The marketplace , on the waterfront where cruise passengers arrive, is the best draw. Nearby are two old plantations that reveal what life was like before the island became better known for tourism. It has a small zoo and a huge operational waterwheel. A village where slaves once lived has been re-created there as well. At the open market by the Soufriere tender dock you ll see vendors selling T-shirts, costume jewelry and straw crafts.
Local shops sell more of the same.
Overall, Soufriere will not satisfy ardent shoppers. You ll have to go north to Pointe Seraphine and Place Careenage in Castries for such duty-free luxury items as perfumes, crystal and jewelry. For locally made gifts, visit the Batik Studio at Hummingbird Beach Resort to watch artisans create brilliant sarongs and wall panels. Or, stop in the village of Choiseul south of Soufriere. The island s Arts and Crafts Development Center in Choiseul is a good place to buy handwoven placemats and baskets as well as wood carvings.