LEE ISLAND COAST, FL --It's not the big city (thank goodness), but shoppers will find gifts and fashions that reflect the Lee Island Coast lifestyle in settings that make buying or browsing a pleasure.

Periwinkle Way - A casual stroll, bike ride or historic trolley tour along Sanibel’s main thoroughfare will take shoppers to a variety of small open-air shopping centers, many on stilts, that specialize in everything from seashell crafts to high-quality fashions to one-of-a-kind furniture. Some of the larger plazas on Periwinkle Way include Periwinkle Place, Islander Shopping Center and the Village Shopping Center. Most shops close at 6 p.m.

Bailey's Shopping Center – Sanibel’s first store was opened by the Bailey family in the late 1800s. Today, the general store, still owned and operate by the Bailey family, has grown into Bailey's Shopping Center complete with a large grocery store, hardware store, apparel shop, barber shop and beauty salon. Located at the corner of Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road.

Chadwick’s Square - Part of South Seas Plantation Resort & Yacht Harbour, but open to the public as well as guests, this stilt-high shopping plaza includes a pizzeria, art gallery, jeweler, beauty salon, gift and clothing stores.

Seashells, the natural treasures of the Lee Island Coast are available even to those who don't want to get sand between their toes. Look for exotic shells, shell crafts and shell jewelry at shops such as:

• She Sells Sea Shells, 1157 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, (941)472-6991 or 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, (941)472-8080.
• Neptune’s Treasures, 1101 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, (941)472-3132.
• The Sea and Me, 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, (941)472-5636.
• Shell World of Sanibel, 2330 Palm Ridge Rd., Sanibel Island (941)472-9411.
• Showcase Shells, 1614 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, (941)472-1971.

Seafarers Village Shopping Mall - At the foot of the sky bridge on Estero Island, this is Fort Myers Beach's only indoor shopping mall, although shoppers can also choose to shop outdoors as the mall also has a covered veranda. Shops include specialty clothing, resort wear, galleries, gifts and a German restaurant. Location: 1113 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, (941) 463-1113.

Times Square - At the heart of beach life, Times Square is bustling with activity and bikini-clad shoppers. A variety of smaller shops and restaurants offer everything from swimsuits and beach apparel to souvlaki and hamburgers. Located at the foot of Mantanzas Pass Bridge on Estero Island.

Santini Plaza - Located at the south end of Estero Island, this shopping center offers a variety of specialty shops including beach apparel, gift shops and an Italian deli and grocery store.

Historic downtown First Street - Much of Fort Myers charming downtown historic district has undergone renovation, with more expected in at the near future. First Street often features musicians and artists as well as used bookstores, quaint restaurants, apparel shops and business offices.

Edison Mall - This is at the largest shopping mall in Southwest Florida, with several large department stores including Burdines, JC Penney and Dillards, as well as more than 150 specialty shops and restaurants. Location: U.S. 41 and Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, (941) 939-5464. Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Some store and restaurant hours vary.

Bell Tower Shops - Fifty boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants, Saks Fifth Avenue and Jacobson’s department stores in a scenic setting, offer shoppers everything from fine wines to snow skiing apparel, seafood to popcorn. One movie theater, offering a total of 6 movie selections. Location: U.S. 41 and Daniel’s Parkway, Fort Myers, (941) 489-1221. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some store and restaurant hours vary.

Royal Palm Square - A scenic mall with waterways and tropical foliage, this shopping mall has 22 fine shops and restaurants. Location: on Colonial Boulevard, between McGregor Boulevard and Summerlin Road, Fort Myers, (941) 939-3900. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some store and restaurant hours vary.

Sanibel Factory Outlets -Outlet shopping on the boardwalk surrounded by lush landscaping offers a truly unique shopping experience. From fashions to gifts to home accessories, there are more than 55 famous shops filled with designer names and national brands. Location: Summerlin Road and McGregor Boulevard, at the gateway to Sanibel Island, (941) 454-1616 or 888-SHOP333.. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Web site: http://www.charter-oak.com/sanibel

Fleamasters Fleamarket - Stroll through hundreds of booths bursting with bargains in a fun-filled day of shopping and more. More than 800 booths with antiques, crafts, fashions, produce and bargain items. Location: 1-1/4 miles west from I-75, exit 23, on State Road 82, Fort Myers, (941)334-7001.

Coralwood Mall - A selection of specialty shops, apparel shops and restaurants accompany Bealls Department Store and a movie theater. Location: 2301 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, (941)574-1441.

Springs Plaza - A variety of restaurants, boutiques and specialty shops offer a fine selection of merchandise, food and services as well as Beall's Department Store outlet. Additionally, late-night shoppers can pick up groceries and last-minute items at a 24-hour grocery store. Location: U.S. 41 and Bonita Beach Road, (941) 992-7770. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some store and restaurant hours may vary.

At the Shell Factory - An institution in Southwest Florida for more than 50 years, at the Shell Factory is billed as at the "world's largest collection of rare shells, corals, sponges and fossils from at the seven seas." This shopping extravaganza boasts 65,500 square feet of gift items from around at the world. One entire room is devoted to shell jewelry, ranging form costume to fine. At the Pearl Pavilion, visitors pluck their own pearls from Japanese oysters and may select their own settings. Location: North Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), North Fort Myers, (941) 995-2141.