Lido Key Shopping
St. Armand's Circle is Lido Key's biggest attractions, with over 130 upscale shops, restaurants, and galleries spilling into the street. At night, the sparkling outdoor lights and horse-drawn carriage give it a European feel. For classic American mall shopping, there's Sarasota's upscale Southgate Plaza. For designer threads at a fraction of the price the large Prime Outlets in Ellenton is a twenty-minute drive away. In downtown Sarasota, the picturesque Main Street offers a Rockwellian assortment of charming shops and boutiques. On the first Friday of each month, the boutiques stay open late, and shoppers browse while checking out live performances on the street. For trendier art galleries and shops, try the blocks around Palm Avenue and Pineapple Avenue.
St. Armand's Circle
The brainchild of circus magnate John Ringling, St. Armand's Circle resembles an elegant European market, with Italian statuary, lush landscaping, and glittering outdoor lights in the evenings. Shoppers come from all over the world to browse the collection of over 130 upscale boutiques, unique galleries, and outdoor cafes. www.starmandscircleassoc.com
300 Madison Drive . Sarasota, FL 34236 . (941) 388-1554
Southgate Plaza
For traditional mall shopping with an upscale twist, Southgate Plaza offers chic apparel stores and the home furnishing chains: Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, and Home Resource. For frocks and such, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, Chicos, and The Gap keep fashionistas satisfied. www.westfield.com/southgate
3501 South Tamiami Trail . Sarasota, FL 34239 . (941) 955-0900
Prime Outlets
Twenty minutes from downtown Sarasota, the huge Prime Outlets shopping plaza lures fashion addicts with the large assortment of outlets in the area. Leave lots of space in your trunk, as you're sure to leave with bags of goodies from Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, BCBG, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Ann Taylor, Harry & David's, Banana Republic, Chicos, Mikassa, and OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue. www.primeoutlets.com
5461 Factory Shops Boulevard . Ellenton, FL 34222 . (941) 723-1150
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