For more than 64 years, the Dolphin Bookshop has been a beloved purveyor of books, toys and other treasures. Now the shop has a prize of its own: the latest Golden Storefront Award, bestowed by community groups Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington and the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District.

"Dolphin's unique and eclectic bookshop is a destination in Port's waterfront 'Arts and Antique District,'" said Mindy Germain, executive director of RFMBPW. "We are happy that Port residents have recognized the Dolphin for adding beauty and charm to this vibrant retail intersection."

In June, the store moved to its current location in the historic Alfred C. Bayles building at the corner of Main Street and Shore Road after 21 years on Port Washington Boulevard. The recently renovated building boasts a sandstone and celadon green façade framing over-size, wrap-around windows that feature store displays full of whimsy and verve. 

According to storeowner Patti Vunk, the rotating displays are the handiwork of Gail Lowe Maidman, a Dolphin customer and interior designer with a specialty in dramatic, theatrical interiors.

Recent windows have boasted a Statue of Liberty and sailboat festooned with lights. The current window has a patriotically garbed mannequin reclining in a full-size hammock, with a black and white cow wandering by and flying red wagons overhead. The windows are an eye-catching riot of images, like a picture book sprung to life.

"We have an incredible expanse of windows," Vunk said. "And they need to capture people's eye when they drive by in cars but also have enough detail to be interesting for people walking around."

The "Golden Storefront" recognizes businesses for maintaining an attractive storefront and well-groomed sidewalk. It is awarded monthly. the Dolphin Bookshop is the 12th  merchant to win the award since the program was launched in October 2009.

Previous winners include: Finn Mac Cool's, Sullivan's Quay, White + 1, SVH Interiors, Louie's Oyster Bar & Grille, H on the Harbor, Painting With Flowers, Baltimore Design Center, Sweet Comfort Bakery & Café, S.F. Falconer Florist, Ayhan's Mediterranean Marketplace, and Capital One Bank. Votes for merchants can be cast at Residents' web site.