Most Bay area residents are aware of this cute little Pinellas County enclave's reputation as a haven for all things quaintly artsy-fartsy; it's the kind of place where one can spend every other Saturday meandering from an arts fair to a wine tasting to a pops-in-the-park concert, complete with fireworks. But how many of us have actually ducked our heads into more than one or two of the area's many small galleries, mom-and-pop eateries and antique-and-curio shops? Sure, a thorough perusal of downtown Main Street and its crossroads will reveal enough touristy handmade seashell wind chimes and leaping ceramic dolphins to give you a neck cramp from constantly turning up your full-time resident's nose. In between, however, you'll find an endlessly interesting parade of collectibles and one-of-a-kind oddities, as well as original works from a wide spectrum of local and regional artists.
This Old Place (454 Main St., 727-725-4242). This venerable former domicile houses a wildly eclectic selection of items, from mass-produced novelties and kiddie clothes to antique dressers, unique bed-and-bath accessories and neat upscale educational board games. Of particular interest is the glassware hand-painted by Oldsmar artist Lori Snow Mirando.
Art Designs & Interiors (344 Main St., 727-726-8303). Partners Linda Ritvanen and Jean Arthur run this custom framing and interior-design business, which also doubles as a gift shop. It has become a favored destination for cool retro touches, including swingin' bar appointments like martini sets and collectible playing cards, and does a brisk business in vintage pinup artwork.
Crimson Moon (327 Main St., 727-725-9977). The Crimson Moon trumps the usual New Age books/incense/crystals one-stop shopping with its exceptionally large and comprehensive selection. Read up on anything from Wicca to lucid dreaming, hurt your head trying to decide which of the dozens of tarot decks is right for you, or just stock up on candles, crystals, jewelry, indigenous music and stinky smoke.
Safety Harbor Antiques and Collectibles (505 Main St., 727-725-1562). The emphasis here is on collectibles — 75-year-old proprietor Lois Spencer, a former photojournalist, has amassed an astonishing array of fascinating little odds and ends, most of it herself. Looking for an antique foldout beard trimmer (it's like a straight razor, only with tiny comb-like teeth)? Or maybe a limited-edition Disney serigraph of Jiminy Cricket? How about some truly unique apothecary bottles? She's got 'em, as well as some shot glasses and spoons that demand collectors' attentions.
Lilly's on Fifth (155 Fifth Ave. N., 727-799-3300). Come for the heavenly smells that emanate from this house of coffees, teas and "light lunches," and stay for a drink, a healthy bite and an amble through the gift shop. In addition to the usual ceramics and glassware, Lilly's boasts singular offerings like orchids and pre-packaged exotic tea blends.
Green Springs Bistro (156 Fourth Ave. N., 727-663-6762). The homey little "Gathering Place" known as Green Springs Café has grown up — if only a little — and moved around the corner, but expect the funky, diverse menu selections, friendly atmosphere and local-artist support that made the original a favorite Safety Harbor haunt. Green Springs displays homegrown art on its walls, and takes no commission from sales; check out painting, wirework and sculpture by Todd Ramquist, Kumpa Tawornprom and others.
This article appears in Nov 16-23, 2005.