Holiday Shopping, Locally

Just two miles west of downtown, the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg features what may be the most eclectic collection of locally-owned stores and businesses in the ‘Burg. Retail, restaurants, salons and galleries make it the ideal place to boost the regional economy and knock out most of your holiday needs in a single day.

It might go a little something like this…

Craftsman House Gallery Café & Studio
Delicious espresso drink to kick off the day and one-of-a-kind gifts for the parents.
2955 Central Ave. 727-323-2787
craftsmanhousegallery.com

Arts and crafts-style glass by Pete Robinson, $150 to $375, and wood and turquoise serving trays by Treestump Woodcrafts of Arizona priced from $40 to $185. The Craftsman House Gallery carries handmade items from over 300 American artists.

The White Elephant
1950s vintage jewelry for the daughter and something for the collector in the family.
2536 Central Ave. 727-827-2965
thewhiteelephantantiques-collectables.com

A citrine and crystal bracelet, $75, and complete eight-piece kitchen canister set, $115, both from the 1950s. Find antiques, retro collectibles and art from the high-end to the affordable, and maybe even a little unusual, at The White Elephant.

Roco Traders
Affordable and unique gifts for friends and family.
2115 Central Ave. 727-895-8922

Handcrafted ceramic birds, $16, and jewelry by artists Kevin Oliver and Manuel Figueroa ranging from $40 to $100. Roco Traders features handmade jewelry, furniture and home décor from Mexican designers and craftspeople.

Island Seafood Market
Order a holiday platter and break for lunch.
2057 Central Ave. 727-821-8181
islandseafoodmarket.com

Looking for a few tasty ideas? How about grilled salmon and pecan encrusted goat cheese, scallops with mango salsa, crab cakes and a fish po’ boy sandwich. Purchase fresh seafood to go or enjoy your dinner at Island Seafood Market with beer, wine or cocktails. Holiday platters and catering available.

Cigar Loft
Hand-rolled cigars for the connoisseur or executive.
2448 Central Ave. 727-388-6992
thecigarloft.com

Cigar Loft’s 10×12 humidor is one of the area’s largest featuring over 250 types of hand-rolled cigars from around the world, including those made here in Tampa Bay. Prices range from $3 to $20.

Essential Elements
Gift certificates for the “hard to buy for” and a massage break for yourself.
3001 First Ave. S 727-327-1309
essentialelementssite.com

With a doctor of oriental medicine, certified aroma therapists, accupuncture, skincare and massage services, Essential Elements is a good place to find a gift certificate for someone who has everything. How about a class on green cleaning or aromatherapy certification?

Ric Castro Salon/JuxtaCenter Art Gallery
Haircut and styling for the company party and something for the art lover.
2157 First Ave. S 727-479-4228
riccastro.com

Find the affordable, including jewelry starting at $30, or the higher-end like sculptures starting at $1,100. Ric will spruce up your holiday look with a cut and style, $40 for women and $25 for men. Color and highlights starting at $40.

The Queens Head Restaurant and Eurobar
Beer and dinner for two.
2501 Central Ave. 727-498-8584
thequeensheadbar.com

What better way to end your shopping spree than enjoying some European fare and flare. Delicious beers on tap, wine and full dinner menu. Dine among the unique indoor décor or nibble and sip while relaxing by the fire in the outdoor cabana-style beds, under a blanket of course. A perfect holiday evening in the ‘Burg. 

Photography by Elise Schreiner

Story from the Holiday Issue of Pete Magazine. To read all other stories in the magazine, check out the list of establishment where you can pick up a copy.