Article

Insider Shopping

By Carol Tisch Photography by Jeanne Ciasullo March 1, 2012

Lakewood Main Street is abuzz with new restaurants and shops, many of them branches of downtown Sarasota and Anna Maria Island favorites. A quick stroll reveals Village Bikes, Artisan World Marketplace and Ana Molinari Salon & Spa—each reminiscent of the Sarasota original, but intriguingly tailored to the new locale. The owners of Anna Maria Island’s Fish Hole Adventure Golf course have opened a grassy, old-Florida iteration here. And the fare at Paris Bistrot is just as authentic as at sister restaurants Island Creperie in Bradenton Beach and 62 Bistrot on Hillview in Sarasota.

Grant a Wish

with stunning gifts like Mud Pie’s dreamy milk-glazed terra cotta dinnerware and serving pieces embossed with starfish and seashells ($18-$250). Wish on Main, 8111 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 907-9125.

World Class

Sarasota’s go-to shop for gifts that make a difference has a new outpost that includes hand-crafted fair-trade items like this handbag of recycled candy wrappers ($90) or sheesham wood nesting tables ($360). Artisans World Marketplace, 8130 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 306-5859.

House Warming

accessories exclusive to exciting new store Urban Accents range from pretty wicker outdoor fans to starfish lamps and rustic turquoise pottery (from $25 to $60). Urban Accents, 8141 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 907-1166.

Taste Test

the newest gourmet flavors in olive oils and vinegars (all sold in 12.5 oz. bottles), but the best seller here remains 18-year-old balsamic aged in wooden barrels ($18). Katy Rose Olive Oils, 8111 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 907-0306.

Tropical Paradise

is wearing Hawaiian-made Denny Wong jewelry in artisan-crafted precious metals and gems like this turquoise pendant with quartz surround and 24K gold leaves ($590). Vanessa Fine Jewelry, 8131 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 373-6311.

shall We Dance?

The comfiest shoes on the planet may be the new ballet flats by OKA b ($45). They’re dressier but as pretty and flexible as the brand’s beloved massage sandals. The Stacked Heel, 8131 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 907-0842.

Storefront Schools

You can now learn everything from martial arts to jewelry making on Lakewood Main Street, with four new storefronts offering classes by topnotch instructors as well as exciting new party venues.

Imagine crafting pieces like this turquoise and silver pendant ($75) by Fran Jensen, owner of Knot AWL Beads, 8110 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 907-8335. Choose classes from beading to metalsmithing, and buy gemstones, crystals and metals on site.

Hone your culinary skills with classes by top local chefs and outfit your kitchen with chef-grade cooking equipment at the brand-new Viking Culinary Center, 8130 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 366-2665.

Express your creativity by painting pre-made bisque pottery, or try your hand at clay building and learn glass-fusing at this studio brimming with paints, glazes, pottery and more. Arts a Blaze Studio, 8111 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 306-5840.

Tone mind and body with martial arts classes for ages three to 103, or try women’s-only Brazilian jiu jitsu and fitness kickboxing. Don’t miss a peek at adorable Little Champs classes for kids aged three to six. America’s Best Martial Arts, 8120 Lakewood Main Street, (941) 363-1319.

Show Comments