Tried, True and Trendy - Guide to Greater Tampa Bay
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Tried, True and Trendy

Tried, True and Trendy

Greater Tampa Bay offers a collection of everything from hidden gem boutiques to massive shopping districts all interwoven to create a shopping scene that is bursting at the seams.

Whether the doctor prescribed just one dose of window shopping or recommended full time retail therapy, the remedy lies within Greater Tampa Bay. Each community features a unique shopping experience that reflects the diverse culture that inspired it. Bustling boutiques, massive retail meccas and thrift store treasures live along the banks of the retail river that flows through GTB.

Major Malls

The Westshore District is home to world-class shopping destinations, with more than 350 stores and boutiques. Between Louis Vuitton, Coach, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Swarovski, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, the gang is all here at the beautiful International Plaza and Bay Street.

Just walking through the beautiful and modern International Plaza can leave visitors feeling like a million bucks, even without spending a dime. The mall’s clean and bright interior with skylights, sleek tile, modern fixtures, indoor palm trees and dazzling storefronts set the scene for a day of shopping. Stroll through the gorgeous alleyways adorned with string lights, greenery and florals along Bay Street. Pass by the outdoor center’s numerous restaurants, with the enticing smell of different cuisines every step of the way.

Within this shopping center are countless options, more than 200 stores and restaurants, to be exact. From upscale designer brands to posh shops to casual American retailers, every budget has a place here.

Here is a sneak peek at just a few of the retailers and a full look at the dining options:

Popular Shops
  • A|X Armani Exchange
  • Aldo
  • Altar’d State
  • Apple
  • Athleta
  • BOSS
  • Burberry
  • Coach
  • Gucci
  • Johnston & Murphy
  • Kate Spade New York
  • Louis Vuitton
  • Lululemon
  • Nieman Marcus
  • Nordstrom
  • Oakley
  • Tesla Motors
  • Tommy Bahama
  • Urban Outfitters
  • Zara
Dining
  • Alma Rest Bar
  • Amorino Gelato
  • Bar Louie
  • Bazille
  • Brio Italian Grille
  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • The Capital Grille
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • Doc B’s Restaurant & Bar
  • Life Time LifeCafe
  • Nortstrom Ebar
  • Ocean Prime
  • Pokeworks
  • The Pub
  • Rise Pies Handcrafted Pizza
  • Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar
  • Spice Kitchen 2.0
  • Suki Hana
  • Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar

Westfield Brandon is located just off Interstate 75, parked right between State Road 60 and the Selmon Expressway. With 165 stores, this retail hyper market is age inclusive and covers every genre of shopping, from fashion to technology to books and jewelry. It is anchored by Macy’s, Books-A-Million, DSW, Dillard’s and Dick’s and is the perfect place to fall into a retail rabbit hole.

The Mall at Sundial invites shoppers in with modern art installations and a classy beach vibe with the St. Pete Pier just a few steps away. The beautiful two-story plaza is home to popular retailers Tommy Bahama, White House Black Market, Chico’s, Diamonds Direct and more. Turn shopping day into a date night, with dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House or Sea Salt and a movie at the AMC Sundial 12 theater.

From leggings to Legos, The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel has something for every age group and occasion. This 850,000-square-foot outdoor emporium is home to more than 100 shops, department stores, restaurants and various services. The Shops at Wiregrass also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including car and truck shows and job fairs. Their Live Music Series invites visitors to the Center Court to enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars with a drink in hand and live entertainment.

Vogue Villages and Buzzworthy Shopping Boroughs

From shipping to shopping, Krate is a labyrinth of retired cargo containers-turned-storefronts that has changed the face of The Grove at Wesley Chapel. This outdoor entertainment mecca is truly a one-of-its-kind experience with dining and retail opportunities including a cigar shop, sustainable groceries, toys, a rock shop, jewelry and more.

Just inland of Hillsborough Bay is the beautiful Hyde Park Village. This diverse collection of shops and restaurants spans over six blocks, creating a retail utopia. Hyde Park Village has everything from bling for the pooches at Downtown Dog to bling for the fashionistas at Old Northeast Jewelers, to do-it-yourself experiences at Cake Drip and Candle Pour to urban houseplants at Leafy Luv Affair.

Whether it is home goods, office goods, food goods or looking good, the Westshore District has more than 350 stores and boutiques, making it the most comprehensive shopping destination in the area.

Located in the southern portion of the district is the WestShore Plaza, which features more than 100 retailers plus dining. The Dale Mabry Retail Corridor and Hillsborough Avenue both offer a variety of retail options while Midtown Tampa has become one of the hottest new districts in Greater Tampa Bay featuring spots like REI, Whole Foods Market and Sephora.

Walk along the bright bungalows and whimsical lawn ornaments in downtown Bradenton’s Village of the Arts for a truly unique shopping experience. This extraordinary community is home to residents, various shops, galleries and art studios, mystics, restaurants and so much more. The Village was created by the Artists Guild of Manatee and its residents to support and grow this thriving artists’ community.

Residents and visitors alike venture to downtown Dunedin to explore its charming boutiques and shops. Downtown Dunedin celebrates the vibrant community in showcasing its local antiques, apparel and art. With pottery, jewelry, garden decor and much more, shoppers are sure to find a unique gift or an enjoyable day of window shopping.

Meander through the labyrinth of local shops at the historic Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs to experience the culture behind this vibrant community. Visitors from all over venture to Dodecanese Boulevard to shop for sponges, trinkets, jewelry, wine, olive oil, and art. The Docks host regular events like festivals, wine walks and arts & crafts shows and celebrate the largest Greek community outside of Athens.

The Corey Avenue Shopping District in St. Pete is a historical thoroughfare with something for everybody. Gift shops, restaurants and boutiques line the street, which stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to Boca Ciega Bay. Also hosting many festivals, parades, the Sunday Morning Market farmers market and other exciting events, a trip to Corey Avenue will not disappoint.

From vintage vogue to contemporary chic, the shops in the Grand Central District in St. Pete tells the retro-revival story of this historic area. Stroll down Central Avenue to uncover the funkiest stores and creative concepts or duck into the revitalized Crislip Arcade to find charming boutiques and art galleries.

Mastering the Markets

Corey Avenue Sunday Market

Peruse a beautiful selection of tropical fruits and fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, plants, artisan foods, crafts, clothing and more.

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays October-May; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays June-September
  • Corey Avenue between Boca Ciega Ave and Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach

Dunedin Downtown Market

Situated in the beautiful John L. Lawrence Pioneer Park, this lively market showcases local crafts, food and music.

See Also

  • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays November-June, only on Saturdays in June
  • 420 Main St.

Heights Night at Armature Works

This monthly bazaar features a rotating list of vendors selling art, handmade goods and jewelry.

  • 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. second Wednesdays
  • 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa

St. Pete Indie Market

Peddling an eclectic collection of wares, this monthly market showcases more than 80 vendors including artists, designers, collectors, artisans and more. Hours may vary during summer months.

  • Noon to 5 p.m. first Saturdays
  • 2201 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market

More than 125 vendors offer produce and florals from family-owned farms, artisan and ready-to-eat foods, handmade crafts and other products made by local business owners and creatives. This upbeat market features a live band every week. Note the regular season is held on the downtown waterfront, while the summer market is held in Williams Park.

  • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays October-May; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays June-September
  • 100 1st St. SE, October-May; 301 1st Ave. N., June-September

Ybor Saturday Market

Located in Tampa’s historic district, this beloved bazaar has been going strong since 2000. Find products unique to Hillsborough County made by local artists, craftsmen and specialty producers.

  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. October-April; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May-September
  • 1901 N. 19th St., Tampa

Trendy Thrifting

Find a wealth of secondhand treasures in the Tampa area

  • Vintage Sunshine Shop
  • Oddities and Antiques
  • Mermaid’s Secret Garden
  • Frolic Exchange
  • Le France
  • Savvy Consignment Boutique
  • Musi’s Restored & More Thrift Store
  • Solutions Thrift Store
  • Valhalla Resale
  • Vintage Post Marketplace

By Laura Parrinello.

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