The Treasure Chest consignment shop, 1426 Fruitville Road, benefits victims of domestic violence.
Sarasota is a bright fusion of sparkling beaches and bays, art and culture, but antiques mavens know this gem has yet another facet. The area holds a treasure trove of vintage finds in several districts known as “Antique Rows.”
Purveyors range from nonprofit thrift and consignment shops to high-end art and antiques galleries. Some are located in beautiful and popular historic neighborhoods; others are tucked away off the beaten path.
The Women’s Exchange consignment shop on Orange Avenue is filled with recycled merchandise, from very old to almost new. Find art and antiques, rows of furniture, racks of clothing and shelves crowded with fine china, crystal, collectibles and even household items, including garden accessories and décor. The common thread in this diverse collection is quality—this nonprofit has discriminating taste. The Women’s Exchange donates proceeds from sales to worthy area causes,
Wander down Fruitville Road from Central Avenue to Orange Avenue, and you will find yourself in the Fruitville Antique District. Antiques shoppers will delight in everything this two-block stretch has to offer. With more than 14 stores, you can find an array of merchandise including mid-century collectibles, yarn and knitting services, linens, folk art, architectural and patio items and jewelry of all kinds.
SPARCC’S Treasure Chest has great buys on consignment furniture, antiques and collectibles and supports victims of domestic violence.
Venture north on the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) for designer and couture clothing, jewelry and accessories and furniture at Designing Women, a consignment shop that supports local arts organizations and other nonprofits in the community.
You never know what you'll find on a visit to Sarasota Architectural Salvage (1093 Central Ave.), which offers 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.
In Sarasota, you'll also find everything from specialty shops to the eclectic assortments, like the antiques mall Antiques and Chatchkes (1542 Fruitville Road). The mall not only features antique furniture, art and glassware, Roseville pottery, Lladro, linens and vintage jewelry from 28 dealers, but also treats browsers to complimentary tea and cookies in its tearoom.
Among many other antiques malls in the area is Savantiques in Osprey, which features 30 dealers offering 19th century period furniture, art deco, primitives, fine crystal and china, books and more.
A little farther south in Venice on U.S. 41 is The Elephant’s Trunk Thrift Shop and the Salvation Army Thrift Store — an old standby — where you never know when one man’s “junk” is actually a priceless treasure.
The quaint city of Venice is a treasure in itself. It is graced by Northern Italian architecture and beautifully landscaped boulevards dating back to the original city plans of 1925. Here you’ll find antique shops both north and south of downtown as well as on Venice Avenue and “Antique Row” at Miami Avenue, both in the heart of the island.
Very much “in” are the shops at Herald Square in downtown Sarasota. This historic district is loaded with one-of-a-kind antiques that even the most skilled shopper will appreciate. The quaint storefronts and diverse selections are so inviting, you’ll wonder where to start.
Jack, the owner of Jack Vinales Antiques, is as knowledgeable as he is personable and can help you in your quest for American art pottery, all things art deco, Bakelite, jewelry and mid-century classic furniture. Sarasota Trading Co. justifiably boasts having “everything … the unusual new and old.”
Last, but definitely not least, are the art and antiques galleries galore along elegant Palm Avenue. Here you can feast your eyes upon a plethora of fine European and American antiques, and will be wondering, once more, where to begin.
Peruse galleries such as the Coco Palm Gallery and William Hartman Gallery, both of which display high quality art.
