The only bookstore on the south end of the island, Lord Jim's is delightful for browsing and essential for yachties in need of marine charts. It's upstairs at the marina, next to the Cable and Wireless office (where you can use the Internet and telephones). The book selection is small, but you can always pick up a good read for relaxation or some magazines. Don't expect to find international newspapers, as they are impossible to locate in Antigua, but you can buy a local paper or nautical tabloids. In addition, there is a decent selection of West Indian cookbooks, marine flags (required for yachts), gifts and T-shirts, plus a passport photo nook. Prices tend to be high, but this is because of duty requirements.
Nestled at the end of Freeman's Bay's picturesque Dockyard Drive, Nelson's Dockyard is a feast for sore eyes with its breathtaking waterfronts and the captivating Georgian stone fortresses at Berkeley and Shirley Heights. The dockyard is named after the first Duke of Bronte Vice, Admiral Horatio Nelson who was one of the most notable inhabitants of the area from the years 1784 to 1787. The dock maintains its wonderful 18th-century charm even after the restoration process that occurred in 1951. The Nelson's Dockyard National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions here.
This historic district was once the preeminent slave-trading area for the town. Now a historic district, it consists of restored warehouses and old buildings painted, brightly painted in rainbow colors. Also housing small courtyards with dining facilities, the area has been redone to attract shoppers while retaining a sense of the island's history. Visit wonderful boutiques and novelty stores selling local wares and trendy clothing then dine at cozy eateries with tasty French pastries, pizza, and local brews. Note that while many do, some shops may not take credit cards.
When cruise ship passengers disembark on Antigua, many head straight for Heritage Quay, one of the best-known shopping centers around. Duty-free, designer, and locally made products are all sold here, making it a veritable one-stop shopping area for anything you might need or want. The two-story shopping complex has plenty to offer hardcore shoppers as well as casual browsers. Venders selling batik pareos, t-shirts, woven products, jewelry, and more all congregate near the center of town at Heritage Quay to display their goods. You'll definitely want to see what they have in store.
Out of this world 14 and 18-karat jewelry design is what this is jewelry store and studio is all about. Owner and designer Hans Smit arrived here from Holland, where he studied at the Academy of Modern Art, in 1965. The shop is roomy and cool with long glass cases lining the walls, spilling of course with unique pieces. The staff is friendly and won't put you off if you just want to look. Hans will make a custom design for you or reset your gems. Parking is difficult at the bottom of Redcliffe Street where the shop is located; you'd be better off reaching it by taxi or by foot.
If you're looking for artwork that's truly unique and a perfect reflexion of the Carribean culture and Antiguan traditions, head over to Zemi Art Gallery. Apart from beautiful works of art, other pieces on display include handmade necklaces, bracelets, t-shirts, earrings, mugs, home decor items and numerous other artistic odds and ends. You can be sure everything you buy here is absolutely unique because it's all handmade by artist and owner Stephen who's very highly spoken off. Stop by Zemi Art Gallery and pick up some excellent souvenirs on your trip to the island.
The only bookstore on the south end of the island, Lord Jim's is delightful for browsing and essential for yachties in need of marine charts. It's upstairs at the marina, next to the Cable and Wireless office (where you can use the Internet and telephones). The book selection is small, but you can always pick up a good read for relaxation or some magazines. Don't expect to find international newspapers, as they are impossible to locate in Antigua, but you can buy a local paper or nautical tabloids. In addition, there is a decent selection of West Indian cookbooks, marine flags (required for yachts), gifts and T-shirts, plus a passport photo nook. Prices tend to be high, but this is because of duty requirements.
St. John's just wouldn't be the same without having this golden-colored landmark store in town. In fact, there are two locations, the second being on Ugent Avenue. The merchandise is largely a good variety of fine wines (and some not so fine) from Italy, France, California, Chile, South Africa and Germany; the selection of spirits is substantial. You can accommodate your liquor tastes or tobacco needs here as well. The prices are surprisingly reasonable.
A good percentage of visitors to Antigua is from the yachting community. Thus, stores like Budget Marine are essential. It stocks what sailors want. Stop into the Jolly Harbour Store, which is part of the Jolly Harbour shipyard/marina. Even if you don't own a boat, the place is interesting to browse and people watch. It's the Caribbean's largest chandlery with a second store in Sint Maarten at the Simpson Bay Lagoon. The store is managed by Robbie Ferron, one of our most avid sailors!
If you're looking for artwork that's truly unique and a perfect reflexion of the Carribean culture and Antiguan traditions, head over to Zemi Art Gallery. Apart from beautiful works of art, other pieces on display include handmade necklaces, bracelets, t-shirts, earrings, mugs, home decor items and numerous other artistic odds and ends. You can be sure everything you buy here is absolutely unique because it's all handmade by artist and owner Stephen who's very highly spoken off. Stop by Zemi Art Gallery and pick up some excellent souvenirs on your trip to the island.
The attractive aquamarine and white hued shopfront is a perfect foil to the luring displays for shoppers to walk in. Silver Chelles is a charming boutique for women who love silver jewelry. Not just any silver accessory, but one that is made with seashells. From rings to bracelets, pendants and earrings, these artisanal pieces are unique and beautiful. Some of the seashells featuring in their inventory are Shiva Eye, Abalone, Nautilus and Mother of Pearl. Check out their seashell themed gifts as well to gift your family or friends back home or as a souvenir of your travel in Antigua.
Known as one of the most popular purveyors of outdoor and sports gear on the island, it is no surprise that AquaSports features a knowledgeable team and a wide range of products for your outdoor needs. The store is located within Heritage Quay, and stocks everything from top-notch snorkeling, diving, and fishing equipment, to sundries such as sun-block lotions, outdoor wear, and sunglasses. If you require a special piece of equipment for your outdoor expeditions, the good folks at AquaSports will be more than happy to order it for you. Choose from a variety of high quality sports brands such as Neo Skin, Crocs, Penn, and Body Glove. What's more, the products at AquaSports duty-free, translating into excellent value for money on whatever you may purchase.