9 Best Places to Shop in Eastern Oregon, Oregon

Take a break from browsing at Joseph's several galleries and boutiques to indulge in first-rate caramels and truffles at this popular downtown shop. You'll also find rich, hot mochas that blend chocolate with Portland's Stumptown coffee. The sweets come in novel flavors, including caramels infused with lime juice and habanero sea salt, huckleberry truffles, and truffles blended with whiskey from local Stein Distillery and dark chocolate.

To find a well-stocked kitchen store in the middle of a small town like La Grande is a welcome surprise. BELLA carries such high-end brands as Oregon's own FINEX, maker of fine cast-iron cookware. Wine lovers will enjoy perusing the many bottles of wines for sale (the original BELLA's was started as a wine shop by owner Beverly Calder, who came from the wine industry); there's also a great selection of chocolates, candy, imported packaged foods, cheese, and other items perfect for the charcuterie board. Shelves are brimming with fine linens, cookbooks, kitchen gadgets and small appliances, housewares, decor, fun gifts, and all the other things one would expect to find in a good kitchen shop. The store also offers its own unique line of quinine water concentrates called Ruby D Tonics, which are naturally sugar-free and come in four flavors; the tonics are brewed at BELLA Main St. Market in Baker City, the original and larger BELLA store that makes a great stop while in that town, too. 

For a town of less than 1,200 residents, Joseph has an impressive focus on the arts. This shop is owned by an artist, Leah Svendsen, whose enchanting encaustic paintings are on display and for sale. If you'd like to try your hand at making some art while in Joseph, she offers weekly workshops on the encaustic painting process, which involves using hot wax, resin, and pigments. Participants take home two small paintings they've created. The two-hour workshops cost $125 and include instruction, supplies, and beer and wine for those 21 and older. (Ages 13 and up can take the workshop.) The shop also carries furniture made in Oregon, works by local artists, kitchenware, linens, and other home goods. 

This artists' co-op is chock-full of landscape photography, textile art, and handcrafted jewelry. Some of the gallery's more "whimsical" items are clever remixes of household materials—think lamps made of toasters and jewelry made from cutlery.

On-site craftspeople at this western superstore fashion hand-tooled saddles considered among the best in the world. You'll also find authentic cowboy/cowgirl gear and quality leather products, plus gifts and art. The store is next to Hamley's massive—and gorgeous—steak house, saloon, and café.

Whimsical crafts and decorative goods are sold at this large downtown boutique on historic Main Street, along with jewelry and women's clothing. Be sure to say hello to the friendly shop cat, Pearl, who has been welcoming customers since 2012 and has a loyal following.

Every item in this delightful gift shop was handpicked by owner Mary Wolfe, a fifth-generation resident of Wallowa County. Her love for the area and for finding unique, fun, and funny gifts is evident throughout. The shop is filled with local souvenirs, toys, puzzles, books, clothing, accessories, and an abundance of home and holiday decor—something for just about everyone. Ice-cream lovers will also be delighted with a visit to Mad Mary's Soda Fountain next door (open only during the summer months). 

This hip but unpretentious lifestyle and home-accessories shop stocks an eclectic assortment of goods, from upcycled handbags to one-of-a-kind antiques. You'll also find soaps, balms, and lotions along with candles and women's apparel.

Check out the well-curated collection of fair-trade clothing, soaps, skin-care products, Buddha statuary, jewelry, pottery, and artwork at this colorful two-story boutique carrying both local and international goods.