Shopping on Anguilla

I had to chuckle recently when I read about a cruise ship that moored off of Sandy Ground on Anguilla. No, I wasn't chuckling about the cruise ship itself, but that it's passengers were seen wandering around The Valley looking for duty-free shopping!! The last thing that Anguilla would be noted for is shopping.

The lovely part is that if you MUST SHOP you can always hitch the ferry from Blowing Point to St. Martin. Take a taxi from Marigot on the French side where you'll land to Phillipsburg on the Dutch side. It's probably around $12. There you will find all the high-end fashion, accessory, jewelry, makeup and perfume shopping you could want.

What Anguilla does have is lovely little "boutique" stores and art galleries scattered throughout the island. Malliouhana and Cuisinart each have a small boutique store where you can purchase some high priced resort clothing, jewelry, accessories and "necessities" such as suntan lotion, hats, bug spray, etc. But I think the drug store in The Valley is perfect for that. Oh, and the drug store in the Valley may be the perfect place to pick up a souvenir shirt for that someone you had to leave behind.

There are numerous art galleries throughout the island. Some of them feature local Anguillian art such as Cheddie's Studio on the West End. Cheddie's carries lovely wood carvings. The Devonish Art Gallery is also located on the West End. They have a large selection of paintings, prints, pottery and jewelry.

If you're looking for a nice gift that's a bit cheaper or for great Anguilla pictures and cards Sandles & Such near South Hill is probably one of the oldest "touristy" stores on Anguilla. I bought a 14 kt gold Anguilla charm there in 1994. Also, Bartlett's located near the round about down to Sandy Ground has some great gift ideas. I've picked up many Anguilla related Christmas ornaments there.