Shopping

Though shops are somewhat scattered, Orleans is full of great finds for browsers and grazers.

Antiques/Collectibles

Got an old house in need of illumination, or a new one in want of some style? You'll find some 400 vintage light fixtures at Continuum Antiques, 7 S. Orleans Rd./Rte 28, south of the junction with Route 6A (tel. 508/255-8513), from Victorian on down, along with a smattering of old advertising signs and venerable duck decoys.

Arts & Crafts

As a publicist, Helen Addison has forged friendships with some of the most interesting artists now working on the Cape. Her gallery, Addison Art Gallery, 43 Rte. 28, north of Main Street (tel. 508/255-6200), represents such diverse artists as Lois Griffel of Provincetown, whose luminous oils and watercolors typify "Cape Cod Impressionism"; and Gary Gilmartin of Truro, a realist working in egg tempera and watercolor, who paints Cape-inspired subjects.

Stop by Kemp Pottery, 9 Cranberry Hwy./Rte. 6A, about 1/4 mile south of the rotary (tel. 508/255-5853), and check out Steve Kemp's turned and slab-built creations. From soup tureens to fanciful sculptures, they're remarkably colorful and one of a kind.

Tree's Place, Route 6A at the intersection of Route 28, Orleans (tel. 888/255-1330 or 508/255-1330), is considered the premier gallery for contemporary realist work in the region. There is also an extensive fine-crafts, gift, and tile shop here.

Books

In the Skaket Corners shopping center on Route 6A is a branch of the large retailer Booksmith/Musicsmith (tel. 508/255-4590).

Fashion

Karol Richardson, 47 Main St., in the center of town (tel. 508/255-3944), is a preview of Richardson's main showroom in Wellfleet; stop in to see the latest from this gifted ex-Londoner.

Gifts

Birders will go batty over Bird Watcher's General Store, 36 Rte. 6A, south of the rotary (tel. 800/562-1512 or 508/255-6974). The brainchild of local aficionado Mike O'Connor, who'd like everyone to share his passion, it stocks virtually every bird-watching accessory under the sun, from basic binoculars to costly telescopes, modest birdhouses to birdbaths fit for a tiny Roman emperor; there's also a good selection of CDs and field guides.

The tasteful selections -- tapes, books, jewelry, clothing, and more -- found in Oceana, 1 Main St. Sq., north of Main Street, in the center of town (tel. 508/240-1414), celebrate the myriad gifts of nature.