While staying at the Eiko’s Beach House in Treasure Island, Florida, a favourite activity other than relaxing on the beach or in the heated swimming pool is to do a little antiquing.
It is fun to take a short break from the holiday and indulge in treasure hunting at the various antique markets in the area. As St. Petersburg has grown from a sleepy small city to a cool destination on Florida’s West Coast, unfortunately many antique market have closed their doors. Local rents have increased and the growth of eBay has been too much for many dealers to compete against.
However here are three niche “honey holes” are worth a visit while staying at the luxury Eiko Beach House on Treasure Island.
Antique Galleries of St. Petersburg
This large antique shopping mall, less than a 10 minute drive from the beach house, is located at 450 34th Street North in St. Petersburg. There is plenty of parking and you have two floors to explore; however, I find the lower floor to be the most interesting as the items for sale tend to be a little bit smaller like ornaments.
They also have a very impressive selection of spiritual items. This includes everything from spiritual jewellery, native talismans like wood carvings and even healing crystals. The selection of healing crystals includes individual tumblers and even larger geodes. Their crystals are perfect for all purposes including decoration, Feng Shui and cleansing.
To learn more about how to use healing crystals, check out Sodalite Minds.
Everything from antiquities from ancient Greece and Rome to the stuff “Mom and Dad threw away when you were teenagers” is on display. In many cases, discounts are available if asked for and the salespersons are helpful but not intrusive.
Collum Antiques
The next place is my secret location which I wanted to remain hidden but I’ll reveal to you now. Collum Antiques, located at 80 Indian Rocks Rd N Ste A, Belleair Bluffs, just about a 20 minute drive north of Treasure Island is the place to go if you like items from the Civil War or earlier. Muskets, swords, medical and navigational instruments are for sale. The shop is small and owner Ed Collum is a master of antiques from the period.
There is absolutely no pressure to buy anything yet if you find something you like, a discount can usually be arranged. It’s a treat just to speak with Mr. Collum and absorb his knowledge while finding an occasional treasure to add to your collection.
The Court of Two Sisters
Finally is you are looking for a day out, why not drive to Tarpon Springs about one hour north of Treasure Island. After having a traditional Greek lunch by the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, go to The Court of Two Sisters and the Upper court, antique mall, 153 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, USA on Main Street. The manager is conversant on virtually all items for sale by the various dealers. The antiques and collectibles are quality and there are many “Old Florida” display items including china wear from vintage hotels of the bygone era.
There are tons of additional antique shops in the areas which you can visit along with the three mentioned above. All visitors to the luxury Eiko’s Beach House, in Treasure Island , will find amazing antiques and artifacts from “Old Florida” to enjoy while relaxing in your own personal paradise. Many of these items were purchased from the above shops/locations. Happy Hunting!
