Business & Tech
Only On The Beach: Vegetable Ivory on John's Pass
Off the beaten path in John's Pass is Vegetable Ivory, a shop that specializes in carvings made with the seed of the Ciclantacea Palm. Intricate carvings of figurines and jewelry make this store one of the most unusual finds on (or off) the boardwalk.
The older part of John's Pass is crowded with small shops, hawking everything from souvenir shot glasses to Florida postcards and t-shirts. However, if you look hard enough, you might find a place with something truly unique.
Off the beaten path of the boardwalk, in an old building at the end of a row of shops, sits one of the most unexpected places on the Pass. Like its neighbors, it offers keepsakes and knickknacks.
This particular store carries something a little more distinctive.
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Named "Vegetable Ivory," it offers some of the most interesting items on John's Pass.
This shop may be close to the giant chain eateries on the Intercoastal, but in a way, it is a world away.
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To begin, a statue of "Spot the Elephant" greets you. Hanging over Spot is a sign that asks you to "yell vegetable ivory really loud, and Spot the Elephant will squirt water from his trunk."
What exactly is vegetable ivory?
It is not ivory, as in an elephant's tusk; these souvenirs are created from a kernel that is native to the rainforests of South America. The forests range from Panama through Columbia, Ecuador and Peru. This "ivory" is a product of the Ciclantacea Palm (or Tauga plant) that—unlike a coconut—can be polished and carved into intricate shapes and designs. Vegetable ivory can take many shapes, from carved figurines to jewelry.
Once cleansed of its skin, this seed can be sanded, refined and worked just like an animal or mineral ivory. What is even better, it is harvested in a sustainable way.
Even though Vegetable Ivory focuses on this extraordinary artwork, they do also offer other items. Sponges, jewelry and other notions are available.
If you are searching for something quirky on John's Pass, make a few extra steps and make Vegetable Ivory your next visit. What you may find is not only fascinating, but also good for the environment.
Vegetable Ivory has two locations; 121 E 129 Ave., Madeira Beach at John's Pass, as well as 735 Dodecanese Blvd. in Tarpon Springs. Call (727) 498-8817 for hours, or email vegetableivory@yahoo.com.