Shop around the capital city of Castries. The Castries market is full of great local arts and crafts, as well as typical chintzy souvenirs like T-shirts, coffee mugs and the like. Try to strike a bargain with the vendors; they expect you to ask them to come down at least once. That’s what makes it fun! The real value at this market are fresh spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cocoa. St. Lucians make lovely cocoa tea with the cocoa sticks and spices.
Find a nice hat, handbag or basket to transport your spices in. While you are milling around, do try some of the luscious fruits and vegetables. These come straight from the fertile volcanic soil to the market, and you would be hard pressed to find anything fresher or more nutrient-packed.
Head across the harbor to Pointe Seraphin. There are some very nice shops here offering duty-free liquors, perfumes, cigarettes, art, jewelry, crystal and china. La Place Carenage also contains some nice shops and a restaurant. While you are there, check out the film on the history of St. Lucia. For last-minute shopping, the Hewanorra Airport also has a few duty-free shops in the departure lounge.
Buy local artwork at the Artsibits Gallery in the city of Castries. Eudovic Studio is a wonderful place to stop for a drink and shop for wood-sculpted art. North of Castries, in a hilltop studio, is a working batik and screen printing studio with a nice shop.
Visit the magical town of Soufriere, nestled between the Pitons. Soufriere means "sulfur," and you will actually be able to smell the sulfur in the air from the bubbling drive-through volcano. Be sure to pick up some sulfur soap while you are visiting the volcano. It is said to give relief from arthritis pain. There are some nice woodworking and jewelry artists stationed here as well.
Follow the road to the Jalousie Hotel. Along this winding path is a great shop selling colorful masks. Choiseul is a creative little village south of Soufriere where you will find several fine craft shops. These artisans use only local grasses for their weaving of baskets, placemats, hand bags, beach bags, stools and any number of great gifts. One of the most unique treasures from St. Lucia is the handmade clay "coal pot." Locals still use these coal pots when cooking. Bubble wrap it for the trip home. You won't see these anywhere else!
