Discover Shopping

Leaving the big city behind does not mean sacrificing shopping opportunities. From flea markets to outlet malls to national chains to exclusive boutiques, the Gulfshore offers retail therapy of every sort.

Old Naples, the Village on Venetian Bay and Sanibel's Periwinkle Drive are favorites among discriminating shoppers looking for items they can't get anywhere else. Both districts pride themselves on unusual, often handmade, gifts and clothing as well as warm personal service. For familiar, upscale stores, the Waterside Shops in Naples, the Promenade at Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs and Bell Tower in Fort Myers are sure bets. Saks Fifth Avenue, Williams-Sonoma, Chico's and Banana Republic are among the well-known purveyors found at these lushly landscaped meccas of merchandise. For large-scale centers with lots of national chains, Fort Myers has the Edison Mall while Coastland Center serves Naples.

Bargain hunters have plenty of ground to cover, too. From Prime Outlet Stores between Naples and Marco, the ever-expanding Miromar Outlets in Estero and Tanger Outlet Center between Fort Myers and Sanibel, discount shopping is easy to find.

Collier County

Marco Island

Esplanade, 740 N. Collier Blvd. Includes nearly 50,000 square feet of fine dining, upscale retailers and specialty stores and businesses. Overlooks the central promenade, featuring a bayside sunset amphitheater.

Island Plaza, corner of North Collier Boulevard and Bald Eagle Drive. Features a dozen shops with items ranging from souvenirs to surfing gear, plus two restaurants, two ice-cream stores and a grocery.

Marco Town Center Mall, corner of North Collier Boulevard and Bald Eagle Drive. Marco's first and largest shopping center. Features more than 40 shops and restaurants, including a beach store.

Mission Plaza, on South Collier Boulevard. An open-air setting featuring five restaurants and two dozen stores, offering an eclectic assortment of merchandise including clothing, jewelry, toys and sporting goods.

Pelican Plaza, located on Bald Eagle Drive. Offers an assortment of items ranging from island-style clothing and sportswear to crafts and gourmet food.

Port of Marco Shopping Village, on Royal Palm Drive. A village setting with a large selection of clothing and souvenirs, as well as jewelry, homemade ice cream and candy.

The Shops of Marco, corner of San Marco Road and Barfield Drive. Features a wide variety of clothing stores, plus homemade treats, unique gifts and an assortment of restaurants. It also has a post office and dry cleaner.

Naples

The Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) boasts shopping centers such as Neapolitan Way, Parkshore Centre and The Pavilion on the north Trail. The east Trail offers Naples Town Centre, among others. These retail complexes have something for everyone, including food, clothing, appliances, amusement, sporting goods and more.

Carillon Place, 5058 Airport-Pulling Road N., (239) 435-0160. This outdoor shopping mall is divided by Airport Road. The side to the east features T.J. Maxx, Pier One Imports, Circuit City, Ross, OfficeMax and a grocery. The other side is home to Bealls, Target, Publix, Party City and several restaurants.

Coastland Center, 1900 N. Tamiami Trail, (239) 262-2323. An enclosed mall that features Macy's, Dillard's, J.C. Penney, Sears and more than 150 specialty stores, restaurants and a food court. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Coconut Grove Market Place & Marina, 220 Fourth Ave. S. A waterfront center with galleries, gift shops, specialty boutiques, a marina and a restaurant overlooking the water.

Crayton Cove, 800 12th Ave. S., (239) 262-4362. A broad assortment of shops and restaurants.

Dockside Boardwalk, 1100 Sixth Ave. S. Unique gifts, artwork, fine apparels and restaurants along a boardwalk overlooking Naples Bay.

Fifth Avenue South, Naples' premier public promenade, is six blocks of tree-lined streets in Old Naples, (239) 435-3742. A continental ambience offers a mix of sophisticated restaurants and boutiques and galleries that appeals to European and American sensibilities. The Sugden Community Theatre is on a plaza on Fifth Avenue South, and the von Liebig Art Center just around the corner. www.fifthavenuesouth.com.

Fountain Park Centre, at the corner of Airport-Pulling and Vanderbilt Beach roads. A centerpiece of retail shops, offices and restaurants. Restaurants include Stonewood Tavern & Grill, Origami, Calistoga Bakery, and more.

Galleria at Vanderbilt, at the corner of Airport-Pulling and Vanderbilt Beach roads, (239) 596-2733. This new shopping center features the Sanibel Steakhouse, the Real Seafood Company, a local deli, a salon and clothing shop. Several retail shops and a hotel and spa are in development.

Hibiscus Center, 2950 N. Tamiami Trail. Features an array of merchandise, including home furnishings, a hair salon and a cigar bar in an art-deco building. Look for home accessories and more at Zazou. After shopping, Michael's Café offers upscale French-American meals.

The Plaza, corner of Gordon Drive and Broad Avenue off Third Street. The site of Naples' first hotel now has a contemporary building that houses more than 20 boutiques.

Prime Outlets at Naples, on Collier Boulevard en route to Marco Island, (239) 775-8083. A manufacturer's outlet center with more than 40 shops offering everything from men's and women's fashions to home furnishings and accessories. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. www.primeoutlets.com.

The Shops at Eagle Creek, corner of U.S. 41 and Collier Boulevard. A shopping center with an abundance of well-known retailers, offering everything from office supplies and appliances to food and clothing.

Third Street South and The Avenues, located in the heart of Old Naples, (239) 649-6707. Features a collection of more than 100 charming and elegant shops, offering fine clothing, jewelry, artwork, collectibles and home furnishings. Including several restaurants. www.thirdstreetsouth.com.

Tin City, off U.S. 41 at Goodlette Road, (239) 262-4200. A landmark shopping village, once the site of a 1920s clam cannery. Today it's an expansive center with 33 shops and restaurants, and boat and trolley tours. Newly air conditioned, this historic mall is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

The Village on Venetian Bay, at the corner of Gulf Shore Boulevard and Park Shore Drive, (239) 261-6100. A waterfront village with a taste of old Italy. Enjoy more than 50 upscale specialty boutiques, galleries and design studios, five waterfront restaurants providing fine and casual dining and a Ben & Jerry's. www.venetianvillage.com.

Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay, off U.S. 41 at Seagate Drive, (239) 598-1605. A high-end, outdoor shopping center with Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's & Co., Banana Republic, Talbots, Ann Taylor, Chico's, The Gap and more distinctive shops and restaurants. Soon to be expanding with more than 30 new shops. www.watersideshops.com.

Lee County

Bonita Springs

Bay Crossing Center, 26251 S. Tamiami Trail, (239) 992-8927. Featuring clothing stores, including Shar Designs and Irresistibly Plus; restaurants, including Thai Orchid; and others, including Diamond District, A World of Rugs and Bayside Interiors.

The Center of Bonita Springs, at the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Bonita Beach Road, (239) 495-1600. Offers two department stores, 50 specialty shops and boutiques, and several restaurants.

Flamingo Island Flea Market, 11902 Bonita Beach Road, (239) 948-7799. A variety of booths offering everything from produce and clothing to framed art and novelty items.

Sunshine Shopping Plaza, 9100 Bonita Beach Road S.E., (239) 947-4848. Features service-related retail, a restaurant and Sunshine Ace Hardware.

The Prado at Spring Creek, 25251 S. Tamiami Trail. Located near the entrance to two of Bonita Springs' premier communities, this shopping center features Stein Mart, Floral Supply Mart, Rib City and a Regal Cinemas theater.

The Promenade at Bonita Bay, fronting U.S. 41, (239) 430-1670. A courtyard shopping village that includes 30 upscale retail shops, galleries and restaurants as well as offices. Shops include Zola Keller, Chico's, DuFrane Jewelers, Teak Experience, Bonne Nuit, Produce Patch, Mondo Uomo, Eyetopian Optical, Agostino's and Jami's. Restaurants include Silver Spoon, Aja, Roy's, Starbucks and Bennigans.

Cape Coral

Coralwood Mall, 2301 Del Prado Blvd., (239) 574-1441. An open-air mall with three national retailers, a grocery and specialty stores, as well as a restaurant and movie theater. Anchored by Bealls and J.C. Penney.

Captiva Island

Chadwick's Square, at the entrance to South Seas Resort on the north end of Captiva Island, (239) 472-5111. Features a pizzeria, gallery, jeweler, clothing shops, grocery and beauty salon.

Estero

Miromar Outlets, located between Naples and Fort Myers at I-75 and Corkscrew Road, (239) 948-3766. Simply world-class shopping, with more than 120 leading designer manufacturers and famous-brand labels at factory-outlet prices including Off 5th, the Saks Fifth Avenue outlet, Escada, Donna Karan, Ellen Tracy and Tommy Hilfiger. Miromar offers an inviting Mediterranean atmosphere of open-air walkways, piazzas, sculpted water fountains and an array of trendy restaurants. Even more shops will be opening in spring 2005. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Fort Myers

Downtown Fort Myers is experiencing a resurgence of retail and commercial development. The section of McGregor Boulevard just north of College Parkway is home to many antique stores and boutique shops.

Bell Tower Shops, corner of U.S. 41 and Daniels Road, (239) 489-1221. Beautiful open-air shopping center with 50 specialty stores, 10 restaurants and a 20-screen movie theater. Stroll through lush landscapes and enjoy monthly concerts the last Friday of each month at the center court fountain. Saks Fifth Avenue, the Fresh Market and Bed, Bath & Beyond anchor this unique, upscale retail center. Open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 12 to 9 p.m. www.thebelltowershops.com.