Shoppers explore Anna Maria Island via its variety of eclectic shopping districts, offering everything from eveningwear and jewelry, to sculptures and antiques. The city of Anna Maria offers one of the finest full-service marinas in the county, with several souvenir, jewelry, clothing, and antique shops. In Holmes Beach, coffee shops, galleries, and boutiques stretch across a seven-block section of town. In funky Bradenton Beach, the newly restored Bridge Street is home to many shops offering an unusual blend of arts and crafts. Die-hard fashionistas can venture to mainland Bradenton, where upscale malls and bargain-friendly flea markets await. Great shopping and dining is available on Lido Key's beautiful and luxurious St. Armand's Circle.

Red Barn Flea Market

One of Florida's most popular markets, the Red Barn Flea Market boasts over 600 unique shops and flea market-style booths. Bargain hunters browse antiques, jewelry, produce, clothing, and many more items. The market offers free admission, free parking, and an assortment of food vendors. www.redbarnfleamarket.com

1707 First Street East . Bradenton, FL 34208 . (941) 747-3794

Village of the Arts

Downtown Bradenton has been revitalized as a dynamic arts district. The avenues around Main Street are lined with art studios, galleries, and boutiques. Additional development for antique shops, cappuccino bars, outdoor cafes, and a trolley connecting The Village of the Arts District to the Riverwalk District are planned in the near future. www.artistsguildofmanatee.org

Bradenton, FL . (941) 747-8056

Prime Outlets

The huge Prim Outlets shopping plaza in nearby Ellenton lures fashion addicts with the largest assortment of outlet stores in the area. Make sure you take a roomy vehicle, as you're sure to leave with bags of goodies from Polo Ralph Lauren, OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Coach, BCBG, Gap Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Addidas, Mikasa, Harry & David, Ann Taylor, and more! www.primeoutlets.com

5461 Factory Shops Boulevard . Ellenton, FL 34222 . (941) 723-1150

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, browse through Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Banana Republic, Chicos, Ann Taylor Loft, Dillard's, The Gap, and more! www.westfield.com/southgate/

3501 South Tamiami Trail . Sarasota, FL 34239 . (941) 955-0900