Summer Shopping Frenzy on PCB
Panama City Beach, FL -When you get to Panama City Beach, get out of the sun... and into a shopping frenzy! Besides boasting the world's most beautiful beaches, the Southeast's hottest nightclubs, and Florida's best climate, Panama City offers unique souvenirs and gifts.
We may joke about them, but try coming home from vacation without souvenirs. It's funny how something odd and playful- waterballoon slingshots, dolphin-themed jewelry- can jog our memories of good times. But they do.
These incredible creatures have been fascinating visitors to the Beach for years.
So when you vacation in Panama City Beach, keep an eye out for 'the Magic Mountain.' That's Alvin's Magic Mountain, the flagship location of Alvin's Tropical Department Stores.
The Magic Mountain lives up to its name. Literally designed and built in the shape and with the texture of a volcanic mountain, it sits across from the County Pier. Throughout the labrythian interior are aisles and aisles of top name bikinis and swimwear, casual sportswear and the best gifts and souvenirs.
And that's not all. Turn a corner and you'll find youself face-to-face with- alligators! Yep, in a specailly enclosed display area Alvin's has half a dozen large, LIVE alligators. Plus, they usually have a fresh batch of baby 'gators, too. These incredible creatures have been fascinating visitors to the Beach for years, and keep a steady stream of excited kids happy!
But what keeps most adults coming back to Alvin's are the prices, the selection and the sheer originality of the gifts, souvenirs, bikinis, and sportswear they carry. Alvin's has stores throughout Panama City Beach, and up and down the Gulf Coast. This isn't your typical department store!
One of the pleasures of vacationing is finding unique gifts, artwork and home decor accents. In Panama City, the premier outlet for fine art and gifts is the Paul Brent Gallery.
It's very possible that you're familiar with Paul Brent's work- he has licensing agreements with over 50 manufacturers, has published 300+ print images, and sold over 1 million prints!
Paul Brent is most famous for his watercolors. A natural fascination and love for coastal living and the wildlife that inhabit these areas informs his work. Mr. Brent has a signature style that, once seen, you won't forget. Soft pastels mix with stunning images of the Gulf shoreline, marine mammals, sealife, and even Florida panthers.
One of the most delightful pleasures you'll find while shopping at Paul Brent Gallery is the quirky selection of items Mr. Brent has chosen to imprint with his artwork. You might think the idea of a Lighthouse shower curtain slightly odd, but once you've seen a Paul Brent shower curtain, you'll understand!
Mr. Brent started out in the residential design business, eventually moving into interior design as well. Due to this background, you'll find a wide and wonderful assortment of items for sale at his Gallery. Wallpaper borders in various designs- some for children's rooms, others ideal for any room; switchplate covers with stunning natural scenes, and even furniture!
Visit the Paul Brent Gallery at 413 West 5th Street in historic downtown Panama City. You're sure to find something that will compliment your home- and your sense of style.
OK, you've been to Alvin's and Paul Brent's, but they just didn't have that one thing you were looking for... something unusual but entertaining... hmmm. Well, since you're in downtown Panama City, why not drop by Things That Fly?! You'll find something out of the ordinary here!
Things That Fly features, yep you guessed it, things that fly- or sail, or drift, or just plain ol' hang around. Unless you're an expert, you might be surprised to learn that there several different types of kites out there. Delta, diamond, parafoil, stunt- each with a quality that sets it apart from the others.
But kites alone wouldn't equal Things That Fly, so you can also find flags and windsocks here. And that isn't all. A full selection of garden accessories, furniture, and toys rounds out this eclectic shop. You can find them downtown, at 107 W. 4th Street..
Once you're back on the beach, and especially if you've got kids, you'll probably find yourself dining at least once at The Treasure Ship restaurant. This one you can't miss.
A gigantic replica of the Golden Hind, Sir Francis Drake's flagship, the Treasure Ship features excellent seafood and steaks. But a slightly hidden treasure awaits the explorer intrepid enough to venture around the ship- a below-decks Gift Shop.
And this isn't just any old gift shop. The Treasure Ship's Gift Shop offers one-of-kind, authentic shipwreck treasures from the Atocha. Discovered by Mel Fisher, the Atocha was lost by the Spanish Gold fleet on September 5, 1622, filled with gold, silver and coins.
Today part of that that treasure sits in The Treasure Ship's Gift Shop, and makes excellent, and unique, gifts.
The Gift Shop (on Grand Lagoon, at 3605 Thomas Drive) also has a full copmliment of pirate-themed toys, flags and souvenirs, as well as Walt Disney Art Classics and collectable hand-painted steins from the Anheuser-Busch collection. In other words, something for just about everyone!
So, get out of the sun! It'll still be shining when you get back, and you need more sunscreen anyway! 
