You go local for dining while traveling, so it makes sense to go local when shopping on the road.
From locally owned and operated boutique shops, antique stores and galleries, the South offers many authentic retail experiences.
So, the next time you need to soothe your soul with some serious retail therapy, check out these nine destinations.
What began nearly 30 years ago in West Monroe, Louisiana, with around six antique stores grew into Antique Alley with over 40 shops representing antique stores and boutique and specialty shops.
With most of the shops on Trenton Street in the Cotton Port Historic District, you can spend the day meandering in and out of a variety of shops sure to satisfy even the most astute shopper.
Find the perfect piece to either complete or start a collection at Cotton Port Antique Mall, or select something stylish from the Vintage Market inside Trenton Street Antiques. Be sure to stop in The Rustique Gator for some Louisiana flavors to take home.
Tupelo, Mississippi's personality shines through its downtown shopping district. There are plenty of stores to discover along Main and Spring Streets.
Pop in Reed's Department Store, the oldest family-owned store in the city, and get one of their popular t-shirts. Be sure to check out Reed's GumTree Bookstore on Spring Street and pick up a book or two penned by a Southern writer.
If you are looking for a fun gifty-type item, either give or keep for yourself, check out such places as The MAIN ATTRACTION, or for something distinctive and rare (you will be among the few to have the piece or item), head over to The Caron Gallery. Don't forget about Farmhouse; not only do they offer DIY art supplies but also locally produced items.
Of course, no visit is complete to downtown Tupelo without stopping in Tupelo Hardware. The third-generation owned store is forever etched in music history since it was here that Gladys Presley bought her son Elvis his first guitar.
Coastal Mississippi is a hidden gem when it comes to local shopping opportunities. From Ocean Springs to Pass Christian and all points in between, you can find many places to satisfy your retail therapy need.
If you're in the market for local art, visit Shearwater Pottery in Ocean Springs or Gulfport Galleria of Fine Art. Fancy a new piece for your home or office? Swing by The French Potager in Bay St. Louis or Vintage Roots, LLC in Biloxi for some inspiration. Ready to indulge? Check out the candles and more at Waveland Candle, or find the perfect book at Pass Christian Books.
With areas like Clinton Row in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, the city is quickly becoming a premier shopping destination. And of course, while you are downtown, you can't overlook Harrison Brothers Hardware, the state's oldest continuously operating hardware store filled with many gifty items.
Southwest of downtown is Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, a place you have to experience in person to appreciate.
The former textile mill is now home to over 120 working artists, small businesses, eateries and more, making it the country's largest independent center for the arts.
Meet the artisans and watch them create as you explore the three levels of Lowe Mill. From ceramics to jewelry to photography and much more, including cigar box guitars, you won't have a problem finding something special. Finish up with an edible treat from Suzy's Pops, followed by tea from Piper & Leaf.
Come take a photo with the popular "I Believe in Nashville" mural in 12 South and stay for the shopping. You won't regret the decision.
The half-mile stretch along 12th Avenue South offers everything from vintage threads at Savant Vintage to handmade jewelry at Judith Bright to Southern elegance at Draper James, Reese Witherspoon's clothing line.
Complete your outing with a stop in White's Mercantile. Described as a modern-day general store, you can find tons of items you didn't know you needed until saw them.
It's not only the scenery that'll enchant you in Blue Ridge, Georgia, but also the shopping opportunities. With so many shops in the downtown area, it may seem overwhelming at first, but with some pre-planning, you'll be able to find the ones you want to browse.
If you are looking to spruce up your living space, look at the offerings available at Gatewood Hall Gracious Home. Visit Turning Leaf Fine Art Gallery for a piece of local/regional art or artwork that'll have guests asking, "where did you get this?"
For a gift (even if it is for yourself), head to Canoe and select from their handmade jewelry or canvas bags. There's also Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods, home to handcrafted bamboo fly rods, which can be a perfect gift for the fly-fishing enthusiast in your life.
The Coastal Décor Emporium Trail in Panama City Beach, Florida, focuses on local shops specializing in coastal-themed items, ranging from antiques to furniture.
Spend your morning or afternoon following the trail and discovering new places and must-have items.
With the 16 distinctive beach communities that make up South Walton, Florida, come plenty of exclusive shopping experiences.
Take a break from the beach to get your shop on with the various merchants around Rosemary Beach or Seaside, the colorful Shops at Grayton and the Artists at Gulf Place.
And that's just a start.
You can find everything from home decor to clothing to art to jewelry and much more throughout the communities and signature shops like The Alys Shoppe, 30a Gear and Sandestin Clothing Company.
If you leave the area empty-handed, you didn't need anything anyway.
Downtown Louisville, Kentucky's East Market District, better known as NuLu, as in New Louisville, is a happening downtown neighborhood with plenty of local shops to enjoy.
Find something fun for yourself or your home at Revelry, Scout on Market or Peace of the Earth. If you are in the market for that one-of-a-kind remembrance of Louisville, check out local artists' works at Red Tree Nulu. Need to give a gift? Discover locally handcrafted leather goods like journals, rock glasses, luggage tags and more at Clayton and Crume.
Of course, you can't leave this area without getting caramel or chocolate-covered Modjeskas from Muth's Candy.
𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦, 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑉𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖 𝐺𝑢𝑙𝑓 𝐶𝑜𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑒́𝑐𝑜𝑟 𝐸𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑢𝑚 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙, 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐿𝑜𝑢 𝐻𝑎𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑎 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ
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