New Smyrna Beach, located on Florida’s Central East Coast, is known for its art galleries, local boutiques, and lush beach-scapes. However, this charming beachside town has also cultivated a reputation as a shopping paradise. The fusion of modern commerce, unique local stores, and gastronomical delights will keep shoppers engaged, satiated, and craving for more. If planning a day of indulgence, be prepared to unravel the sunny retail utopia comfortably nestled in New Smyrna’s vibrant community.
To start the perfect day of shopping, make your first stop Flagler Avenue, the heart of New Smyrna Beach shopping scene. This five-block stretch is filled with an eclectic blend of boutiques offering surf clothes, beachwear, handmade crafts, artistic jewelry, and charming home décor. Shops like Gyftz and Beachy Chic Designs offer a wonderful selection of clothing, homeware, and gifts.
Further east, Canal Street offers a more laid-back yet chic shopping affair. The historic downtown street hosts a wide array of art galleries, furniture stores, unique boutiques, and antique shops. Want a piece of history to take back home? Visit Canal Street Historic District where you might find a precious keepsake amongst the curated collection of antiques. Experience the aroma of lavender wafting from The Posh Pineapple, a charming store specializing in home décor and gifts.
Shopping on an empty stomach? Worry not! The culinary scene of New Smyrna Beach matches its retail richness. Caffeine enthusiasts can savor a cup of specialty coffee amidst a warm, relaxed ambiance at Island Roasters Coffee Company on Flagler.
If you’re looking to refuel during your shopping excursion at New Smyrna Beach with a hearty and satisfying lunch, look no further than the Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar on Flagler Avenue. This culinary gem is highly acclaimed by both locals and visitors, offering a delectable menu of savory eats and an enchanting garden patio for a truly delightful dining experience.
Indulge in their house-made Bananas Foster, featuring a sumptuous banana nut bread drizzled with a caramel rum sauce, topped with sautéed brown sugar bananas, candied pecans, and a generous dollop of banana whipped cream. For those with a hearty appetite, the Southwestern Hash allows a personal touch with options like honey ham, chorizo, Italian sausage, chicken, or veggies all blending with roasted potatoes, caramelized onion, and gooey mozzarella, finished with two perfectly cooked eggs and a drizzle of red pepper coulis.
Seafood enthusiasts can savor the local catch with the Rock Shrimp Scramble, a concoction of Florida Rock Shrimp, chorizo, and eggs, combined with heirloom peppers and a Mozzarella Blend, all resting on toasted challah for an elegant touch. A lighter, yet no less delicious option is their Frittata, infused with arugula, red onion, feta, and tomatoes, accompanied by avocado and seasonal fruit for a refreshing counterpoint.
Don’t skip their wood-fired Neapolitan Pizzas like the unique Honey Baby, topped with soppressata salami, a robust tomato sauce, mozzarella/provolone, Italian cherry peppers, and drizzled with local NSB wildflower honey for a sweet and savory finish. And for a true local delicacy, try the House Smoked Cajun Redfish Dip paired with Lahvosh crackers and house-pickled veggies, which is a testament to Third Wave Cafe’s commitment to flavorful and sustainable seafood offerings.
Third Wave Cafe encapsulates the essence of New Smyrna Beach’s relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, ensuring that diners leave not only refreshed but also enchanted by the high-quality, creative cuisine on offer.
For the sweet-toothed, Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop offers artisanal chocolates, world famous taffy and a bevy of delightful treats which will surely transport you back to your childhood.
If there is one event that captures the essence of shopping combined with cultural flair in New Smyrna Beach, it is surely the First Saturday Art Stroll and Gallery Walk. This monthly event transforms the streets of Canal and Douglas into a vibrant showcase for art aficionados and casual observers alike.
First Saturday Art Stroll and Gallery Walk: On the first Saturday of every month, the streets get lined with the creative works of local artisans displaying their masterpieces. As you meander through the colorful stalls, you can stop to chat with the artists, delve into the stories behind their creations, and even purchase a piece that strikes your fancy. The atmosphere is festive and is usually complemented by live music, adding a perfect auditory backdrop to the visual feast. With various galleries keeping their doors open late, this stroll is perfect for soaking in New Smyrna Beach’s rich artistic heritage.
The Hub on Canal: A star participant in the Art Stroll, The Hub on Canal, becomes a beehive of activity during this event. Housing the studios of over 70 artists, a trip here gives you the opportunity to watch artists at work and engage with them. From painters and sculptors to jewelry makers and photographers, The Hub is a microcosm of New Smyrna Beach’s diverse artistic community all under one roof.
Shopping with a local and fresh ethos can be experienced at the New Smyrna Beach Farmer’s Market – an attraction for visitors who want to savor items directly sourced from the growers and craftsmen.
New Smyrna Beach Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday, local farmers and artisans come together to offer an assortment of fresh produce, organic goods, bakery delights, and unique crafts. The market is a great place to interact with the local community, understand the origins of your food, and support sustainable practices. The variety of offerings extends beyond the edible, with sellers providing handcrafted jewelry, natural skincare products, and bespoke clothing. Engaging with the sellers gives insight into the local way of life, and you’ll leave not just with bags full but with stories to tell and a better understanding of New Smyrna Beach’s local trade.
The First Saturday Art Stroll and the Farmer’s Market anchor the calendar of any shopaholic with a heart for cultural and ethical consumerism. These events aren’t just about the transaction; they are about experiencing the coastal town’s living narrative and community spirit.
Exploring the charismatic coastal city of New Smyrna Beach without a visit to The Hub on Canal Street would be like missing a beat of the city’s vibrant heart. The Hub isn’t just a shopping destination; it’s an immersive artistic experience that resonates with the creative pulse of New Smyrna Beach.
The Hub on Canal Street: Stepping into The Hub, you are immediately enveloped in the bustling energy of local creativity. With a collective of over 70 artists, the space is a tapestry of fine art, intriguing crafts, and live performances. Here, you can browse through a dazzling array of one-of-a-kind paintings, sculptures, and photographs, each with a tale woven by the hands of local talent. Engage with artists-in-residence working on their next masterpiece, or participate in one of the many workshops offered, and let your own creativity bloom. The Hub is not merely a venue; it’s an artistic incubator where visitors can both consume art and contribute to its creation.
After a day steeped in local culture and shopping, there’s no better place to relax and reflect on your finds than the Ocean Walk Shoppes and Movies.
Ocean Walk Shoppes and Movies: This premier shopping and entertainment center is a crowning feature of New Smyrna Beach. As the sun begins to set, casting amber hues over the Atlantic, the Ocean Walk Shoppes offer an idyllic backdrop for the evening. Here, you can indulge in retail therapy at the myriad of well-known shops, or enjoy a savory meal at one of the oceanfront restaurants that cater to every palate. Cap off your day with the latest blockbuster at the movie theatre, or simply stroll around the complex, basking in the cooling ocean breeze and calming views. It’s an all-in-one venue that guarantees a memorable closure to your New Smyrna Beach shopping expedition.
New Smyrna Beach shopping is an endless treasure hunt, with The Hub on Canal Street and Ocean Walk Shoppes and Movies standing as landmarks on a map ripe with discoveries. Each location delivers a unique slice of the city’s lifestyle and is sure to enrich your visit with local flavor and unforgettable experiences.
From coastal mornings to shimmering nights, your vacation dreams come to life with Great Ocean Condos. As the largest vacation rental management company in the New Smyrna Beach area, we pride ourselves on providing incredible homes-away-from-home, whether you’re looking for a direct oceanfront view, pet-friendly accommodations, or a quiet no-drive beach locale.
With our wide selection of vacation rentals, we ensure that your stay is tailored to your specific desires and crafted with comfort as the focal point. Strategically located, our condos allow a seamless and untroubled accessibility to the vibrant locales of New Smyrna Beach.
Harness the opportunity to live like a local, soaking up the sun on Florida’s East Coast’s finest beach and indulging in the unique shopping experiences of Flagler Avenue and Canal Street. Moreover, the spectacular ocean views from our condos provide the perfect backdrop for creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
At Great Ocean Condos, we understand that vacations are more than just a break from the monotony; they are opportunities to weave unforgettable stories. We invite you to become a part of the community, partake in the local narrative, and write your own tale with us at the heart of New Smyrna Beach.
Plan your vacation with us and allow Great Ocean Condos to ensure you an exquisite stay ensconced in comfort, brimming with adventure and painted in the warm hues of Florida’s coastal life.
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