, furniture, and pieces of art within their walls. You can even take home a real piece of Sarasota, like the flooring from the Sarasota High School gymnasium or the wood from the John Ringling Towers.
Along with the Fruitville stores, other Sarasota Area Antiques stores include Marilyn’s (1269 1st St.), Rusty Spur (3817 S. Tuttle Ave.), Raymond’s (5624 Swift Rd.) and the Sarasota Antique Mall (710 N. Lemon Ave.)
Other Pineapple Avenue stores include Blue Moon Antiques (134 South Pineapple Ave.), Thomas Vernon Brown Arts and Antiques (538 South Pineapple Ave.) and the Sarasota Trading Co. (522 South Pineapple Ave).
Head on down to South County to explore the antique shops in Venice. Along Miami Avenue, you’ll find Buttercup Cottage (227 Miami Ave. W), which boasts an impressive collection of colored glass and accessories—everything from estate jewelry to Bakelite. In addition to antiques, The Green Butterfly (211 Miami Ave. W.) has furniture, crystal and china. Lucia’s Antiques (223 Miami Ave. W) and Just About Antiques (225 Miami Ave. W.) are other stops to make along the way.
If you’re in the market for a high-end collectible, Elder’s Antiques (901 S. Tamiami Trl., Nokomis) is your source for Asian, American, and European antique pieces. Shopping is by appointment only.
Wrap up your antique hunt in Englewood at the antique shops along Dearborn Street. At Antiques on Dearborn (447 W. Dearborn St.), browse through furniture, fine jewelry, and collectibles, as well as vintage toys and coins. Antiques on Dearborn include Jett Thompson Antiques and Lion’s Paw Antiques.
Some other Dearborn Street haunts include Yesterday’s Treasures (405 W. Dearborn St.) and Blue Pineapple (445 W. Dearborn St.).
From north to south, Sarasota County is filled with unlimited possibilities to uncover everything from antique gems to vintage duds to jazz up both your wardrobe and your home. Happy hunting!
