Find Something Fabulous

Treasure-Hunting Thifters Head to Fabulous Finds at the Pines

Even interior designers, stagers and theater people looking for props drop in.

By Lauren Jackson September 2, 2025 Published in the September-October 2025 issue of Sarasota Magazine

At Fabulous Finds at the Pines, you’ll find pre-loved items ranging from wearables to gadgets, furniture to art, and all sorts of hidden gems.
At Fabulous Finds at the Pines, you’ll find pre-loved items ranging from wearables to gadgets, furniture to art, and all sorts of hidden gems.

For 77 years, The Pines of Sarasota has offered assisted living, nursing care and outpatient rehabilitation services to seniors—but it’s also known to treasure hunters for its two thrift shops, Fabulous Finds at The Pines. Located a couple of blocks from each other on North Orange Avenue (at 10th Street and 12th Street), you’ll find pre-loved items ranging from wearables to gadgets, furniture to art, and all sorts of hidden gems. Even interior designers, stagers and theater people looking for props drop in.

For larger goods, like furniture, head to the 10th Street location. But for fun browsing, we like the intimacy of the shop on 12th Street at The Pines’ main campus. “We concentrate more on the small housewares and clothing at the 12th Street location,” says Cindy Christo Brown, The Pines’ vice president of executive services. “One day you might go in and you don’t find anything, and the next day you find 60 treasures.”

Plus, you can feel good about your purchase since the profits go to seniors in need. “Our mission at The Pines is to take care of people who can no longer take care of themselves,” Christo Brown says. “The profit from the stores helps us to provide for people who are here who have outlived their resources.”

Sports caps, elegant straw hats, stylish or practical shoes (pictured at top) and purses can complete any outfit.
Sports caps, elegant straw hats, stylish or practical shoes (pictured at top) and purses can complete any outfit.

Accessories ($2-$15)

Sports caps, elegant straw hats, stylish or practical shoes (pictured at top) and purses can complete any outfit. Plus, designer jewelry and accessories are always worth a look.

Keep your eyes out for treasures and vintage objects, including brooches like these.
Keep your eyes out for treasures and vintage objects, including brooches like these.

Collectibles ($10-$50)

Cases are packed with vintage objects, including costume jewelry, first edition books, cameras, toys and games.

There's no shortage of interesting, one-of-a-kind objects.
There's no shortage of interesting, one-of-a-kind objects.

Odds and Ends ($3-$50)

From the bargain bin to pedigreed pieces, there’s something for all tastes.

A perfectly preserved vintage tea set.
A perfectly preserved vintage tea set.

Housewares ($1-$30)

You could furnish a well-stocked kitchen in a flash with items ranging from leading brand appliances to cutlery, pans and dinnerware.

Pines of Sarasota | 1501 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, (941) 365-0250, pinesofsarasota.org

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