Only On the Beach: Impressive Designs on Indian Rocks Beach

Impressive Designs Art Gallery & Florida Wines in Indian Rocks Beach lives up to its name. It seems to have it all, and is certainly a place for those who like to multi-task.

Walk in to the large store on 1^st Street and Miami Avenue, the first thing to ask is, "where do I begin?" Everywhere you go, you see something fascinating, individual or compelling.

A suggestion—you should consider the wine first.

Five years ago, owner Bev Malley added a wine bar to her art gallery, offering some of the best in Florida wines. She now carries over 30 wines, with fruit flavors from pineapple to orange and mango. 

Some of the most noteworthy are the "40 Carat" made with "100 percent Florida carrots," a tomato and an "orange-coffee" wine.

The most popular wine at Impressive Designs is called "Hurricane Class 5." It is white sangria made with real fruit, and can be paired with just about any food.

According to Michele Diaz, who has worked at Impressive Designs since April, several pounds of fruit go into each bottle of the sangria.

The sangria has a lovely, fruity flavor—sweet and tangy, with a little kick.

Malley is the chief design consultant for Impressive Designs—and it shows. Over the years, she has created an attractively filled art gallery, covering several rooms in the back of the main showroom. (Even though the opening of Impressive Designs appears to face 1^st Street in Indian Rocks Beach, you have to go around the back, off Keegan Clair Park.)

Each room is brimming with one-of-a-kind artwork. The heart of Impressive Designs is primarily on an impressive collection of Florida theme art—oils, photographs, prints and sculptures. Nevertheless, it does not stop there; lining the shelves are many unusual and unique gifts for friends and family.

In addition to pieces of art, Impressive Designs offers custom design framing, blinds and shutters. In addition to promotional items, Malley carries custom gift baskets, furniture and clothing. Music fills the air as you walk around and experience in all the curios.

As it has been in the whole art scene, business could be a little livelier. However, according to Diaz, the tourists will be soon be coming back to the beaches, and Impressive Designs will adjust to their seasonal schedule.

On October 15, the Indian Rocks Beach location will be open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The John's Pass Boardwalk site will be open seven days a week.

Impressive Designs is on 311 1^St St. in Indian Rocks Beach and 208 John's Pass Boardwalk in Madeira Beach. You can also visit them at www.impressivedesigns.com, call at (727) 595-9000, like them on Facebook, or email them at impressiveonline@yahoo.com.