Shopping

There are chic boutiques and glamorous jewelry stores; quaint antique emporiums, sprawling outlet malls and upscale consignment shops. From high-tech to high-style—you’ll find it all sprinkled along palm-lined avenues and in glamorous Mediterranean-style shopping enclaves defined by arches and statuary, fountains and bougainvillea-draped courtyards.

New on the landscape, conveniently located between Fort Myers and Naples, is the huge Coconut Point Mall, part of a 500-acre master-planned development (do plan several hours to see it all) and Gulf Coast Town Center with 120 great stores. Naples’ sophisticated Waterside Shops, with retailers and labels straight from the fashion capitals of the world, is the place to see and be seen.

NAPLES
Fifth Avenue South, six blocks in Old Naples, (239) 435-3742. Continental ambiance offers a mix of sophisticated restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Among the upscale retailers are Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear, Seraphim Boutique women’s wear, Congress Jewelers, Arabesque, Call of Africa’s Native Visions Gallery and Kilwin’s sweet shop. Fifth Avenue is home to more than 20 restaurants and sidewalk cafés. The Sugden Community Theatre is on Fifth, and The von Liebig Art Center is just around the corner. www.fifthavenuesouth.com.

Third Street South and the Avenues, located in the heart of Old Naples, (239) 434-6533. Featuring a collection of more than 100 charming shops, the thriving Gallery Row and premier culinary finds. Shops include Femme Fatale, Marissa Collections and C. Orrico. Restaurants include Campiello Ristorante, Handsome Harry’s and Tommy Bahama, among others. A concierge will direct you to your favorite shop, and it’s Naples’ first WiFi hot spot, so bring along your laptop. Laptops available for use at the concierge. www.thirdstreetsouth.com.

Tin City on U.S. 41 at Goodlette-Frank Road, (239) 262-4200. Originally a 1920s clam shelling and oyster processing plant. More than 30 eclectic shops offer kitschy souvenirs, collectibles and handmade goods. Try waterfront dining at Riverwalk Fish & Ale House and Pier 41, or grab a quick bite at Café Europa, a fixture in Tin-City for decades. www.tin-city.com.

Bayfront on Goodlette-Frank Road at U.S. 41, (239) 649-8700. Enjoy the European-style architecture while browsing the shops and galleries of this center that includes several dining options, residences and a marina. Specialty stores include Atelier Lizio Naples, Blue Diamond Jewelers, Bayfront Boutique, Chrissy’s at Bayfront, Jennings of Naples and The Weatherburn Gallery. Restaurants include Il Bellagio, Shane’s Cabana Bar, South Florida Yacht Sales, Stoney’s Steakhouse and Roy’s. www.bayfrontnaples.com.

North from Old Naples on U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), fine-jewelry lovers or collectors will encounter several upscale jewelry and watch retailers with buildings that resemble the jewels within. Thalheimers is located at 3200 Tamiami Trail N. at U.S. 41 and Ridge Street, www.thalheimers.com. Fine Swiss watches, custom and designer jewelry, Lladro gallery and other giftware. Bigham Jewelers, featuring jewelry from internationally acclaimed designers, is farther north at 2425 Tamiami Trail N., www.bighamjewelers.com. The striking Bigham building is also home to Trudy Labell Fine Art and Eyetopian Optical.

Village on Venetian Bay, Gulf Shore Boulevard at Park Shore Drive, (239) 261-6100. A waterfront village with a taste of Old Italy. Stroll by the bay and shop at more than 50 upscale specialty boutiques for men and women, including Artichoke & Co., A Horse of a Different Color, The Paper Merchant, Ocean Leather, Wildflower, The Village Pub and Mondo Uomo, as well as galleries, design studios and five waterfront restaurants, including Cloyde’s Steak and Lobster, Marie-Michelle’s, Maxwells on the Bay and a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop. www.venetianvillage.com.

Coastland Center, 1900 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 262-2323. The only enclosed retail center includes well-known names such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, JC Penney, Sears and more than 150 specialty stores, including Bailey Banks & Biddle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, Express and Victoria’s Secret. Dining options include Ted’s Montana Grill, Kona Grill, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Ruby Tuesday’s, The Cheesecake Factory and an extensive food court.
www.coastlandcenter.com.

Collection at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt Beach Road at Airport-Pulling Road, (239) 596-2807. Opening in March. Mediterranean-style shopping and dining village featuring Zucchero Sweet Fashions, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Cosi, Black Truffle Chocolatiers, Zazou, Trendy with a Twist, Absinthe Restaurant, Diva Doghouse & Co., Persona Boutique, Strapazza and Ziggity Dots.

Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay, U.S. 41 at Seagate Drive, (239) 598-1605. An outdoor shopping center anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue. Home to luxury boutiques including Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Gucci, Coach, Hermès, Ralph Lauren, BCBG Max Azria, Swarovski and J.Crew-at-the-beach. Dining options include BrickTop’s Restaurant, Brio Tuscan Grille, California Pizza Kitchen and the Silver Spoon Café. Features a multi-story covered parking structure, and Nordstrom is expected to open in 2008. www.watersideshops.com.

MARCO ISLAND
Esplanade, 740 N. Collier Blvd., (239) 394-7772. This shopping plaza is set upon 1,100 feet of waterfront and encompasses nearly 50,000 square feet of fine dining, select retailers, specialty stores and commercial offices. It also houses the 77-boat-slip Esplanade Marina and a bayside sunset amphitheater. Restaurants include Vergina, Bayview, Star Bar and Guy Harvey’s Island Grill. www.esplanadeshoppes.com.

BONITA SPRINGS
The Promenade at Bonita Bay, U.S. 41 and South Bay Drive, (239) 261-6100. A courtyard village includes 30 upscale retail shops, restaurants and offices. Shops include Zola Keller, The Little Merchant, DuFrane Jewelers, Bonne Nuit, Produce Patch, Mondo Uomo and Donna, Agostino’s Interiors and Jami’s. Restaurants include the Silver Spoon Café, Bennigan’s and Roy’s.
www.promenadeshops.com.

ESTERO
Coconut Point, south of Corkscrew Road on U.S. 41, (239) 939-1933. Set on seven acres, the shopping area is part of a 500-acre master-planned community. Shops include J.Crew, Apple, Coach, Sephora, Gymboree, White House Black Market, Guess?, Chico’s, Soma by Chico’s, Old Navy, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble and more. Dining offerings include California Pizza Kitchen, The Grape Wine Bar, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Ted’s Montana Grill and Bluewater Bistro.

Miromar Outlets, exit 123 off I-75 at Corkscrew Road, (239) 948-3766. An inviting Mediterranean atmosphere with open-air walkways, sculpted water fountains and an abundance of casual eateries. Miromar offers an extensive selection for bargain hunters with more than 140 outlet shops to choose from. Factory stores include Saks Off Fifth, Escada, Polo Ralph Lauren, BCBG Max Azria, Banana Republic, Cole Haan, J.Crew, Coach, Villeroy & Boch, Crabtree & Evelyn and Tommy Hilfiger. www.miromar.com.

International Design Center, 10801 Corkscrew Road, (239) 390-5111. For the interior designer and the interior design lover; home furnishings and accessories in one 250,000-square-foot location. There are 145 top lines showcasing fabrics, lighting, wall coverings, art, antiques, kitchen and bath for both residential and commercial clients. IDC also offers group tours, a concierge service desk, valet parking, gourmet bistro and seminar room. www.idcfl.com.

FORT MYERS
The River District, downtown Fort Myers, is experiencing a resurgence of retail and commercial development. A destination for particular shoppers looking for the perfect gift or unique home furnishing, the section of McGregor Boulevard just north of Colonial Boulevard is home to many antique stores and boutique shops and restaurants.

Bell Tower Shops, U.S. 41 and Daniels Road, (239) 489-1221. A scenic open-air shopping center with 50 specialty stores, 10 restaurants and a 20-screen movie theater. Stroll through lush landscapes and enjoy "Friday’s by the Fountain" concerts. Saks Fifth Avenue and Bed Bath & Beyond anchor this upscale retail center with fine dining. www.thebelltowershops.com.
Edison Mall, U.S. 41 and Colonial Boulevard, (239) 939-5464. Featuring many of the nation’s top department and specialty stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, Sears, JC Penney, the Disney Store, Victoria’s Secret, the Body Shop, Express, Bath & Body Works and Foot Locker. www.simon.com.

Gulf Coast Town Center, I-75 and Alico Road. Newly expanded lifestyle center featuring the first Bass Pro Shops to open in Southwest Florida, Belk’s, JC Penney, SuperTarget, Babies ‘R’ Us, Borders, Regal Cinemas, an assortment of new restaurants and lively evening atmosphere.
www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com.

Park Shops at Andrea Lane, Andrea Lane and U.S. 41. Features Trendy with a Twist, db boutique, My Dinner Factory, Vino 100, Bonefish Grill, Office at Home, Sprint and more.

Tanger Outlet Center, 20350 Summerlin Road, (239) 454-1974. Stroll canopied boardwalks in a plush, tropical setting and shop more than 45 name-brand and manufacturer outlets, including Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ellen Tracy, Easy Spirit, Liz Claiborne, Mikasa, Jones New York, Reebok, Calvin Klein, Gap, Samsonite and Nike. www.tangeroutlet.com.

SANIBEL ISLAND
Periwinkle Way, Sanibel’s main road; features numerous open-air malls, perfect for casual strolling. From seashells to souvenirs and clothing to crafts, there is something for every taste at the larger plazas: Village Shopping Center, Tahitian Gardens, Islander Center, Periwinkle Place and Jerry’s Shopping Center.

Periwinkle Place is home to restaurants, a day spa, a toy store, shops featuring unique gifts, galleries, apparel boutiques and jewelry stores. www.periwinkleplace.com.

CAPTIVA ISLAND
Chadwick’s Square, at the entrance to South Seas Resort on the north end of Captiva Island, (239) 472-5111. Features a unique selection of specialty shops with everything from beachwear to home furnishings, including a pizzeria, gallery, jeweler, clothing shops, grocery and beauty salon.