Whether you prefer to peruse one-of-a-kind boutiques or you thrive in a major mall setting, Sarasota's diverse shopping options are sure to satisfy. Here's just a glimpse of what's in store.

Think Fifth Avenue, Rodeo Drive and Bond Street. Surround them with restored Mediterranean homes, sprinkle them with palm trees, color in Sarasota's discriminating, fashion-savvy shoppers, and you've got downtown's historic Herald Square. Hot and hip, this shopping, dining and strolling district is south of Main Street and bordered by Pineapple Avenue, Orange Avenue and State Street. Pick up anything from retro fashions and '60s furniture to haute couture and fine art; then take in an independent or foreign film at Burns Court Cinema, the cornerstone of the neighborhood and home of the Sarasota Film Society.

Elegant statues, coconut palms, exclusive shops and fine restaurants line the boulevards of St. Armands Circle. This world-renowned, European-flavored area is perched at the entrance to Lido Key across Sarasota Bay, west of

Discover vintage items at Sarasota consignment shops Donna McLaughlin

downtown Sarasota. You can spend an entire day here exploring more than 150 upscale shops, boutiques, galleries and fine restaurants. Find fine fashions at shops with catchy names like Oh My Gauze!, Jamaican Me Crazy and Dream Weaver. Dine al fresco at Café L'Europe, where a Frank Sinatra sound-alike serenades on Wednesday evenings, or at Crab and Fin, where fresh seafood is accompanied by live piano music and plenty of people watching.

Old-fashioned lampposts line narrow Hillview Street and Osprey Avenue, draped with banners that read "Southside Village." Moms pushing strollers, friends sitting at an outdoor café, couples walking hand-in-hand, well-coifed pooches strutting alongside look-alike owners… there's no mistaking this neighborhood. It's a jumble of quaint cafés, specialty boutiques and upscale salons. At Morton's Market, the butchers, the bakers and the hot meals-to-go makers never cease to please the palate. Take a break at Bikesnjava, a gourmet coffee shop, full-service bike shop, and social gathering spot for the athletically inclined. For fashions worth repeating, visit Past Passions, a lovely little consignment shop in the area.

There are plenty more consignment shops throughout Sarasota. The Women's Exchange on Orange Avenue is one of the largest. It features quality merchandise including art and antiques, furniture, clothing, fine china, crystal, collectibles and household items.

Stroll the elegant 1920s Mediterranean Revival loggias and lush boulevards in the quaint city of Venice as you navigate its boutiques and gift shops. Venice shopping offers everything from tropical fashions to home décor.

Missing the malls? Sarasota boasts two... the luxurious Westfield Shoppingtown Southgate, at South Tamiami Trail and Bee Ridge Road, is home to upscale stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Burdines-Macy's and Dillard's, along with many specialty shops including Ann Taylor, Chico's, Banana Republic, The Gap, Talbot's, Mayors, Victoria's Secret, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Williams-Sonoma and many more. Relaxing, classical music fills the air as well-dressed, discerning shoppers buy the best in kitchen accoutrements, designer clothing and accessories and delightfully different home décor. No mall, luxury or not, would be complete without a food court. This one offers tantalizing treats, including Big Olaf's homemade ice cream and Cosimo's Pizza, arguably the best in town.

Westfield Sarasota, located at Tamiami Trail and Beneva Road, is a more traditional American shopping mall offering a wide variety of department stores and specialty shops. Find movie theatres, an extensive food court and popular stores such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Pacific Sunwear and Radio Shack, in addition to Burdines-Macy's, Dillard's, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, The Gap and Express. You'll find children's stores, electronics boutiques, bookstores, and well, everything you would expect from a major shopping mall.

Whatever you fancy, whatever you find, you'll discover that when it comes to shopping, Sarasota has it all.

The Big Picture
Historic Dearborn Street is in the heart of Olde Englewood Village on the shores of Lemon Bay in South Sarasota County. Find gifts and fine art, hand-painted furniture and antiques, casual clothing, vintage furnishings and great food. Other notable shopping areas include the Prime Outlets in Ellenton, University Center, Sarasota Pavilion, and Downtown Sarasota's historic Palm Avenue and Main Street.

Originally posted 5/13/04