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The Coolest Place To Shop In Florida, St. Armands Circle Is On Its Own Island

St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida, is a unique shopping destination with over 130 merchants, historic restaurants, and lush tropical foliage.

Published Aug 5, 2022

Written by 

Marisa Roman

While Florida is known to have quite a few outdoor shopping markets and plazas, we’re highlighting one in Sarasota, Florida that people come from all over to experience. St. Armands Circle is located on its own island - St. Armands Key. Connected to the mainland by the John Ringling Causeway, St. Armands Circle features over 100 different merchants, plus restaurants, bars, and so much more. That's why it is the coolest place to shop in Florida.

St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida is one of the coolest places to shop in the state.

Street sign at dusk for St. Armands Circle, with palm trees and shops illuminated in the background.
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Shop, walk, relax, and dine on St. Armands Key, at over 130 different merchants located within the circle.

Aerial view of a coastal town with a roundabout, palm trees, and buildings near the beach and ocean.
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This renowned marketplace has a unique blend of historic restaurants, lush tropical foliage, and classic style.

Outdoor café scene with patrons sitting at tables, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers.
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The history behind the circle itself is fascinating — in 1893, Charles St. Amand was the very first resident of the island, purchasing it for $21.71 totaling 131 acres of space. Because his name was misspelled on the land deeds, the misspelling of Amand’s name still stands to this day.

A white statue of a woman stands in a lush garden surrounded by palm trees and parked cars under a blue sky.
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Today, you can walk around and enjoy a plethora of shopping opportunities, from bakeries and sweets shops to clothing stores and restaurants.

Storefront of a clothing shop with large windows, planters, and a sign reading "Tommy Hilfiger." Sunny day.
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You can snag a Latin-inspired meal from Columbia Restaurant, established back in 1905. Sip some sweet sangria as you people watch outside…

Sign for "Columbia" with the text "Columbia Since 1905," surrounded by palm leaves and a clear sky.
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…then head over to Kilwin’s, an old-fashioned confectionery where you can see homemade fudge made right in front of you.

A storefront with a red and white awning reading "Kilwins" offering chocolates, fudge, and ice cream.
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Plus, if you follow the calendar of events, you can find exotic car shows, sidewalk sales, and holiday-themed fun.

A charming street view of a two-story building with shops, palm trees, and outdoor seating under yellow umbrellas.
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Open daily, enjoy a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in Sarasota when you visit St. Armands Circle.

A couple walks along a sidewalk lined with shops and trees under a clear blue sky.
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Have you ever been to St. Armands Circle in Sarasota before? Do you think it's the coolest place to shop in Florida? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this shopping spot, including a full list of merchants, then check out the St. Armands Circle Association website.

Also, while you're in Sarasota working up an appetite shopping, head on over to Five-O Donuts for a sweet treat on the go.

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