|
Island stores and galleries that stay open late at night make it particularly tempting to shop 'til you drop. That's because when taking an evening stroll, you lose your excuse just to look in the windows. After being mesmerized by another spectacular Captiva sunset, visit Andy Rosse Lane in the heart of Captiva Village. You'll find a number of restaurants ready to serve you in the little historic village, but before or after dinner, you can do a little shopping. That old standby, The Island Store (941/472-2374), keeps its doors unlocked until 11 p.m. daily. In addition to groceries, liquor, and cigars, you can find back issues of Times of the Islands. Located in the Paradise of Captiva Shops, Captiva Cottage (941/395-0354) remains open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during season. Owner Jessie Raynor does a brisk business selling flowers, hats, and hostess gifts such as candles, little picture frames, or scented soaps. Visiting from the north? Stop in to find that special something for the friend who's taking care of your plants. Last fall, Andy Rosse Lane welcomed Why Knot and Jenafish (941/395-9495). The original shops are still at The Village on Sanibel, but their Captiva counterparts stay open daily until 9 p.m. Jenafish's cat and dog gift items sell quickly, and Why Knot continues to do well with its line of comfortable clothing for the relaxed lifestyle. Shopaholics are thrilled to find Carmen Lombardo keeping his Confused Chameleon (941/472-0560) open until 10 p.m. every day of the year. Lately, popular items include handpainted ceramic bouncing toys and switchplate covers (including some that fit over larger, European-style switches). Colorful papier birds and fish, standing on their own or hanging from the ceiling, also make great gifts. At Jungle Drums (941/395-2266), you do have to leave the gallery at the relatively early hour of 7:30 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. But arts consultant Slim Ingraham says that still gives you plenty of time to look over the ever-popular bronze frogs, or Cynthia Chuang's widely acclaimed porcelain jewelry pins, which feature whimsical animal motifs. We always have a marvelous array of framed original art, including watercolors and etchings, and we also have lithographs, Ingraham adds. On Sanibel, several art galleries welcome late-night shoppers. The Black Orchid Art Gallery (941/472-8784 or 800/793-0135), located next to the Timbers Restaurant, is open from noon to 9 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. It features exquisite glass pieces that are beyond Murano... beyond Tiffany... beyond belief. Nearby, West Wind Gallery (941/395-9577 or 800-587-5836) also is open until 9 p.m., every day but Sunday, throughout the year. It showcases ceramic and raku pottery, acrylic sculptures, artwork by Ikki Matsumoto, and handcrafted jewelry. During season, Tower Gallery of Fine Art (941/472-4557), an artists' cooperative, has its doors open until 9 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. Diners at Twilight Caf next door can wander over before or after dinner for a stroll through the gallery. Gallery Place, 751 Tarpon Bay Road. Bailey's (941/472-1516) one-stop shopping experienceÓ serves customers' needs daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., in season and out. The renovated supermarket features a gourmet cheese and fudge shop, in-store bakery, and deli. A separate section houses Bailey's True Value Hardware, which is open the same hours. 2477 Periwinkle Way. Around the corner in Bailey's Center, The Shell Net (941/472-1702) keeps its doors open until 9 p.m. daily throughout the year. A large percentage of the shop's items are made by local craftspeople, including flowers made from shells and other materials, and woodcarvings. Its line of jewelry sells quite well, especially pieces made of coral and freshwater pearls. 2477 Periwinkle Way. You can choose from a wide selection of embroidered Sanibel Island T-shirts and sweatshirts at Wings (941/395-0091). The store, known also for its swim wear and beach towels, lets you shop from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days of the year. 2353 Periwinkle Way. Satisfy your hunger pangs until midnight every day, year round, at Jerry's Foods of Sanibel (941/472-9300). Enjoy the tropical birds and gorgeous landscaping between stops at the surrounding shops, most of which are open daily until 9 p.m., except for a few holidays. Treat your feet to some ultra-comfortable shoes or sandals by Sebago, Teva, or Sperry at Footloose Outfitters (941/472-4717). Sanibel Spirits (941/472-8668) can help make sure your home or condo is well equipped for all-occasion entertaining. Bird carvings, sculptures by local artists, and prints, paintings, or photographs of memorable island scenes are top sellers at Sanybel's Finest (941/472-6776), according to manager Chris Murawski. Other stores include such favorites as Sanibel Surf Shop/Sea and Me and Craft Bazaar (941/472-8185) and the Mango Bay Beach Company (941/472-6678). 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Traders Store & Cafts, is attracting lots of attention during its debut season. Located next to the Sanibel Brew Pub, the combination international island lifestyle gift shop/restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The popular restaurant is drawing a crowd, but you won't mind waiting for a table here, because there is so much to see. While you're waiting to be served, take a few minutes to wander in back of the dining section, or around the corner of the gigantic open facility. You'll find a wonderland full of eye-catching accessories and home furnishings, imported by owners Helene and Marvin Gralnick from all over the world. It's tempting to nuzzle a chenille afghan, try your hand with a wooden yo-yo, or sit for a second in a hand-tooled leather chair. 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 941/395-3151. LG |