If you use the South Tampa portions of these streets primarily to go back and forth to work, your tunnel vision may be leading you to zoom past some of the most charming shops in town. But if you get your ass out of the car and onto the sidewalks, your gift recipient will be grateful for the effort.
The Pine Shop (3105 W. Bay To Bay Blvd., 813-839-2076). Damn, this place smells good. The scent of pine, cedar, maple and more is relaxing, which is a good thing, because there's so little room to move in this shop you may feel a bit claustrophobic. The Pine Shop has crammed as much as possible into its small space, with some items piled atop others. Elegant tables, chairs, armoires and highboys command the bulk of the space, with a few well-appointed lamps, paintings and decorative accents here and there. If you've got the means, who wouldn't love a charming, forest green TV unit for $1,899? Or to really impress, go for the regal credenza — a mere 10 grand.
South Tampa's Green With Envy (3005 S. MacDill Ave., 813-835-1058). When the surly shoppers and congested roadways become too much, make this tranquil place your destination. You can breathe the fresh oxygen, then wander to the backyard, where chairs have been thoughtfully provided for customers to sit a spell and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waterfall that flows into koi-stocked ponds. This place has everything for the green thumbs on your list, including fountains, lanterns, outdoor fireplaces and colorful ceramic statuary. Oh, and plants. Lots and lots of plants. It's Mother Nature's one-stop shopping destination.
Late Bloomer's Treasures & Collectibles (1908 S. MacDill Ave., 813-258-9580). Formerly Sherry's Yesterdaze (which relocated to Seminole Heights), this little yard-sale-in-a-storefront has been supplying South Tampans with cast-off goodies for years. You'll find $10 button-down Izod Lacoste sweaters mixed with $185 pearlized Lucite pocketbooks. You can spend hours in the joint and still miss the Laurel & Hardy mugs ($38) and autographed photo of Pat Sajak and Vanna White ($14.85).
Guillot Apothecary & Day Spa (3115 W. Bay To Bay Blvd., 813-835-4299). This place is gorgeous. The main shop area — graced with high ceilings and beautifully painted with French-inspired scenes — smells divine. Stocked with perfumes, skincare products, makeup, lotions and more, Guillot carries the hot product lines found more readily in places like Beverly Hills (in fact, the spa's eyebrow techs are sent to L.A. for training with Anastasia Soare, eyebrow expert to the stars). The private massage rooms are like nothing you've ever seen, and the place offers an astounding number of services — from manicures and massage, to hydrotherapy and microdermabrasion. Get your beauty queen pals the Inception "instant firming" face masque for $60 each (one of only two local carriers, Guillot is the only shop that sells the masks individually, in addition to the $240 box of five). Or to really spoil your friends, invite a dozen or so for a private spa party (prices start at $140 per person for eight guests).
The Exterior Decorating Shop (3220 S. MacDill Ave., 813-832-5463). Owner Kim Levell is simply the nicest shop owner you're likely to find in South Tampa. Chatty and genial, she's passionate about exterior design, and it shows. Her little shop is crammed with items both homey and thoroughly modern. There are metal, bamboo and Adirondack chairs; urns, pots and HUGE planters. But keep an eye out for the wicked cool, Deco-looking bird feeders ($125). The colorful ceramic and metal beauties are functional art. The painted iron Christmas trees (with votive holders) are kick-ass as well, without the annoying pine needles.
Axxents (2120 S. MacDill Ave., 813-250-1906). This place is a women's accessories mecca. Purses and bags with sequins, beads and baubles; gorgeous, vintage estate jewelry; adorable business card and cigarette cases, belts and compacts; and a choice selection of clothes, all attractively displayed in a comfortable, airy storefront that's larger than it looks from outside. For the Best-Dressed Bucs Fan, we suggest a bright red top with a tiny football and "Go Bucs" spelled out in shiny Swarovski crystals ($65).
Chris' Cookies & Gift Baskets (3215 S. MacDill Ave., 813-837-4402). For your sweet-toothed sweetie, stop by Chris' for a box, basket or tray of some seriously excellent cookies. Get the smallest Loose Goose basket with a dozen huge cookies for $28. Or go all out with a large Gourmet basket, overflowing with cookies, brownies, cheeses, nuts, sausages, dried fruits, coffee and more ($85; add a bottle of wine or champagne for an additional fee). In fact, there's a combo for just about everyone, from babies to college students to golfers. Bonus: Cookies can be baked and delivered the same day.
Salvation Army (2815 S. MacDill Ave., 813-972-0471). We know the Sally isn't the first stop on your list of shopping destinations, but come on — it's a Salvation Army in South Tampa. Some of the used stuff in here is nicer than some of the brand-new items in our homes. Your bohemian friends will love the idea. After all, one man's trash…
This article appears in Nov 16-23, 2005.