For such a tiny place, Harbour Island has more than its share of connoisseurs who have turned their knowing eyes to creating beautiful shopping experiences. In each of the places we've listed below, you'll feel like you've stepped into another place and time, one that lets you see beauty with new eyes.

First, the real thing: Local straw

As you arrive at the dock on Harbour Island you'll see the colorful blue and yellow stalls of the straw vendors lining Bay Street. Don't miss the wizened faces of the women, some of whom have managed these stalls since before the days the Island had electricity: matriarch Sarah Hutchison, Dorothea Saunders, Eva Mather and further down Bay Street Curline Higgs and Jacqueline Percentie. Take your time perusing the Bahamian products; ask about them. We're just about sure you'll kick yourself back home when you want to tell friends about the Island's special magic, and that oval bread basket on your table could have provided the perfect cue.

Refined tropical fashion

What's the perfect look when the weather is hot and the surroundings are simple elegance? Perfect crisp linen is one answer provided at Mis Mae's, the grand dame of Briland's fine shops. Run by Philipa Simmons, owner of the previous Ocean View Hotel, Miss Mae's is tucked in a historic house in the center of town. Don't miss taking a peek into the tiny, verdant, walled garden out back. It's a miniature vacation in itself.

Briland on canvas

Artists the world over are drawn to Harbour Island for the special quality of its light as well as for the variety of blossom-framed still lifes of Victorian architecture it offers up as subjects. Some days, the streets are thick with watercolorists—some even painting each other! Bahamian-born Charles Carey makes this bounty available in his Princess Street Gallery. Charles fled life as a New York accountant to pursue his love of art and of his grandmother's home in Harbour Island.

Harbour Island at home

Within a few days you'll begin to develop a feel for the Harbour Island lifestyle: colorful things of simple elegance with an unexpected twist. At the Blue Rooster you'll find just the thing: a placemat, a candle holder, or maybe ...Set in a perfect little Victorian cottage, the white washed walls and original planked flooring of the Blue Rooster let you pretend for a few moments what it would be like to own a home on this island. But it will so much easier to just bring back something to grace your own home... at least for starters.

Island sounds

The gift shop at the Pink Sands hotel expresses the interest of its owner, Chris Blackwell, in Afro-Caribbean music, particularly as promoted under Blackwell's own Island Outposts label. African artists such as Baaba Maal and Ernest Ranglin join the more familiar names of Jimmy Cliff and Buena Vista Social Club—along with compilations such as "Music of Your Vacation." Our personal favorite is Baaba Maal's "Nomad Soul." (But for genuine Bahamian music, try Dilly Dally.) The gift shop also offers resort wear, crafts from Jamaica, and some very high-end T-shirts.

Duty-free bootie

Harbour Island's first duty free shop. The distinguished chain of John Bull offers its fine jewelry and other tantalizing baubles from a new building at the foot of the dock, just beyond The Landing.

Images to remember us by

You can't miss Dilly Dally at the center of town—its bright green and yellow striped exterior reflect the whimsical and artistic flair of owner Val Albury. Val is a photographer born in Nassau who does many of the Island's weddings and offers up photographic images of the island both as framed works or cute little refrigerator magnets. She also has the best selection of Bahamian music. At the center of town across from Island Real Estate.

Briland Browser becomes Briland Brush

In the early 80s some winter residents started the Women's Action Group to raise funds for a daycare center which you can see today on Colebrook street behind the Methodist church. For many years, the daycare center was supported by profits from Briland Browser's sale of crafts and houseware items. Today that building at Murray and King Streets is being renovated by Harvey Roberts for rebirth as Briland Brush. Harvey promises art, framing, and a tea shop.

Island Treasures

Located in the original home of the Royal Bank, this inviting shop has recently been acquired by charming locals Tovar and Ann. Hand bags, resort wear, junkanoo figurines and more. At the intersection of King and Dunmore, right by Island Real Estate. Forget to bring home a treasure? you can email them at standtall29@aol.com

Shells 'n Tings

Ever-friendly Iris lewis offers island wear and a creative selection of craft items made on Harbour Island. Just 4 houses uphill from Gusty's on the north end. See web page.

And more

As you stroll around town you'll find several other shops that each offer a unique twist on the local shopping experience. Here's a quick list.

Doris Dry Goods--Good stop if a cool day makes you wish you'd brought a sweat shirt. At the foot of Government Dock.

Down Home--A colorful display of authentic Bahamian crafts. Across from the library.