Shopping

For serious shopping (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and the like), take the ferry and visit the shops in Marigot on French St. Martin. St. Martin is also a good place to stock up on French wines and cheeses if you're planning a long stay on Anguilla.

Clothes are not cheap on Anguilla, and the hotel boutiques do not go out of their way to stock bargains. If you need an extra bathing suit, or some beach gear, try Irie (tel. 264/498-6526) on the cliff-side road at South Hill. Even if you don't buy anything, you'll get a fantastic view down to Sandy Ground.

Anguilla has a thriving local arts and crafts scene. In the Valley, the Anguilla Arts and Crafts Center (tel. 264/497-2200) has paintings and ceramics by local artists, as well as embroidery and some lovely cloth dolls. For a good selection of paintings by Anguillian and Caribbean artists, try the Savannah Gallery, Coronation Street, Lower Valley (tel. 264/497-2263; www.savannahgallery.com), on the road to Crocus Bay. Devonish Art Gallery, in its new, larger location in Long Bay opposite CuisinArt Road (tel. 264/497-2949), features the work of Courtney Devonish, the well-known Anguillian potter and sculptor, as well as a good collection of paintings from local artists. Cheddie's Carving Studio, West End Road, the Cove (tel. 264/497-2949; www.cheddieonline.com), is the domain of self-taught Cheddie Richardson, who sculpts intricate, whimsical figures from driftwood, stone, and coral. By the roundabout at South Hill, Bartlett Collections has island crafts (as well as terrific smoothies at the outdoor café).

As you explore the island, you'll notice a surprising number of small art galleries. That's because Anguilla has a number of talented resident artists from around the world. One of the best is American Lynne Bernbaum (tel. 264/497-5211; www.lbernbaum.ai), whose George Hill studio features her bold images of Anguilla, the Caribbean, and France. In addition to paintings, Ms. Bernbaum sells prints of her works, including some very Anguillian cactuses and goats.