3888 Best Places to Shop in USA

Try the cupcake of the month or flavors like the peppermint patty and the tiramisu, made with Stumptown coffee.

To break free from the chains, step out to Dad's Diner; it's fun, open on Sunday—not much else is in town—and a certain cut above mall food.

Before you buy a teenage relative—or anyone else for that matter—an oversize T-shirt that says "Seattle!" head up to Fremont's Destee-Nation for one that's a lot more distinctive.

The shop was founded in 1909 and has been owned by the Dewar family ever since. The hand-dipped chocolate cherries are delicious; so are the Dewar's Chews, a mouthwatering taffy concoction available in peanut butter, peppermint, caramel, and almond flavors. Dewar's has satellite stores at 2700 Calloway Drive and 11320 Ming Avenue.

There are three locations to tempt the palate—the original one in the Italian Market and the hipper ones in Rittenhouse Square and Washington West. Di Bruno's is a mecca for cheese lovers—the store carries more than 300 different varieties from around the world, as well as some house-made kinds. You can also find barrels of olives, imported olive oils, Abbruzze sausage, and balsamic vinegar that's been aged for 75 years. The staff is very knowledgeable and will provide friendly advice on storage, preparation, and serving ideas. Ask for recipes and samples.

Wandering bibliophiles collect armfuls of the latest fiction and nonfiction at this revered shop. The loftlike space, with its high ceilings and spare design, encourages contemplation, and on chilly days a fire burns in the hearth. Past participants in the excellent authors' events have included Ian Rankin, Annie Leibovitz, and Michael Moore.

This popular shop sells apparel and accessories, including Mickey ears with leopard spots and jewelry and pottery handcrafted by African artisans. There are also Disney-themed games such as dominos and Monopoly, plush dolls, mugs, and upscale clothing selections for men and women.

At this Mouse emporium, there's everything little Disney disciples need for a fix: a plethora of plush toys, DVDs, games, and other goodies. You'll find a second store in Block 37 (108 N. State Street).

Catering to pampered pooches and their devoted owners, Dog-a-Holics sells treats, bedding, collars, carriers, and clothes. There's even a selection of birthday items for Fido, such as party hats, pup-themed balloons, and canine cakes.

Thanks to insightful city planners, Great Falls is blessed with a beautiful and extensive downtown shopping district full of the kind of old-fashioned stores—including galleries, toy stores, and clothiers—that in other parts of the country are rapidly giving way to chain stores and shopping malls. During the summer the downtown area comes alive with events such as the Great Falls Farmer's Market, held outside the Civic Center from June through September, and Alive at Five, which brings live music downtown one evening a week. Most of these businesses are in an area bounded by the Missouri River, 8th Street, 4th Avenue North, and 4th Avenue South.

This quaint boutique offers up fashions by dozens of brands, among them Kathy Kamei and Ulla Johnson. The clothes have been thoughtfully selected with entire wardrobes in mind. Items don't crowd the racks, and the service is friendly without being overwhelming. You can sometimes find good bargains here.

Major discounts on high-quality (and big-name) shoes for men and women draw savvy Boston shoppers to this branch of the chain DSW, also known as Designer Shoe Warehouse. Everything from Nike to Prada can be found at varying discounts—sometimes up to 90% off.

A destination for organic products, cleansing, and relaxation—not to mention massage treatments to melt for—this eco-spa offers transformative workshops and rituals that help you heal from within. The Goddess Treatment, a client favorite, includes body exfoliation, a hot-oil scalp treatment, and massage using products infused with wildflower blossoms.

The sportswear, softly tailored business attire, and dress clothes of this Italian great are gathered all under one roof.

At one of the city's original kings of coffee, the espresso is as pretty as it is divine.

Native American crafts and a wide array of ceramics are the focus at Esteban's.

In addition to paints, brushes, and art supplies, this sprawling creators' playground sells beautifully made photo albums and journals, fine pens and pencils, crafts kits, stationery, and inspiring doodads for kids.

View one of the largest collections of vintage prints by the Western photographer Edward S. Curtis, along with Native American antiques, traditional carvings, baskets, jewelry, and tools in a historic space that's as interesting as the store's wares.

An airy, two-floor space displays Armani's discreetly luxurious clothes and accessories. The store includes the top-priced Black Label line, considered a cut above the department store line.

Though the prices aren't for the faint of heart, there are some pieces here that will last a lifetime.

The lovingly restored Helms Bakery, an art deco gem, has transformed into a major destination for modern furniture and design lovers. With outposts for H.D. Buttercup, Room & Board, and Kohler as well as plenty of great dining options—including a renowned burger-and-beer spot—this is a prime place to spend an afternoon dreaming up a makeover for your own home.

The well-heeled shop the Chicago flagship for suits, signature scarves, and leather accessories.

In addition to a fantastic coffee-farm tour, the Hilo Coffee Mill sells coffee from a variety of local producers, along with locally made baked goods, candies, artwork, and gifts. Free coffee samples are offered. The mill is closed Sunday and hosts a farmers' market Saturday 8 to 1.

It's easy to lose track of time in this little oasis of fine art, handcrafted jewelry, and Zen paraphernalia. Big sellers include solid bronze frogs by Frogman; signed, digitized paintings by Alan Foxx; Josh Simpson glass-planet art pieces; and handsome menorahs and mezuzahs.

Next door to Hillside Sedona shopping complex on AZ 179, the Hozho Center is a small, upscale complex in a beige Santa Fe–style building, with galleries and fine-art souvenirs.

Men will find modern, well-cut suits with attention to tailoring, as well as other signature Boss clothing and accessories here.

Across from Kanemitsu Bakery, this one-stop shop offers fancy and casual island-style wear, including Roxy and Quicksilver for men, women, and children.

Label hunters were thrilled when branches of this New York boutique opened in Chicago, offering designer lines like Rag & Bone, Elizabeth & James, Helmut Lang, and Missoni. In addition to the Bucktown outpost, there are stores in Lincoln Park (841 W. Armitage Avenue) and the Gold Coast (40 E. Delaware Place).

Treatments at this spa and yoga studio include the signature IO Massage, which incorporates Swedish, acupressure, Thai, and Shiatsu techniques. The more straightforward Hot Stone Massage is done with International Orange's own Anoint Oil—grape-seed oil infused with green tea and scented with white lotus and jasmine flower. For a city spa, this is a large space, but it's tranquil and even has a bamboo garden.

These bra-fit gurus specialize in a "holistic" fitting process that results in a more flattering shape; that's enough to make any customer, well, perk up. Schedule your fitting ahead of time if possible.