Vacationing in a tropical paradise includes shopping along the beaches

When you need a break from the beautiful white sandy beaches, sparkling Gulf waters and picture-perfect year round weather, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel offers unique shopping opportunities to visitors from all over the world. For shopaholics in need of some retail therapy there are upscale malls with designer labels, elegant boutiques and outlet centers with mega savings.

Antique shops, flea markets, sea shell shops, and jewelry stores inspired from the beauty of our beaches make this destination fascinating. Family owned boutiques present a unique style of clothing and accessories. An international design center offers top name showrooms to inspire new home decorating ideas. There’s a shop that fits every visitors needs.

 

Create your shopping list with treasures found only in Fort Myers!

Come view the fine treasures of Gannon’s Antiques. With over 100 vendors and 20,000 sq. ft. of mall space you are sure to find your own piece of treasure here. They have a wide variety of vintage watches, scientific instruments, colorful art glass, porcelain dolls, Native American pottery, and Chinese jade. There’s many more collectables just see for yourself. http://www.gannonsantiques.com/

Flea masters Flea market is a shoppers dream. With over 900 unique stores and 20 food stands makes for a one-of- a-kind shopping spree. http://www.fleamall.com

Flip over flip flops at Congress Jewelers on Sanibel Island. Family owned on Sanibel since 1983, the jeweler created the original Sanibel Sandal. www.congressjewelers.com.

Make unique purchases at museum gift shops such as the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island where visitors purchase Sailor's Valentine kits to make these coveted treasures at home (www.shellmuseum.com). Located in the tranquil North Fort Myers, the Shell Factory has the largest collection of sea shells in the world.

You’ll certainly find uniqueness in the variety of choices. www.shellfactory.com. For shell lovers, the Shell Factory is the ultimate shopping outlet. Its 189 acres of shopping and exhibits boast more than 5,000,000 seashells and shell novelties. In addition to shells, ambling explorations yield shell jewelry, coral, shark teeth, tropical clothing, glass blowing, African art, arcade games, miniature golf, bumper boats, wildlife exhibits with big cats and alligators, and a full-service restaurant.

Visit the original Chico's on Sanibel Island and see where the well-know women's clothing line began in 1983. www.chicos.com

Get inspired at the new Miromar Design Center in Estero, where you will find amazing furniture, accessories, fabrics, wall coverings, lighting, kitchen and bath products, flooring, antiques and more...all under one roof. Open to the public, the IDC offers "designers on call" to assist with tours of the showrooms and to make purchases in a consumer-friendly environment that welcomes shoppers into the exciting world of design. Amenities include valet parking, a café and designer lounge. www.idcfl.com.

 

Add to your shopping excursion!

Here are just a few fun and inspiring shopping opportunities in Fort Myers.

 

Sanibel and Captiva

On Sanibel and Captiva islands, find charming boutiques and village-style centers with meandering walkways, many that observe the flavorful history of the islands.

Spend an afternoon at Sanibel Island Bookstop (known as "a great place to be stranded) and pick up a copy of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's "A Gift From the Sea," her best-selling 1955 book, inspired by her many visits to Captiva Island.

Looking for the latest puppy trends? Visit Lucky Dog on Sanibel Island.

Spend a leisurely afternoon at beautiful Periwinkle Place on Sanibel Island. A cluster of intimate shops set in a park-like atmosphere with covered walkways shaded by banyan trees offers original art and fashions that reflect southwest Florida. The lush landscaping and gardens offer soothing solace while shopping for whimsical gifts, art, tropical fashions, jewelry and home décor. Need a break? Check into the day spa or take time out for some ice cream. (www.periwinkleplace.com).

Shop for bargains at the outlets! On the way to Sanibel Island or Fort Myers Beach: Tanger Outlets with 45 brand name stores (www.tangeroutlet.com).

Take a stroll down Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva Island. Check out the General Store for essentials and the latest island news. Then, drop by some of the art galleries and shops as you head toward the beach and Gulf of Mexico. Jungle Drums (www.jungledrumsgallery.com) and the Seaweed Gallery are not to be missed!

 

Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is a popular area that beams with activity and endless creative shops within view of the beach.

Search for nautical antiques, home décor and custom-built Adirondack chairs Salty Dog Gallery and Gifts, Fort Myers Beach. http://www.saltydoggallery.com/

No shoes required! Like its larger New York City counterpart, Times Square on Fort Myers Beach is non-stop with activity. This highly-traveled pedestrian hub and shopping area finds both bare feet and high heels acceptable. It's a casual town where shops and open-air restaurants scatter along a tree-lined walkway. A great place to go for beach treasures: souvenirs, beach casual styles and decor.

 

Fort Myers

Fort Myers is known for its colorful local venues, including a dinner theatre, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Downtown Fort Myers, the city's entertainment district, surrounds shoppers with charming historic architecture, where each corner brings a fresh surprise. Newly renovated shops and buildings feature a professional theatre, contemporary music and jazz clubs, bistros, coffee shops, cigar and martini bars, art galleries, bookshops, clothing and jewelry boutiques, antiques, sidewalk cafes and fine continental cuisine.

In need of a tux in a hurry? Men’s Wearhouse is ready to suit you up for your next event. www.menswearhouse.com

In the market for a new boat? Test one out on the adjacent 22-acre lake at the new Bass Pro Shops. Don't forget to enjoy the 12,000-gallon saltwater and 19,000-gallon freshwater aquariums inside. (www.basspro.com).

 

Cape Coral

Cape Coral's roads and side streets are filled with delightful choices for shopping. Furniture and jewelry stores offer original pieces, and specialty boutiques house everything from handmade candles to art galleries.

Razzle Dazzel is the best kept fashion secret in Cape Coral. This small boutique is infused with color and shines up your closet. http://theboutiqueshop.net/

For the creative minds check out Lornes Gallery located at Tarpon Point Marina. Enjoy the beauty of the water while shopping for your next painting. http://www.allartimages.com/

 

Pine Island and Matlacha

On Pine Island unique stores and art galleries offer one-of-a-kind gifts.

Visit Koucky Gallery & Gardens on Pine Island. Tour the pottery studio and browse for eclectic art and designer gifts (www.kouckygallery.com).

Park the car and browse the many colorful shops and galleries in the charming old-time Florida community of Matlacha.

Once a thriving fishing village, it is home to many artists, galleries and restaurants (www.pineislandchamber.org).

Wish you were here! Drop by Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens in Matlacha and send a coconut greeting for any occasion via the post office. www.leomalovegrove.com.

 

Estero and Bonita Springs

In Bonita Springs, upscale shopping at The Promenade includes a dining palazzo, outdoor waterfalls, a sprawling amphitheater and domed gazebo, all in a rich Mediterranean orange-coral color scheme.

In Estero: Miromar Outlets with 140 designer and brand name stores (www.miromaroutlets.com).

Delectable fine furnishings come from Agostino’s. Visit him in Bonita Springs and enhance your comfort.

 

Boca Grande

The island of Gasparilla is known for its history and small town feel. Have water front views and be culturally immersed into this serene town.

For all things Lilly, try The Palm on Park on Boca Grande. This Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store has all of the latest resort wear. http://www.lillypulitzer.com/

Island Attitudes of Boca Grande is a great island time shop. Here you can acquire all the beach wear you’ll ever need.

Hughes Gallery is where they pair their paintings with their people. You can go in and they will pick a painting that reflects who you are. http://www.hughesgallery.net/

 

When the mall calls!

If you’re in need of a mall for some of your favorite stores, the area has everything from Saks Fifth Avenue to all the major department stores to bookstores and movie theaters (when you need a rest from shopping!).

Coconut Point Mall, Estero. Coconut Point is the place to shop, dine, play and see a movie. An all open Main Street-style shopping destination with Mediterranean Revival-style architecture is designed to fit gracefully with the flavor of southwest Florida. The 135 stores include Dillard's, Barnes & Noble, West Elm, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Designer Shoe Warehouse, Golfsmith, Office Max, Old Navy, Party City, PetsMart, Pier One, Ross Dress for Less, Sports Authority, West Coast Surf Shop, Coldwater Creek, Z Gallerie, Old Navy, Sephora and Ulta Cosmetics and a variety of great restaurants. For more information, visit www.simon.com/mall.

Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers is an open-air, regional shopping center includes a Courtyard by Marriott and a Residence Inn by Marriott, along with 120 specialty shops, restaurants and a Regal Cinema 16. Visitors will not want to miss Bass Pro Shops with the area's largest selection of quality outdoor gear, clothing and accessories from top industry names and at value prices. This famous, new outdoor store encompasses a 75,000 –square-foot retail center that includes Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant. Also: equipment for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, outdoor cooking and an expansive boat showroom. The outdoor feel is brought indoors through massive log and rock work, large indoor aquariums and water features stocked with native fish species, as well as an extensive collection of museum quality fish and wildlife art. www.basspro.com. For more information about Gulf Coast Town Center, visit www.GulfCoastTownCenter.com.

Edison Mall in Fort Myers is newly renovated and showcases more than 160 specialty shops and eateries. Florida department stores Macy's and Dillard's as well as national favorites JC Penney and Sears are anchors. www.simon.com/mall.

Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers is filled with upscale shops in a Spanish-style plaza. Major retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Williams-Sonoma are just the beginning. Purchases in hand, shoppers can stop in restaurants, then top the day off with a movie at Bell Tower's 20-screen multiplex www.belltowershops.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres. A comprehensive media kit and images are available upon request.