3888 Best Places to Shop in USA

Shops don't get more adorable than this downtown candy store with the bright pink awning, winning sweet-toothed fans since 1955 for their slow-cooked, small-batch confections. Their version of a clambake is a too-cute assortment of chocolate sea creatures on a bed of chocolate rocks. Sea salt caramels, made with local sea salt, are a favorite, and they stay open year-round.

Daniel Burnham's 1904 Santa Fe Building is a fitting home for the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Chock-full of architecture-related books, home accessories, and everything and anything related to Frank Lloyd Wright, its gift shop is also the place to sign up for one of the foundation's acclaimed tours, which are conducted on foot or by bus, bicycle, and boat.

This family-run gallery of nearly 6,000 square feet specializes in Native American art and jewelry, Pueblo pottery, Mata Ortiz pottery, Navajo rugs, and fine art. Located in the Ranchos de Taos Plaza next to the San Francisco de Asís Church, its historic architecture has the feel of an old trading post. Inside, you can browse through an astonishing collection of contemporary and traditional regional art that includes gorgeous jewelry, baskets, and Native American beadwork.

No matter what time of year you’re visiting Fredericksburg, don’t miss a chance to get into the holiday spirit at this huge shop that sells everything Christmas-themed you could possibly imagine. From holiday villages and Nativity scenes to ornaments and stockings, you’re guaranteed to find something to add to your decoration collection here.

A local beacon of publishing produces inventively designed fiction, cookbooks, art books, and other titles, as well as postcards, planners, and address books—all of which you can purchase at its home near Oracle Park.

A lovely stop as you begin a drive down scenic Chuckanut Drive, this sprawling space showcases works in all media by more than 400 artisans, including contemporary art glass and furniture and housewares crafted from local materials. Stroll through the lush sculpture garden to see the array of colorful works for yards and patios. 

This family-run lifestyle gallery specializes in goods produced by local artists and craftspeople including pottery, clothing, art, furniture, and home goods. Of particular interest is the stunning jewelry created by local artist Gloria Olazabal as well as the beautiful wood cutting boards and serving trays featuring inlaid turquoise by Wild Edge Woodworks.

With an emphasis on interior design, this boutique stocks lovely French bed linens, artful personal jewelry, home-decor accents, and specialty soaps and toiletries. There's also a selection of simply irresistible kids' clothing.

You'll find a great selection of art and travel books here, including a generous selection of titles on Southwestern art, architecture, and general history, as well as the latest in contemporary literature. In a large, inviting space close to the Plaza, you can also enjoy organic lattes, snacks, and sandwiches from the superb Iconik Coffee Roasters. Peruse the local author sections, and don't miss the live readings and music performances. The proprietress and her staff are known for their knowledge and helpfulness.

The largest gift shop in Willliams, Colors of the West has more than 300 T-shirt designs, 100 different hot sauces, and 90 styles of coffee mugs, plus everything from decorative wind chimes to a whole row of Christmas ornaments.

Set aside at least a few hours to navigate this sprawling antiques mall, filled with furniture, dishware, jewelry, housewares, knickknacks, and innumerable other relics from the past, with a special focus on the '50s.

The designs in this swoopy, gold-adorned space consistently push the fashion envelope with brash patterns, unlikely juxtapositions (tulle and neoprene), and cuts that are meant to be thought-provoking, not flattering. Architecture students come just for the interior design.

You could spend an entire morning poring over the fascinating book selection here, but you'd probably get distracted by the shelves stocked with everything from gossamer sweaters and artistic gift wrap to leather-bound journals. This is also a magnet for local events, from regular author readings to community discussions. Don't miss the notably good coffee in the café or the fantastic locally-made pastries like flaky mushroom Gouda croissants, which pair well with the iced lavender tea.

With an array of upscale, seaside luxe-living essentials like soy candles (hand-poured on-site in small batches in scents like sailcloth, fog, moss, and water), this high-ceilinged, brick-walled home-design and gift boutique smells as good as it looks. Look for furniture fashioned from reclaimed wood, nautical-theme throw pillows, jewelry, seashells, and air plants in recycled-glass terrariums. There's a second location on Bainbridge Island.

This is the studio where architect Paolo Soleri's famous bronze and ceramic wind chimes are made and sold. You can watch the craftspeople at work, then pick out your own—prices are surprisingly reasonable.

Ring the doorbell for fine new jewelry and antiques at this Charleston institution that's been facilitating proposals, weddings, and anniversaries for more than 100 years. You'll also find wonderful wedding gift items. Should the need arise, Croghan's does excellent repair work too.

Stock up on top-quality cowboy gear and clothing, ranging from felt hats and bolo ties for men to women's paisley Western shirts and wool jackets; and there's a huge selection of gear for horses. You'll also find an impressive array of Western books and household and kitchen goods.

This acclaimed confectioner produces edible works of art in the form of strikingly designed chocolate bars like the WhiteSand with juniper, cardamom, and white chocolate, and the earthy Silk Flowers bar colored and flavored with peppercorns, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. Other specialties include bonbons and Mayan drinking chocolate, which you can sip in the adjacent café. 

The hip and well-selected array of goods at this modern-design shop makes it an excellent place for both window-shopping and finding gifts for just about anyone on your list (including yourself). A refreshing departure from the rest of the traditional gift shops in the village, this boutique is chock-full of eye candy, most of which is also functional. There are many locally sourced and contemporary products, from hats and jewelry to novelty books, home decor, and outdoor adventure essentials. Check out Daytrip Jr., its equally hip children's store around the corner.

The stylish, minimalist designs on the T-shirts, sweatshirts, tanks, and baseball caps at this shop focus on a love for the city and its spirit. Many proceeds go to nonprofits and community organizations. An additional store can be found at the Ace Hotel New Orleans ( 600 Carondolet St.) in the Warehouse District.

Attention foodies: clear out your hotel minibars and make room for delectable treats from DeLaurenti (open until 5 pm daily). And, if you're planning any picnics, swing by here first. Imported meats and cheeses crowd the deli cases, and packaged delicacies pack the aisles. Stock up on hard-to-find items like truffle-infused olive oil or excellent Italian vintages from the wine shop upstairs.

The main repository of Potterabilia sells everything from Hogwarts school uniforms to broomsticks and other Quidditch supplies (including the legendary Nimbus Two-Thousand-and-One). This is also a good place to buy a new pair of Spectrespecs or stock up on other magic equipment.

About 20 miles west of Palm Springs lies one of California's largest outlet malls, which hawks everything from bikinis and bags to sunglasses and stilettos. The complex's 180 stores include Jimmy Choo, Samsonite, Levi's, Saint Laurent, J. Crew, Armani, Gucci, lululemon, and Prada.