1. Hooked On Books
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 517-2602
Address: MM 81.9 Oceanside
Description: Hooked on Books is filled to the rafters with used books and paperbacks. In addition to their extensive Florida and Florida Keys collection, Hooked on Books stocks a large selection of current fiction and nonfiction titles, both new and used. There is also a children’s room with books for all ages.
2. Angelika
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 664-9008
Address: MM 81.9 Bayside
Insider Pick:
Description: Everything from casual clothing to beach wedding gowns can be found here. Natural fabrics and whimsical designs mark the merchandise at Angelika. Look for Angelika’s great hats and handbags.
3. Blue Marlin Jewelry
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 664-8004 or (888) 826-44
Address: MM 81.9 Oceanside
Description: Discover gold in this interesting jewelry shop. Blue Marlin sports a great selection of gold charms, depicting most of the species of our ecosystem. Especially striking are the black coral fish. Many pieces are also offered in sterling silver.
4. World Wide Sportsman Inc.
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 664-4615 or (800) 227-77
Address: MM 81.5 Bayside
Insider Pick:
Description: Don’t miss a stop at World Wide Sportsman, the massive fishing emporium that is an Islamorada must-see. World Wide showcases a 6,000-gallon saltwater aquarium that presents the creatures of our reef, including baby tarpon, bonefish, and redfish. A small art gallery upstairs features works by local artists. In addition to the other treasures, World Wide is stocked to the rafters with a wide assortment of fishing tackle (see the Outfitters section in the Fishing chapter), and a full line of men’s and women’s clothing is offered, including Ex Officio, Woolrich, Sportif, and Columbia.
5. Blue
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 517-9225
Address: MM 82.2 Oceanside
Description: Shop here for classic linen skirts, tops, jackets, pants, and dresses that will look just as appropriate on Fifth Avenue as they do on Duval. Be sure to check out the accessories here, too. The bead jewelry is handmade, and the colors are a perfect complement to the easy-fitting, understated styles. A second location is at 718 Caroline St. (305-292-5172).
6. The Banyan Tree
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 664-3433
Address: MM 81.2 Oceanside
Description: A shaded courtyard is the cool, unruffled invite greeting you at the Banyan Tree. The proprietors are a knowledgeable couple who know their stuff with an ever-changing inventory, making the Banyan Tree a find! An eclectic mix of antiques and contemporary items for home and garden abound.
7. Rain Barrel Village Of Artists And Craftspeople
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 852-3084
Address: MM 86.7 Bayside
Insider Pick:
Description: You can’t miss this place with the famous sculpture of Betsy the Lobster greeting shoppers. At 30 feet tall and 40 feet long, it’s a great photo opportunity. Inside is a lush, tropical hideaway housing artists and crafters who work in retail shops that are peppered beneath the gumbo-limbos and amid the bougainvillea.
8. Sea Dragon
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 664-0048
Address: MM 82 Oceanside
Description: Billing itself as “exotic island decor,” Sea Dragon will help you create your own Shangri-la. The owners travel to Bali each season to make selections that help their customers create a tropical Asian look in their home. Indonesian artwork and teak furniture with unusual pieces make this shop a must-see.
9. Ichthyophile
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 664-8960
Address: MM 82 Bayside
Insider Pick:
Description: This unique shop with an even more unique name is sure to hook your attention. Ichthyophile (one who enjoys and studies fish) is lovingly stocked with rare, historic prints of sea life that have been preserved from books that are up to 200 years old. The owner was a backcountry guide for 13 years, and his interest led him to open this entertaining and interesting shop. Look for the Kids’ Corner, with toys and books with a water or fish subject; it’s a great way to interest kids in becoming anglers.