5 Best Places to Shop in Montserrat

David Lea has chronicled Montserrat's volcanic movements in a fascinating, eight-part video-DVD series (also on USB), The Price of Paradise, each entry a compelling glimpse into the geological and social devastation—and regeneration. These, as well as rollicking local-music CDs by his son (named Sun) and other musicians, are available at Hilltop Coffee House.

This is the island's best source for sportswear made from Sea Island cotton, celebrated for its softness and high quality.

Occupying the Government Headquarters Building, the Montserrat Philatelic Bureau sells a wealth of highly prized unusual stamps, including handsome first-day covers, that highlight local treasures from the Montserrat Oriole to the late great musician the Mighty Arrow.

Oriole Gift Shop in the National Museum, run by the Montserrat National Trust, is an excellent source for books on Montserrat (look for the Montserrat Cookbook and works by the island's former acting governor, Sir Howard Fergus), as well as trail maps, handicrafts (wonderful dolls, hand-painted boxes, and calabash purses) and locally made food products.

This gallery promotes the work of local artists such as Donaldson Romeo and sells spectacular photos of the volcano as well as of indigenous birds and other wildlife.