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Media Kit: Shopping
SHOPPING, ARTS AND ANTIQUES ATTRACT VISITORS TO ST. AUGUSTINE, PONTE VEDRA AND THE BEACHES
From more than 20 art galleries and 25 antique stores in St. Augustine to trendy resort boutiques in Ponte Vedra Beach, shopping in the St. Augustine-Ponte Vedra Beach area of northeast Florida offers visitors plentiful and diverse choices.
History is the primary lure for visitors to St. Augustine, however, the original art, crafts and one-of-a-kind antiques are a major enticement for shoppers as well. For more retail-minded shoppers, opportunities galore await in St. Augustine at two of Florida's premier outlet mall locations.
Ponte Vedra Beach, with its nationally known resorts and accent on outdoor recreation, offers a different kind of shopping experience. Many boutiques and stores primarily cater to shoppers in search of sporting apparel and accessories. Quality arts and crafts and unique gift shops are also found in Ponte Vedra Beach.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine offers a panorama of shopping, ranging from one-of-a-kind art and antique stores to two of the most popular outlet malls in the Southeast.
In the very heart of the city, anchored by historic St. George Street, visitors can stroll down 11 pedestrian-only blocks and browse in specialty stores and souvenir shops. The experience of shopping in an Old World atmosphere is accented by the area's narrow streets, distinctive wooden and metal shop signs and overhanging balconies.
For shoppers who enjoy art and antiques, shopping in St. Augustine is particularly attractive. The number of art galleries in the Old City has nearly quadrupled since the late 1980s and is home to one of Florida's most productive arts communities. Visitors can explore art shops, stores and galleries and glance at the works of artists from around the world, including more than 230 artists from St. Augustine alone.
The art community's active schedule includes a bi-annual art and crafts festival, monthly organized Gallery Art Walks on the First Friday of each month and, each October, the annual Colonial Art and Craft Fair.
If antiques are desired, then St. Augustine is an ideal place to shop. Three distinct antique shopping areas are grouped within five minutes walking or driving distance of the center of St. Augustine. The Antique Dealers Association of St. Augustine lists 25 members, nearly all of them within two miles of the city's historic district.
Like to "shop ‘til you drop?" The huge St. Augustine Premium Outlets, at the intersection of I-95 (exit #318) and State Road 16, has 85 discount factory outlet stores featuring top name brands. Just across I-95, the Prime Outlets now offer brand name merchandise at over 50 discount stores.
For a shopping and walking experience in a beautiful setting, the World Golf Village offers quality clothing, toys, art, and sporting apparel stores encircling a lake setting which includes the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Ponte Vedra Beach
The shops of fashionable Ponte Vedra Beach, located at the northern tip of St. Johns County, reflect the resort atmosphere of the beachside community. Upscale specialty shops include women and men's clothes to sports apparel and accessories.
Ponte Vedra's two acclaimed resorts-Marriott by Sawgrass and the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club-both have excellent clothing, gift and specialty stores offering apparel and goods tailored to appeal to the international guests who frequent the resorts. Two dozen quality boutiques and fine specialty shops can be found in nearby Sawgrass Village.
Beachside Shopping
Looking for a souvenir of your visit to the beach? Or just in need of sunscreen or outdoor gear? The beaches of St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach are dotted with independently operated gift and retail stores that carry merchandise and goods more frequently required by visitors to the area.
On Anastasia Island, just across the Bridge of Lions from St. Augustine, shops offer carved sconces, collectibles, seaside and nautical-themed wares, and offbeat and unusual antiques.
Information On St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra And The Beaches
For free information on the shopping, dining, beaches, golf and lodging in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the beaches, including a colorful 40-page travel planner, call the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau toll-free at 1-800-418-7529 or visit www.Getaway4Florida.com.
Media contact:
Jay Humphreys, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB, 904.829.1711 ext. 306, jhumphreys@getaway4florida.com
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