2 Best Places to Shop in The Panhandle, Florida

There are tourist shops up and down the Emerald Coast Parkway selling suntan lotion, swimsuits, floats, and gator heads, but there's nothing quite like Banana Bart's. In a sea of newness, this brightly painted store is a standout, situated in one of Destin's original 1930s-era fishing shacks. Inside there really is a Banana Bart, who opened his store in 1984. Every square inch of this rabbit warren is jam-packed with baubles, jewelry, and stuff appealing to all ages. Bart has a great selection of bespoke T-shirts with graphics extolling the virtues of the beach life. And the parking lot offers a lovely view of Destin Harbor.

On the first floor of The Consulate Suites is a collection of antiques and home decor, as well as upscale clothing, toys, and gifts representing the Forgotten Coast.