Presenting

16 | Michael Saunders & Company SHOPPING A ntiques oday, we can find practically anything online in a few key strokes, but that convenience cannot replace the serendipitous thrill of finding a unique treasure on a shopping adventure. Whether you are looking for a specific item—a Danish mid-century dining table, perhaps—or just waiting for something to spark your excitement, there is a wide-array of vintage purveyors to be found here in the Sarasota area. Downtown Sarasota offers a variety of resources for collectors from fine antiques and specialty collectibles to vintage architectural elements. A great place to begin a treasure hunt is Crissy Galleries, a staple in the Southwest Florida antique estate market. The store is divided into two distinct areas, 'The Main Showroom" offering a wide variety of furnishings and collectibles and 'The Vault Collection," presenting 18th-20th century antiques by Tiffany, Pairpoint, and Handel Lamps as well as exquisite fine jewelry. Elizabeth Rice Fine Art & Antiques on Main Street is a favorite of many interior designers. With over 17 years of experience, she is dedicated to understanding and interpreting the fields of design and the arts, making her an expert connoisseur. A few blocks down on Palm Avenue, Burke Antiques specializes in Chinese porcelains, French country clocks, museum-quality pottery, chandeliers, and outdoor sculptures. The Burns Court neighborhood in downtown offers a myriad of boutiques housing everything from whimsical vintage wear to exquisite mid-century furniture. The Sarasota Trading Company is filled with an assortment of trendy furniture and home décor items, while Jack Vinales Antiques captivates all with his collection of translucent, multi-colored Bakelite for which his shop has garnered much attention. Ford Art & Antiques is another must-see destination for fine antique paintings, sculptures, furniture, and objects d'art. A short stroll away on Fruitville Road, you will find an assortment of antique boutiques, each possessing its own individual personality and varied selection of collectibles with Antiques & Chatchkes, and Todburn Antiques among favorites. In the heart of the Rosemary District, Architectural Salvage, beautifully illustrates the value of reusing and recycling. The shop has steadily gained notoriety for its eclectic assembly of vintage signs, hardware, doors, and outdoor statuary. Another popular spot for collectors is the Antiques Gallery of Sarasota, the largest purchaser of antiques on Florida's Gulf Coast. Located off 12th street, between Lime Ave and North Euclid, this 7,500 square-foot show room is stocked with carefully curated antiques from well-seasoned dealers. South of Sarasota in Osprey, Bob Harris at the House of Lords offers an array of treasures specially selected by the British-bred owner with particularly refined taste. Harris only accepts top-notch American and European antiques including glassware, provenance furniture and high-end oil paintings by well-known artists. In Venice, proprietor and auctioneer, Don Elder, known worldwide as an outstanding collector, maintains a well-organized, extensive assemblage of oriental fine art and antiques at Elder's Fine Art & Antiques. Further south, the streets of downtown Venice are lined with boutiques. Posh On Palm offers fabulous finds such as crystal chandeliers and custom armoires. The newest adition to the scene is Venice Island Antiques, which opened at the beginning of 2016 and offers everything from rare glass collections to ornate porcelain tea sets. Not to be forgotten, Manatee County also hosts a superb choice of antique stores, ranging from small specialty boutiques to large, multi-dealer antiques and collectible malls. It's easy to spend a day at Emilines Antiques and Collectables Mall, sorting through their fine selection of glassware, furniture and jewelry. The Estate House in Bradenton holds sales each weekend with a pleasant and experienced staff readily available. Whether you prefer 18th century European antiques or mid-century modern design, the Sarasota region has a rich, extensive assortment of vintage finds to satify your taste. So set your laptop aside, and head out for an adventure to find a piece of history to add to your personal collection of treasures. T

• Cover