You go local for dining while traveling, so it also makes perfect sense to go local when shopping.
And in the South, there are authentic retail experiences nearly everywhere you visit.
Soothe your soul with some serious retail therapy while supporting local businesses in these destinations.
East Dallas' Deep Ellum's eclectic vibe isn't limited to its music and arts venues. The same spirit is found within the historic district's shopping scene.
All in a day, you can discover new authors at Deep Vellum Books, create a terrarium (to keep or give) at Jade & Clover, and find cheeses to complement your charcuterie board at The Mozzarella Company. And if you have a four-legged best buddy, find the perfect gift for them at The Upper Paw.
Deep Ellum is also home to Warstic Flagship Store and Headquarters, offering handcrafted baseball bats and equipment for other stic-based sports (think tennis, pickleball, lacrosse, etc.) You'll also find apparel, a coffee bar and more.
Much like the area itself, shopping in Lafayette, La., and Acadiana, in general, is distinctive. In downtown Lafayette, you can make a candle (The Bougie Bar), purchase a Louisiana-specific tee (Parish Ink), find the perfect hat or have one custom-made (The Cajun Hatter), discover Louisiana artists (San Souci Fine Crafts Gallery) and more.
About 15 miles from Lafayette, in Henderson, stop at the Louisiana Marketshops at the 115. They feature works and products from Louisiana artists and makers.
In New Iberia, 32 miles from Lafayette, you don't want to miss Cane River Pecan Company for treats and indulge in a slice of pie from the Pie Bar for yourself and Conrad Rice Mill, the country's oldest operating rive and KONRIKO® Company Store, filled with KONRIKO® products and more.
Given its world-renowned culinary and cultural scenes, many overlook that New Orleans has quite a solid and eclectic retail scene. There are four areas worth visiting if you want something special to give or to keep while visiting the Crescent City.
Threaded throughout the French Quarter are local shops and boutiques. Discover everything from antique shops on Royal Street to NOLA-specific gifts at Forever New Orleans to pralines at Leah's Pralines and other stocking-stuffer-type treats at Sucre. For the bibliophile in your life (or if that's you), there are books to browse at Faulkner House Book; if you're searching for a gift for someone who likes to spritz or dab, check out the French Quarter favorites at Hové Parfumeur; find a distinctive gift for that hard-to-buy-for person in you know at the Dutch Alley Artist's Co-op. Of course, a shopping expedition in the French Quarter isn't complete without visiting the French Market for those last-minute I-can't-believe-I've-lived-this-long-without-this or they'll-definitely-like-this-and-that.
A hidden gem in NOLA is Frenchmen Street, a 20-minute walk (or a short drive) from the French Quarter. Best known for its live music scene and fun places for quick bites (Dat Dog and Ayu Bakehouse), you'll find Frenchman Art & Books (because you always need to check out independent bookstores) and Louisiana Music Factory (a great stop if you know someone building a vinyl collection.) Then there is The Art Garden, a funky evening art market held Thursdays through Saturdays, highlighting local artists and their works.
It's not an exaggeration to say that you could spend a half - or even a full day on Magazine Street. The six-mile stretch has it all: scenery, restaurants, shops, boutiques, galleries and even a museum dedicated to alligators.
Pull out that gift list and check it off twice as you head into places like NOLA Boards for handmade boards, which are perfect for displaying charcuterie, cheeses or desserts. For some NOLA flair, check out Mignon Faget's glassware. Derby Pottery offers Nola Street Tiles that could spell out the gift receiver's (or yours) surname, street name or initials. For gifty-type gifts that'll make you stand out at gatherings, you are sure to find plenty to choose from at Miss Smarty Pants or Fluerty Girls. For lovers of the bean, visit the Current Crop Roasting Shop; coffee pairs well with something sweet, so swing by Haydel's or for Nola-inspired chocolates, Piety and Desire Chocolates.
While Oak Street in Uptown may be best known for its annual Po-Boy Festival, the seven blocks, with its diverse collection of shops and boutiques, is attractive to those looking for a gift or two.
You'll have no problem finding something original at Dimestore Cowgirl Trading Post, showcasing over 30 local artists and several small brands. Uptown Home Shop is great for vintage finds. Never miss the opportunity to check out an independent bookstore like Blue Cypress Books. Wall decor, candles, pillows and the like at Eclectic Home make both the gift giver and receiver happy. Be the hit of parties when you bring a bottle of bourbon or amaretto from Old Alker Distillery. Complete your time on Oak Street with a visit to Breads on Oak, an organic and vegan bakery offering pastries and breads and serving breakfast and lunch.
What began over 30 years ago in West Monroe, La., 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 various shops, sure to satisfy even the most astute shopper.
Find the perfect piece to complete or start a collection at Cotton Port Antique Mall or Trenton Street Antiques. Need help on what to get or give? Find inspiration from the different vendors at the Shoppes on The Alley. For more gifty-type items, from specialty food products to candles and the like, perfect for any celebration, check out places like Walsworth and Co., Modern Vintage Company, The Muffin Tin and The Makery. Don't forget to pop in CAKE for some sweet treats to enjoy later.
If you want to gift a taste (pun intended) of Monroe/West Monroe, it is worth the drives to Landry's Vineyards and Thirsty Farmer Winery & Vineyards to sample and find that perfect wine (or those perfect wines) to give or to keep.
Downtown Vicksburg, Miss., isn't only about museums and restaurants; it's also a destination for shopping locally. For the art lover or collector, nab a piece or two (and maybe something for yourself as well) at the Attic Gallery. Heralded as "the oldest independent art gallery in the state of Mississippi," the shop displays Southern folk art, contemporary fine art and more artisan-made pieces. Also, stop in the H.C. Potter Gallery and browse paintings, photography, and more by Mississippi artists.
Find hostess gifts, gifts for the home and, more importantly, gifts for yourself at both Cinnamon Tree and Sassafras. Find a book or two at Lorelei Books or help that vinyl collector in your life start, add to or complete their collection with a record from Michael's Record Shop. Of course, gift-giving extends to treats like cupcakes from Pink Sugar Bakery or macrons from Macarons by AK. Attending a dinner and not sure what to bring? Impress everyone with a pie from Walnut Hills Restaurant.
Coastal Mississippi is a hidden gem for local shopping opportunities. From Ocean Springs to Pass Christian and all points in between, you can find many places to satisfy your retail therapy needs.
If you're in the market for local art, visit Shearwater Pottery in Ocean Springs or Gulfport Galleria of Fine Art. Unsure what you want, but know you want something special? Swing by Shops of Century Hall in Bay St. Louis and see what interests you. Ready to indulge? Check out the candles and more at Waveland Candle, the bath and body items at Threaded Cork in Biloxi, or find the perfect book at Pass Christian Books.
Looking for a new outfit or home goods or specialty foods? You can find it and more in downtown Huntsville, Ala.'s many shops and boutiques. Don't forget to stop in Harrison Brothers Hardware, the state's oldest continuously operating hardware store filled with many gifty items.
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, located southwest of downtown, is a place you must experience in person to appreciate.
The former textile mill is now home to 158 public studios and over 200 working artists, making it the country's largest independent center for the arts.
Meet the artisans and watch them create as you explore Lowe Mill's three levels. 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 a bourbon whiskey tasting at Irons ONE, select something yummy from Pizzelle's Confections for later, and order a hot or an iced tea from Piper & Leaf.
The half-mile stretch along 12South (12th South Avenue) in Nashville, Tenn., 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.
Knoxville, Tenn., is a "scruffy little city" that isn't so scruffy when it comes to local shopping. The downtown is filled with kicky shops and boutiques, making finding gifts easy. If you are looking for something original for a one-of-a-kind person but are unsure exactly what until you see it, check out places like Alice in Appalachia, Bethie Lou's Fabulous, Earth to Old City or Rala.
For artisanal pieces, head to both Maker Exchange and Art Market Gallery, and dare yourself to leave empty-handed. For Knoxville-specific art, swing by Paris Woodhull Illustrations. Brighten up someone's bar area with glassware from Pretentious Glass Co.
To complete the gifts, add some treats, like lemon cookies from Ham'n Goodys or a box of chocolates from Coffee & Chocolate, and a spirit or two from Knox Whiskey Works and Post Modern Spirits (because both are needed) to complete the gifts.
Complete your outing with a stop at White's Mercantile. Described as a modern-day general store, it offers a wide selection of items perfect for your or others' spaces.
Did you know Gatlinburg, Tenn., is home to the largest independent organization of artisans in the United States?
The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, a short drive from downtown, is an eight-mile loop filled with over 100 Tennessee artisans and craftspeople. Many demonstrate their trade on-site.
Spend the day meandering through the many shops and galleries that sell everything from soaps to pottery to glass. There are also local places to eat and stay.
The Old Mill District in Pigeon Forge is perhaps best known for The Old Mill Restaurant. However, the area also has several shops, including The Old Mill General Store, Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen and Pigeon River Pottery, all worth a visit (and maybe a purchase or two). Nearby are places like More Than a Candle, selling soy candles; Pigeon Forge Soap Company, offering various homemade bath and body products; and Iron Mountain Metal Craft, allowing you to try blacksmithing. Sample locally-produced hard ciders before you buy at Mill Bridge Hard Cider Co., or kick back and relax with a crafted cocktail (again, tasting before buying) at Old Forge Distillery's cocktail bar.
The scenery and shopping opportunities enchant you in Blue Ridge, Ga., beginning with Mercier Orchards. Best known for its fruits and vegetables, the market also features jams, jellies, apple butter and other gift items. In addition, there are also wines, hard ciders and treats available from the bakery.
With so many shops in the downtown area, it may seem overwhelming initially, but with some pre-planning, you'll be able to find the ones you want to browse.
Spruce up your apartment or home with a piece created by a regional artist from High Country Art.
If you're searching for something special for the gourmand in your life or want to try something new, the Pasta Market has you covered. Find everything from kinds of pasta to oils to sauces to recipe books and more.
For the perfect gift to give (even to yourself), head to Canoe and select from their handmade jewelry or canvas bags, and for the fly-fishing enthusiast in your life, stop in Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods.
Be sure to stop in the Rum Cake Lady and The Sweet Shoppe of the South for even more treats to have on hand for visitors and, of course, to enjoy for yourself.
Take a ride aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (or a short drive) to the twin towns of McCaysville, Ga. and Copperhill, Tenn., and check out the stores at Riverwalk Shops in McCaysville. Pop into places like Christmas is Here for hand-hewn bowls and other specialty-made items, or go into Cooperhill to stop in Copper Mine Candle Co. for a lotion candle or two.
Before you take on the shops throughout downtown Newnan, Ga., and nearby Senoia, fortify yourself with a muffin, donut or a blueberry-glazed biscuit, and a coffee from Heirloom Donuts. You'll need that sugar-caffeine combination for some power shopping.
Whether it's a housewarming gift or something special for your dwelling, you'll want to head to Newnan Mercantile and browse their items. If you are in the market for local pieces, go to Corner Arts Gallery, Studio and Gift Shop for handmade pieces like pottery, woodwork, etc. Bold Soul Originals is another must-stop for local items, too. For more eclectic gifts, whether for the house or to wear (and that includes jewelry, too), Gillyweeds and Junk Starlet have you covered. Be sure to pop in Newnan Book Company for the latest releases, then head back to Hug Box and create a unique care package featuring products from artisans and small businesses from Georgia and the country.
When you visit downtown Senoia, you'll quickly understand why Hollywood is attracted to the area. Used as a backdrop for The Walking Dead, among other TV series and movies, it's a special place. And that sentiment extends to its shopping opportunities. Spend the day or afternoon browsing through establishments such as The Classic Market, which has gourmet items fit for any kitchen; Country Junction Soap, featuring goat-milk bath and body products; and The Good Junk Company, for things you learned you can't live without.
The retail experience in Thomasville, Ga.'s historic downtown is just as varied as the roses growing in the town's five-acre Rose Garden.
Even if you consider yourself more of a browser than a shopper, you'll enjoy checking out the boutiques and specialty shops.
For serious shoppers, some places should be on top of your itinerary. Relish Thomasville because you didn't know your kitchen needed it until you spotted it; Blake Candle, since no one can ever have enough candles; and The Wiregrass Gallery or Firefly for a truly original piece.
Be sure to visit The Bookshelf for a good book to relax with after a day of shopping and Sweet Grass Dairy for something to snack on as you read.
Nearly whatever you need, along with things you need to have right now, can be found in downtown Pensacola, Fla. For an added treat, those who visit on a Saturday can enjoy the Palafox Market, featuring everything from baked goods to works by artists.
Even if you don't consider yourself a cooking-type person, you will still want to take your time in Bodacious. Beyond a typical kitchenware store, they also offer a wide selection of gourmet foods, flavor-infused extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegar, and more. You can also take a break from browsing and get a cup of coffee and a light bite.
Whether you want to brighten up your living area or for a gift, swing by Blue Morning Gallery, a local artist co-op, to find inspiration and a piece or two. Also, check out Rusted Arrow, which has a little bit of everything, including Pensacola-specific items that make excellent souvenirs like Blue Angel tumblers, a Pensacola Beach sign puzzle and a Pensacola landmark tote.
South Walton, Fla., has 16 distinctive beach communities and plenty of exclusive shopping experiences.
Take a break from the beach to get your shopping on with the various merchants around Rosemary Beach, Watersound Town Center, Seaside or the Village at Baytowne Wharf, as well as the colorful Shops of Grayton.
And that's just a start.
You can find everything from home decor to clothing to art, jewelry, and much more throughout the communities and signature shops like The Alys Shoppe, 30a Gear and Sandestin Welcome Center.
"Charming" is the first term to come into mind when exploring downtown Apalachicola, Fla.'s retail offerings.
Pick up some treats or a toy for your pet at Oysterbones, and then pick up a treat for yourself in the form of chocolate at Apalachicola Chocolate and Coffee Company or honey or mead (after tastings) from Apalachicola Bee Company. Find a treasure (or multiple) at The Tin Shed, The Shop, Apalachicola Sponge Company and Random Catch.
Whether it's clothing, artwork or a souvenir, the small coastal town has everything one could need or want.
Four quaint mountain towns in Jackson County, N.C. - Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva and Cashiers, are shopping meccas for those who make it a point to shop locally.
In Cherokee, peruse (and purchase) pieces from Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, the oldest Native American cooperative in the country, highlighting works from over 350 Cherokee artisan members.
In Dillsboro, places like Dogwood Crafters and Tunnel Mountain Crafts are within short distances of one another. These stores are filled with unique pieces crafted by local and regional makers. Front Porch General Store is a must for those in the market for vintage and antique pieces. After checking out the shops, pop into the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory for homemade chocolates to indulge in later.
With places like Mountain Laurel Gift Shop (gifts), Jackson's General Store (more gifts), End of Main (antiques) and Black Balsam Outdoors (outdoor gear), it's easy to lose track of time shopping along Sylva's Main Street.
And when you're done on Main, head to Mill Street, aka "Back Street," for more places like Treasures Unknown (antiques) and NOON (gifts.)
Cashiers has many upscale boutiques and shops for everyone on your list, including children and pets. There are also art galleries, antique stores and furniture stores.
Seagrove, N.C., is known for one thing: pottery. No joke, there are over 50 pottery shops within a 20-mile radius. The area is said to be the largest concentration of working potters in the United States. Find everything from vases to coffee mugs to jewelry and much more.
It's also worth traveling about 12 miles south to Star. Now, this small town's claim to fame is that it's located in the exact center of the state. While that is quite impressive, so is StarWorks, a studio, gallery and shop. The School House Gallery showcases works by in-house artists and visiting artists. While there, pop in the cafe and taproom for a snack and a drink.
The best place to begin your shopping excursion in Abingdon, Va., is at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace. A welcome center of sorts, it introduces you to the region's rich culture and creative heritage and has plenty of artisan items for purchase.
If you are looking for similar items, visit Holston Mountain Artisans, one of the oldest craft cooperatives in the country. Here, you can find one-of-a-kind handmade pieces reflecting the area's heritage.
In addition to the artisan-crafted shops, Abingdon offers a mix of specialty and antique stores. There's something for every taste and budget.
As the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky, Berea is rich in shopping opportunities. Begin at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, where you can discover the works of over 800 Kentucky artisans.
In addition, the city has three areas filled with galleries and shops: Artisan Village, College Square and Chestnut Street. Plan your time wisely so that you can explore each area. Each storefront is as individual as the artist or artists.
Also, driving out to Tater Knob Pottery for their spoon bread bakers and other items is worth your time.
Downtown Louisville, Ky.'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.
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