At first glance, you may think that Anguilla shopping is not this Caribbean island's #1 activity. And you'd be right. But who cares?

St. Martin, a duty free country, is a mere 20 minutes away. For many reasons, most items are much cheaper, and the shops are more exciting and varied.

But, while you have to hunt a little, you will find some truly unique shops and galleries scattered around -- yes, Anguilla shopping does exist.

What is your favorite Anguilla shop? Click here to share your favorite!

My parents enjoyed many of the galleries, including Cheddie's Carving Studio -- Cheddie creates beautiful driftwood sculpture. But here's my favorite place to shop...

The store is the best in Anguilla shopping... hip, cool and calm.

A radio pipes reggae music, while you browse through fashionable pants, shorts, bathing suits, caps, sandals etc.

The clothing is relaxed and breezy. Perfect for Anguilla beach weather.

Beautiful, colorful, tropical prints are a trademark of the store.

And... getting there is half the fun! The Back Road (the cliffside road to the Overlook Restaurant) is breath taking, with a staggering panorama of Sandy Ground and Road Bay!...

Sandy Ground Harbor

It's easy to miss Irie Life while driving on this road. Why? Because we all look left, towards Sandy Ground, while the Irie Life sign and store are on the right! We passed right by it... twice!

Also, Irie Life is not located right on the road. Rather, we found this fun-filled store tucked away behind another charming gift shop (although the owner of that store rarely seems to be in -- if the door is locked, ring the bell -- it's a nice gift shop).

So just remember -- from the road, you only see a small Irie sign and a gift shop out front (you have to hunt to go Anguilla shopping!). You don't actually see this from the Back Road...

Everyone in the family found something fun and interesting to wear here.

But, there's something you ought to know...

Even though I truly loved this one of a kind shop, my Dad loved it much more than I did! He loved the pants, shirts, caps, the atmosphere - everything! He bought half the store each time we went!

Dad Enjoying his Cap!
(Click here for the 2004 update on
Irie Life shopping and Dad's hat.)

Most Caribbean islands are filled with street after crowded street of duty free electronic & jewelery shops. Not Anguilla though!

Like I said, St. Martin has many more shops and we especially loved the french side. Finding neat shops like Irie Life and Cheddie's is more fun, though. "Anguilla shopping" is sort of like tripping over unexpected gems, rather than trekking from one well-merchandised store to another.

Other Anguilla Shopping Favorites

Our favorite t-shirt store -- "Get the Goat!"

Click here for update -- "Get the New Goats!"
It seems like the "Goat t-shirts" have become a bit famous.

Bartlett's isn't a new Anguilla shop. It just seems that way.
Fun, funky... tasty and open. What more could a girl want?

Preacher Boy's road
side shop and bar...
An off-the-wall jumble of ocean debris and flamboyant personality!

Cheddie's Gallery
Our favorite Anguilla sculpture.

Lynne's Gallery
Our favorite Anguilla art.

Those are our favorite shopping haunts. Now it's your turn...

What's Your Favorite Anguilla Shop?