Those familiar with everything from the white sands of Siesta to the sharks' teeth in Venice know we have many treasures waiting to be discovered in Sarasota. Among them are the antiques and collectibles at a variety of quaint shops, many of which are in a few-block radius stretching from Fruitville Road to Pineapple Avenue.
Whether you’re an avid collector or just looking for an edgy vintage piece, you’re bound to find something irresistible during your stroll through the antique stores in downtown Sarasota.
Kick off your antique walk at Twice's Nice (1480 Fruitville Rd.), where you can peruse a collection of antique chairs and sofas, as well as Oriental rugs and dressing screens.
Next pop into American Pie (1470 Fruitville Rd.) for their quilts and kitchen goods. Nearby, at Sander’s Antiques (1542 Fruitville Rd.), you'll find silver, wood furniture and nautical pieces.
Walk down to Pineapple Avenue next to browse through the retro furniture and mod pieces in Jack Vinales Antiques (500 Pineapple Ave. S.). Most of his pieces are from the 1930s to 1960s. The store specializes in mid-century modern interiors, as well as Bakelite and American and European art pottery.
Burke and Co. (527 S. Pineapple Ave.) is also along Pineapple, in the spot that formerly housed Creative Collections. You may feel like you’re entering a parlor in Versailles when you’re greeted by elaborate hanging chandeliers, statues and large antique furniture. There is even an antique harp for sale.
Before you leave downtown, visit Sarasota Architectural Salvage (1093 Central Ave.). You'll find artifacts, furniture, art and oddities that have withstood the test of time, traveled the globe and represent a flavorful mix of cultures. SAS is not merely a retail store, it is an experience.
Other Sarasota area antiques stores include Marilyn’s (1269 1st St.), the White Elephant Exchange Antique Mall (3817 S. Tuttle Ave.) and Raymond’s (5624 Swift Rd.).
Other Pineapple Avenue stores include Blue Moon Antiques (134 S. Pineapple Ave.), Thomas Vernon Brown Arts and Antiques (538 S. Pineapple Ave.) and the Sarasota Trading Co. (522 S. Pineapple Ave).
Take time to explore the antique shops in Venice. The Green Butterfly (211 Miami Ave. W.) has antiques, plus furniture, crystal and china. Lucia’s Antiques (223 Miami Ave. W.) is another worthwhile stop to make along the way.
If you’re in the market for a high-end collectible, Elder’s Antiques (901 S. Tamiami Trl., Nokomis) is your source for Asian, American, and European antique pieces. Shopping is by appointment only.
Wrap up your antique hunt in Englewood at the antique shops along Dearborn Street. At Antiques on Dearborn (447 W. Dearborn St.), browse through furniture, fine jewelry, and collectibles, as well as vintage toys and coins. Antiques on Dearborn includes Jett Thompson Antiques and Lion’s Paw Antiques.
Some other Dearborn Street haunts include Yesterday’s Treasures (405 W. Dearborn St.) and Blue Pineapple (445 W. Dearborn St.).
From north to south, Sarasota County is filled with unlimited possibilities to uncover everything from antique gems to vintage duds to jazz up both your wardrobe and your home. Happy hunting!

