Periwinkle Place - Sanibel Island, Florida - Outdoors shopping mall

Located on Sanibel Island in Florida, this outdoor shopping mall sits on over seven lush acres and is called Periwinkle Place. The landscaped grounds look more like an agricultural estate than they do Sanibel's largest shopping center. This mall has twenty-eight shops, a tropical caf, and a day spa. You'll find shops like The Cheese Nook, Congress Jewelers and Toys Ahoy. Even though this is an outside mall, you'll find lots of shade and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view.

Periwinkle Place can be found at 2075 Periwinkle Way, two miles west of the four-way stop on Causeway Road on Sanibel Island. The listed hours of operation on the mall's website reads, `Open Daily.'

Shopping in this park-like-setting isn't a chore; it's an extension of your vacation. There are covered walkways (which might save a vacation day if it's raining); lush landscaping, majestic Banyan trees, fountains, a butterfly garden and a child's play area. The shopping at Periwinkle Place covers all the bases from designer beachwear and men and women's clothing to gourmet gifts, original island art, elegant jewelry and unique and fun toys.

Sunnydayguide.com says, "Periwinkle Place was voted one of the top six visitor destinations in Lee County by a recent survey of visitors conducted by the Lee County Convention Bureau.''

Don't expect mall stores. Many of the shops are unique, featuring one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork, glassware, jewelry, island themed gifts, shells and clothing. Among the specialty shops there is The Beach House Swimwear, which claims to have over five thousand swimsuits. Other stores include Storm Brothers, Paradise Boutique, and Camp Sanibel.

Then there is: Life is Good at Synergy, Quiet Storm Surf, and Sport Sanibel Sunglass Company. The beauty salon and day spa have a list of intriguing services. Spend a little time and have an Ayurvedic Shirodara Hot Oil Drip, or an Ultimate Bindi Herbal Body Treatment and a relaxing hot stone massage.

The Blue Giraffe Restaurant is the place to get something more substantial than chocolate. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and feature award-winning tropical cuisine. Fresh local seafood is on the menu, including chowders and fresh baked bread. The restaurant serves wine, beer, cappuccino and desserts.

At Chocolate Expressions you'll find gourmet chocolates, homemade ice cream, fudge, and hand dipped strawberries to eat onsite or take with you. Online mall reviews suggest this mall is a great place to spend a few hours with teenagers if you have to shop and you still want to be outdoors.