3888 Best Places to Shop in USA

The showroom features sculpture, pottery, and glass by more than 100 artisans, including hand-blown pieces by Josh Simpson.

A vision of local hair guru Marc Harris, Area Salon Studios are small escapes showcasing big talent. The newest of three Boston locales (Area 207 also on Newbury Street and Area 56 in the South End), these unique mini salons are perfect for refreshing your look. Of note is Studio Number 4, a pristine, white, four-set enclave where husband-and-wife team Joanna and Omar Giraud perform hair magic with a backdrop of a rooftops and brownstones.

With flavored and pure exotic salts culled from just about every corner of the world, you might well say that this gift shop (housed, yes, in a cellar) is entirely worth its salt. While you're here, check out the Salt Vault, a halotherapy spa area—$50 gets you a 50-minute session that is claimed to help alleviate respiratory ailments such as asthma and skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

More than 200 flavors of salts are on offer here, as well as specialty sugars, peppers, and teas. Noteworthy are the popular black truffle, smoked bacon, and ghost pepper sea salts. Gourmands should not miss the Himalayan pink salt plates. These solid salt bricks or slabs come in various sizes and can be used as cutting boards for preparing meats, vegetables, seafood, or even cheeses. They can also be placed directly on the stovetop, adding flavor to every dish.

Hanapepe has been a salt-making center for centuries, so it's only appropriate to pick up some gourmet ingredients at this family-run factory store. Salt is blended with herbs and spices or infused with tropical fruits, and staff readily share recipes that use favorites like Passion Fruit Chili Pepper, Java Steak Rub, and Guava Garlic Salt. Impress guests at your next cocktail hour by rimming mai tai glasses with coconut cane sugar.

An enormous warehouse chock-full of leaded glass, garden ornaments, fireplace mantels, bathtubs, bars, and other architectural artifacts draws creative home remodelers and restaurant designers from around the country.

Samuel Parker Clothier carries a fine selection of updated traditional clothing by the likes of Ralph Lauren and Samuelson.

A San Francisco staple since the 1930s, this decadent shop draws designers and other fans for its luxurious bed and bath items and linens. The pretty tablecloths, runners, napkins, fragrant candles, and luxurious bath accessories are popular gifts.

This sweet, airy space offers city mementos more than a few standard deviations above the usual Fisherman's Wharf or Chinatown souvenirs. High-quality San Francisco–themed wares include graphic tees, sweatshirts, and beanies, as well as cute onesies and other items for kids. Beautiful books, housewares, and glassware by local artists make excellent souvenirs and gifts.

The huge selection of rock-and-roll memorabilia, including posters, handbills, and original art, makes this spot a groovy cave for the nostalgic vintage '60s. Also available are posters from more recent shows, many at the legendary Fillmore Auditorium.

A cash-only piñata and party goods shop, this is a creative if unusual pit stop for toys, birthday party items, and hard-to-find candies.

From April through October, this open-air market with more than 30 vendors selling local produce and crafts takes place at Friday Harbor Brickworks on Saturdays from 9:30 to 1. The market is also open once or twice a month on Saturdays in winter; check the website for the schedule.

More than a dozen interesting apparel, home, and jewelry stores and upscale local restaurants, set in 1920s, Mediterranean Revival–style buildings, surround the open square here.

The sprawling mall on the north side of Center Point Road is the largest in Texas, and host to fashionable shops such as Crate & Barrel, J. Crew, The North Face, Giorgio Armani, Brooks Brothers, Valentino, Hugo Boss, Pottery Barn, and Gucci at deeply discounted prices. The better part of a day can be spent strolling through the more than 130 stores.

Cheeky celebrity portraits, trippy cartoons, and whimsical Maui scenes line the walls of this art gallery and studio run by the equally eclectic namesake artist. Sandell's affordable art comes in various sizes, and some designs are printed on T-shirts.

A nonprofit artist cooperative, Sandpiper Gallery shows the work of local and regional artists and holds workshops throughout the summer. Don't miss their annual art show on the county courthouse lawn the second Saturday in August.

If you are looking for authentic Louisiana crafts, you've come to the right place. Pottery, furniture, items made out of gourds, metal, and wood, as well as corn-husk dolls and jewelry are all created by members of the Louisiana Crafts Guild, headquartered here.

A dozen food and beverage vendors occupy this spacious arts district galleria. Stock up on gourmet goodies; sip on handcrafted wines and beers while watching sports events; and nosh on noodle bowls, sushi, artisanal ice cream, and savory street tacos.

Santa Cruz is famous for its long tradition of organic growing and sustainable living, and its downtown market (one of five countywide) reflects the incredible diversity and quality of local agriculture and the synergistic daily life of community-minded residents. The busy market, which always has live music, happens every Wednesday from 1 to 6, rain or shine. The stalls cover much of an entire city block near Pacific Avenue and include fresh produce plus everything from oysters, beer, bread, and charcuterie to arts and crafts to prepared foods made from ingredients sourced from on-site vendors.

On display here are works of fine art, including paintings, stained glass, and other creations by local artists, including James Hubbell and Joe Garcia. Many of the rotating works focus heavily on traditional and contemporary art. Although most works on display are by landscape artists, there are also sculptures and ceramics in the neighboring Garage Gallery.

Situated in the Fashion District, the Santee Alley is known for back-alley deals on knockoffs of designer sunglasses, jewelry, handbags, shoes, and clothing. Be prepared to haggle, and don't lose sight of your wallet. Weekend crowds can be overwhelming, but there's plenty of street food to keep your energy up.

Meeting Johnny Salas, Santisima’s spirited owner, is part of the fun of visiting this Old Town shop. It sells mostly artwork and objects that celebrate New Mexican santos traditions and Día de los Muertos across the globe.

The three covered pavilions at the Saratoga Farmers' Market are a social gathering spot on Wednesday 3–6 and Saturday 9–1, from early May to October. There's a good variety of produce, poultry, and meats from area farms, baked goods, and jams from local berries. From November to April, there is an inside location inside the Lincoln Baths at Saratoga Spa State Park.

Who knew New York had a surfing scene? This cool boutique brings surf culture to SoHo with a selection of boards, men's and women's clothing and swimwear, surf-focused fine art, and hip accessories. There's a coffee counter in the front and a quiet garden in the back.

Sauder's Store is an authentic Mennonite market, with Pennsylvania Dutch meats and cheeses and hundreds of bulk containers brimming with baking supplies, candies, and spices. The eclectic inventory mix includes fresh produce, children's books, simple toys, and wooden sheds. Young people in traditional Mennonite garb staff the store, which John Sauder's family has run for decades. A farmers' market with 15 or so vendors selling fresh flowers, plants, crafts, produce, and other goods is held Friday 9 to 7.

In the heart of the South End, shoppers can step down into this small boutique celebrating the history of fashion in New England. Shoppers will find a selection of preppy staples mixed in with current trends for all genders. The boutique once partnered with Brooks Brothers to carry the latest collection of men's spring/summer styles designed by Michael Bastian.

The home base of this sweet international brand is always buzzing. All of Savannah Bee Company's honey varietals, body care products, gifts, and more are available in this spacious showroom, and the enclosed indoor hive makes it possible to see the busy bees at work. Guided tours include donning a beekeeper's hat and veil and venturing out to the garden for an immersive experience. The whole family can sample the latest honey of the season, and those 21 and over can catch a "buzz" with mead tastings.

One of the largest candy stores in the South, Savannah's Candy Kitchen has made its home on historic River Street for more than 30 years. Owner and head confectioner Stan Strickland grew up in Woodbine, Georgia, watching his mother bake pecan log rolls, pralines, and peanut brittle. You'll find every scrumptious delight imaginable here, but don't miss the world-famous praline layer cake. There's a second location in City Market.

This sweets shop sells freshly made fudge, pralines, and pecan pies. It's an outpost of an original store in Savannah.

If you're an aspiring Jedi, plan a trip to Savi's Workshop to build a lightsaber. More intense than just a toy from the store, this lightsaber allows its wielder to choose different themes and kyber crystals, creating a truly unique design. Reservations are highly recommended, and be prepared for sticker shock: prices start at $249.99.