Shopping
The Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area isn’t just a vacationer’s nirvana, it’s a slice of paradise for avid shoppers and bargain-hunters, as well. At stores around the area, shoppers find local art and souvenirs, fine fashions, delicious local delicacies and so much more.
Island Bazaar
Island Bazaar is located just across the bridge from the Compass hotel, in Holmes Beach (with a second location in Bradenton Beach). The shop has all the beachwear you want and need. Stock up on Anna Maria Island apparel, and goods for the whole family from beloved beach brands like Costa, Reef, Maui Jim and Salt Life.
Pine Avenue Shops
Be sure to visit Pine Avenue—also on Anna Maria Island, in the northernmost town of Anna Maria. The street is full of jewelry stores, clothing stores, boutiques, galleries and gift shops. For women’s fashions, head to The Island Cabana near the corner of Crescent Drive and sort through racks of brand name resortwear. After, stop into Pink & Navy by North Shore Drive or treat yourself to some jewelry at Island Charms. Find kids crafts and activities at Shiny Fish Emporium, shop for souvenirs and gifts at Emerson’s Studio Store and stock up on any household goods or snacks you need at Anna Maria General Store. For more tasty treats, stop by The Donut Experiment or Olive Oil Outpost.
Village of the Arts
The Village of the Arts in downtown Bradenton is a must-visit. Here you’ll find a unique shopping/living/artist area with restored cottages from the 1920s and 1930s that house art galleries, specialty shops, bakeries and more. It’s the best place in the area to find unique local art, from paintings to coastal-inspired home decor—and it’s only 15 minutes from the hotel. The Village of the Arts also hosts Art Walks on the first Friday night and Saturday afternoon of every month.
Groceries at Detwiler’s Farm Market
Detwiler’s Farm Market is the place to go for fresh local produce and other regional food specialties. Detwiler’s has multiple locations—the closest is less than 20 minutes from the Compass hotel, in the town of Palmetto. This is the place to stock up on beach snacks and picnic foods. Don’t forget to stop at their old-fashioned ice cream shop for locally made ice cream.
St. Armand’s Circle Shopping Center
St. Armand’s Circle Shopping Center covers an entire island with one massive open-air shopping and dining complex, packed with specialty shops and boutiques. It’s about 30 minutes from the Compass hotel but well worth the drive for an afternoon of shopping. Find well-known favorites for island wear like Lilly Pulitzer and Tommy Bahama, plus an array of jewelry shops and shoe stores like Charlestown Shoe Co. and Flip Shop Shops. There are also tons of dining options at St. Armand’s—perfect for when you work up an appetite after a day of hunting for deals.