Things to do / Travel Guide
Atlanta is perhaps the best place in the South for shopping, with everything from exclusive boutiques to inspiring antiques. The region's other cities, like Savannah and Charleston, can hold their own quite well too, with much of the same types of selection. Myrtle Beach is a top destination for bric-a-brac like t-shirts and souvenirs. Shopping in the South is mostly a laid-back affair, so take a stroll and enjoy.
Shopping in Atlanta
When it comes to shopping, Atlanta is a curious place. On the one hand, it's the center of a thriving music scene, and fashion is quite high. On the other hand, it's a center of the South, and traditional values are evident. This makes for a celebration of opposites, and you can see this best in shopping.
Your first stop for Atlanta shopping should be the neighborhood of Virginia Highland, where many boutiques and galleries sell high-end designer fashions, home furnishing, and art. The art comes in many forms, from the offbeat to the classic, from the folk to the pop; you'll also come across accessories for the kitchen, the garden, and the living room. And of course, you can also find antiques. The name of the neighborhood comes from the intersection of the two main streets, Virginia and Highland.
Similar to Virginia Highland is Underground Atlanta. It's an historical area dating back to the early 19th century, built under the viaducts of the transit system. Nowadays, bar hopping is common in the area and there are a number of boutiques at which to buy stuff.
If you want to shop and people-watch, head to Little 5 Points, around 2.5 miles from east of Five Points, the city center. This is a more alternative neighborhood, full of vintage clothing stores, used book stores, and tattoo parlors.
Atlanta Antiques and Farmers Market
Atlanta also lures with its antiques; for the antique lover, the center for shopping is the Chamblee Antique Row. Chamblee features over 200 dealers in 20 buildings. The stores all specialize; one in Art Deco and 60s retro, one in early 20th-century pieces, one in Victorian furniture, and so on. If you can't find it, move on to the next store and spend a few hours there.
Looking for Atlanta's contribution to the farmer's market? Look no further than the Atlanta State Farmer's Market, one of the biggest farmer's markets in the South, selling some of the best-looking produce you ever seen. There's more than a full share of peaches and peanuts. There are even vendors dedicated to selling one item, like Mountain Tomatoes, or the Pumpkin Master.
Shopping in Athens
Downtown Athens' shopping district is fueled by the nearby University of Georgia, and the shops in the area reflect the eclectic flavor the city. There are lots of used book stores, old-school record shops, vintage clothing stores, and second-hand shops full of eye candy. For example, you can shop for old vinyl records and comic books the same place REM's Michael Stipe and Peter Buck did, at Wuxtry Records. Or you can peruse the aisles of main brands at Athens' high-class clothes shop, Heery's.
Shopping in Savannah
The main shopping area in Savannah is first and foremost River Street, home to nine city blocks of shopping where visitors and locals can purchase new clothes, antiques, as well as many arts and crafts designed by local artisans. Another popular, time-honored shopping district is City Market, with boutiques selling timepieces, cigars, gifts and gourmet foods, and quality souvenirs.
Shopping in Charleston
Shopping in Charleston is centered around King Street, which is known for locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops. Looking for fashionable clothes or jewelry? Here's the place to find them, the perfect place for a day out.
Other places around the town include the Old City Market, a historic shopping area spread out across four different buildings where traditional sweet-grass baskets, antiques, jewelry, tapestries, African art, and local food products are sold. Just down the street from the Old City Market is the State Street Market, which is home to even more shopping and dining options.
Shopping in Myrtle Beach
Broadway at the Beach is Myrtle Beach's newest shopping adventure. This outdoor mall features lots of novelty and specialty shops as well as souvenir shops and high-end boutiques. Keep in mind that this spot is popular with tourists especially during high season, and that it can get rather swamped as a result.
There is a huge amount of clothing shops at Broadway at the Beach, from Victoria's Secret to the Disney Store to Crazy Shirts. Also, if you've got a sweet tooth, the area's chocolate and taffy boutiques and kiosks will wire you.
Shopping Malls in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Charleston, South Carolina, Atlanta, Savannah, Georgia
Shopping
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