Trying to avoid the crowded malls? Looking for a different kind of shopping experience? There are plenty of unique shopping opportunities spread throughout the Tampa Bay area that offer something slightly different than the routine mall visit.
Hillsborough County
- Location: Hyde Park Village is located at Swann and Dakota avenues in Tampa.
Old Hyde Park Village offers a little bit of everything, from children's fashions and footwear to galleries and gift stores. Shop high-end electronics retailer Bang and Olufsen for that perfect gadget or try Downtown Dogs for classy pooch accessories. Dining selections include the culinary genius of Restaurant BT, serving French-Vietnamese and Asian cuisine as well as the Timpano Italian Chophouse and Nature's Table Cafe.
- Address: 615 Channelside Drive, Suite 117, Tampa, FL 33602
As much an entertainment complex as a shopping destination, Channelside is home to Channelside Cinema and IMAX, Banana Joe's, Hook Rum Club and the country pop saloon Sling Shots. There's a winery, a chocolatier and a cigar store. Bowl or play pool at Splitsville, then enjoy a meal at Gallagher's, Tina Tapa's or Thai Thani.
Manatee County
- Address: 5461 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton, FL 34222
West Florida's largest outlet center, Prime Outlets at Ellenton boasts more than 130 factory direct stores offering great prices. Stores such as Coach Factory, Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap Outlet and Zales Fine Jewelry Outlet offer excellent discounts. There's even a food court brimming with choices for shoppers who work up an appetite hunting for bargains.
Pinellas County
- Location: On Second Avenue North, between Second and Third streets in downtown St. Petersburg.
A shopping, dining and entertainment destination in downtown St Petersburg, BayWalk is home to a variety of trendy shops and pleasing restaurants. Anchored by the 20-screen Muvico movie theater complex, BayWalk often hosts live entertainment and special events. Shoppers can browse artistic creations at Shapiro's Gallery, check out innovative home furnishings at Being or try on the latest fashions at Ann Taylor or Hurricane Pass Outfitters. Dining options include Johnny Rockets, TooJay's and Gratzzi's Ristorante.
- Address: 150 Boardwalk Place East, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
John's Pass Village may appear to be geared more toward tourists, but locals find the shops and restaurants just as appealing. Located on the pass between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island, this turn-of-the-century fishing village turned shopping district boasts more than 100 merchants. The village has a variety of restaurants and unique retail stores as well as boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing. Better yet, the beach is practically across the street.
Sarasota County
- Location: On St. Armands Key, across the Ringling Causeway from Sarasota, on John Ringling Boulevard and the Boulevard of Presidents.
St. Armand's Circle, an island shopping center situated in the midst of a tropical paradise, is home to more than 130 businesses with a decidedly European flavor. Envisioned and designed by circus magnate John Ringling, the shopping circle features palm lined medians, a park-like setting, tropical plantings and Italian statuary. Businesses include galleries, such as Krystal Korner and Wyland Galleries; fashion shops, such as Chico's and Foxy Lady West; jewelers, such as Tilden Ross and Queens' Wreath Jewels; and specialty stores like Fantasea Seashells and Bennington Tobacconist. Restaurants include Cafe L'Europe, Columbia Restaurant, Crab and Fin, Hemingway's Restaurant and Bar and Lynches Pub and Grub.
