Sanibel’s laid back island lifestyle and old Florida charm extend from the colorful family beach homes and wonderful restaurants to several delightful shopping plazas around the island.
Dog-Friendly Businesses at the Olde Sanibel Shoppes
The Olde Sanibel Shoppes, located on Tarpon Bay Road, are a typical example of the type of shops and service that can only be found on this upscale island paradise.
Centered around a fountain and gazebo, the plaza is anchored by the award-winning Over Easy Café, which is known for its warm welcome, informal dress code and tasty home cooked food. The kitchen opens early to serve breakfast from 7 a.m., but if you oversleep, don’t worry. The breakfast menu is available until 3 p.m. for those wanting to sample an Egg Reuben Sandwich or Smoked Salmon Benedict for brunch. You can even surprise your partner (and earn yourself plenty of brownie points) by serving a breakfast feast, thanks to the carry-out service! Lunch at the Over Easy Café runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and there’s a great choice of beers, wines and beverages to accompany your relaxed meal al fresco.
Once you’re fully satiated, take a gentle stroll around the charming collection of individual businesses at the Olde Sanibel Shoppes. Treat yourself to some new beachwear from Amy’s Something Special or browse the artworks at Sanibel Art and Frame or Suncatchers Dream. Sanibella’s offers handmade jewelry and artworks at affordable prices while JB Designs will woo you with a beautiful collection of novelty purses and accessories.
Four-legged friends are particularly welcome at the Olde Sanibel Shoppes, where they actually have their own designer boutique and pet store at Island Paws. As well as stocking a range of recommended pet foods, the shop also has gourmet treats and accessories for pets and pet lovers.
Shop in Beautiful Surroundings at Tahitian Gardens
Prominently located on Periwinkle Way, the Tahitian Gardens Shopping Plaza has 16 specialty shops and boutiques in a subtropical setting of shady palm trees. It’s the perfect place to escape the midday sun for a couple of hours.
Jewelry connoisseurs will love the unique designs found in the Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry Store. It has a beautiful collection of Spanish-style jewelry as well as pieces designed around ancient coins. More whimsical are the fashion jewelry designs focusing on sealife, birds and Florida wildlife.
The family-owned Shiny Objects has a more contemporary collection of jewelry featuring handmade glass pieces by master artisan Jason Thiemann.
A range of resort wear can be found at C. Turtles, Sanibel Sole, Sanibel Resort Wear and Synergy Sportswear. Men have their own designer boutique at Brown Bag, which features relaxed casual clothing from Tommy Bahamas, Tori Richard and Thomas Dean. Gifts and cards are available from Pandora’s Box Too while their original store, Pandora’s Box, focuses on home décor and recycled gifts. Tahitian Gardens shops are completed with the Sanibel Café which serves beverages and light meals or enjoy smoothies, organic beer and hormone-free ice cream at Among the Flowers.