There are numerous locations to shop in the surrounding areas – here are just a few:

Bradenton Area:

Ellenton Prime Outlets

5461 Factory Shops Blvd, Ellenton.  Approximately 10 minutes drive north on I75 from the villa, Ellenton Outlets feature over 100 shops from Tommy Hilfiger to Donna Karen and Reebok to Gap.

DeSoto Square Mall

DeSoto Square makes shopping easy and convenient. Favourite department stores Burdines, Dillard's, JCPenney, and Sears, anchor DeSoto Square. The mall also offers more than 100 specialty stores, ensuring a successful shopping trip!

Sarasota

Sarasota is known as Florida's Cultural Coast and is home to a professional symphony, ballet and opera. In addition, more than 10 theatres and 30 art galleries are located in Sarasota. Main Street in downtown Sarasota boasts dozens of shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

St Armands Circle

St. Armands Key - an island shopping centre removed from the bustle of the mainland by two bridges over magnificent Sarasota Bay. Unique in concept, history, and beauty, St. Armands provides an unforgettable experience for visitors from all over the world.   Set amidst a tropical paradise, St. Armands is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. Renowned as a market place with a continental flavour, it is a charming and graceful synthesis of past and present. Lush tropical plantings, courtyards and patios, antique statuary and contemporary architectural design skilfully contribute to an international atmosphere of friendly warmth, enduring elegance, and timeless style. Relax in the restaurants, explore the shops - from trinkets to treasures, gourmet snacks to candlelight feasts, you'll find it all on St. Armands Circle.

Today, more than 130 stores on St. Armands Circle pamper customers from all areas of the United States and many foreign countries, but in the early 1900's, the key was just a mangrove island too far from the small fishing village of Sarasota to attract much attention.

St Petersburg & Clearwater

St Pete’s and Clearwater have a host of different shopping experiences to choose from.  Here is a small selection:

BayWalk

151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg.  Dotted with palm trees and lush planting beds, this open-air complex is one of the city's more prestigious shopping venues. Its Mediterranean-styled architecture offers a pleasing environment for browsing, and whether you want to sit down for a meal, catch a movie, or indulge in a drink along the way, you'll find plenty of options.

Countryside Mall

27001 US 19 North, at SR 580, Clearwater.  With more than a million square feet of space, Countryside certainly doesn't lack for shopping distractions. Anchor stores include Dillard's, Sears, Burdines, and JCPenney, and there's also a movie theatre and indoor ice-skating rink on the premises. Restaurants and a food court provide sustenance during busy shopping sprees, and approximately 170 individual shops tempt visitors with jewellery, shoes, cosmetics, and the like.

John's Pass Village and Boardwalk

12901 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach.  Designed to look like a rustic fishing village, this waterfront complex offers dozens of shops, most of which are connected by an 1100-foot-long boardwalk. Along the stretch of businesses, you'll find souvenir shops, restaurants, specialty boutiques, and even a few nightclubs. In the area, you can also schedule boat tours, rent water craft, and plan fishing expeditions. Plus, the beach isn't too far away either, allowing you to choose among a variety of leisure-time pleasures.

The Pier

East end of 2nd Ave NE, downtown St. Petersburg waterfront.  Jutting out into Tampa Bay, this stretch of real estate is distinguished by an inverted glass pyramid. It's a local landmark and site of some of the areas most intriguing dining, shopping, and attractions. The five-story complex boasts an observation deck up-top, and there's also an aquarium, a children's museum (Great Explorations), and opportunity for fishing, cruises, miniature golf, and the like. A perfect, centralized location when the family has tired of the beach.

Tyrone Square Mall

6901 22nd Ave North, St. Petersburg.  On what was once airport land, this prestigious mall plays host to more than 170 shops and stores. JCPenney, Burdines, Sears, and Dillard's number among the anchors; joining them are a range of specialty venues, including Gap, The Disney Store, and Borders Books and Music. You'll also find restaurants and a food court for both sit-down and quick dining. Even better, the beach is not too far away, so you don't have to sacrifice driving time when you visit!

Last updated:   January 31, 2012 21:51