2009 Official Alabama Vacation Guide - (Page 23) Non-Stop Shopping in ALABAMA IS FILLED WITH SHOPS AND STORES OFFERING QUALITY PRODUCTS— FROM HANDMADE QUILTS TO HAND-CRAFTED ART, ANTIQUES, AND UNIQUE WARES. by Kimberly Cauthen hether it’s searching for trendy fashions or seeking commemorative, decorative, or historical memorabilia, shopping is a popular pastime in the South, and you are bound to find exactly what you’re looking for when shopping in Historic Alabama! North Alabama has impressive resources for retail therapy. Athens offers the Courthouse Square, a picturesque spot for experiencing history, shopping, and dining all in one place. Scottsboro boasts a shopper’s paradise in its Unclaimed Baggage Center. Downtown Gadsden, the Mountaintop Flea Market in Attalla, and Collinsville Trade Day are perfect for mingling with the locals. The Railroad Station Antique Mall in historic Huntsville offers special finds such as rare books and collectible glassware. Check out Mentone’s Gourdie Shop or visit Cullman’s Southern Accents, where beautiful ornamental ironwork, tiles, and architectural replications are the order of the day. At Birmingham’s Riverchase Galleria and the open-air Summit, shoppers will find an array of upscale stores for yearlong fashion. Downtown Homewood has the Soho Square, with outside cafés and fashionable boutiques. Mountain Brook Village brims with high-end boutiques and fancy art shops. Reed Books offers a treasure trove of rare books and historical memorabilia for sale while the historic district known as Pepper Place provides the perfect answer to shopping fever. The Watermark Place in nearby Bessemer is Alabama’s premier outlet for the budget-conscious shopper. W Then there is About Time Antiques in Anniston, the Merchant’s Walk in Tuscaloosa, a charming selection of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in historic Downtown Northport, and Robinson Iron in Alexander City, the defining example for cast iron fountains and architectural metalwork. Montgomery’s most famous neighborhood, Old Cloverdale, is a great spot to shop if you’re looking for furnishings, art, or merely the latest trends. The quaint shops to explore include Christine’s Feathered Nest, Old Cloverdale Antiques, and Ella’s. Near Cloverdale lies the Mulberry District, Montgomery’s historic shopping area, and a short drive away is East Chase, offering an array of modern shops as well as fantastic eateries. For Alabama memorabilia, be sure to visit the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop and explore the Goat Hill Museum before leaving the area. For those with a penchant for combining history and shopping, Selma’s Riverfront Warehouse supplies an assorted mix of antiques while the Victorian Cottage Shops offer the perfect gifts for that special occasion. Head to Camden and you’ll discover a plethora of unique items at Black Belt Treasures. Historic downtown Opelika features an abundance of shops along beautiful Main Street. Cottage Walk, Rolland’s, and Heritage Gifts & Gourmet will excite those who enjoy jewelry, retro knickknacks, and clothes. A short drive away is Historic Possibilities, located in a restored warehouse stocked with old mantels, doors, stained glass, and antiques. Nearby Auburn offers everything a shopper would expect in a college town, including places to buy Auburn Tiger memorabilia. Spend the day stuffing your bags with funky clothing from a downtown loft store or discover unique gifts and accessories at neighborhood boutiques. Quaint cities and towns throughout Alabama’s Gulf Coast region beckon shoppers to explore an eclectic mix of old and new shops while experiencing the area’s history and hospitality: Mobile with its Bel Air Mall, the Midtown Shopping Center, and an abundance of antique stores, spas, and boutiques; and Foley with its many outlet stores at the Tanger Outlets. Directly across the bay from Mobile is Fairhope, where the shopkeepers model Southern hospitality. The wares in these fabulous shops include chic décor, stylish handbags, gourmet gift baskets, as well as custom made jewelry and art. The Wharf in Orange Beach features a half-milelong boardwalk of boutiques, a movie theater, and the Southeast’s tallest Ferris wheel. Almost anywhere you go in the great state of Alabama, you will discover a wealth of shopping venues as well as an abundance of history. The hardest part is deciding where to go and what to do first! PHOTO: ATD/JEFF GREENBERG. this page ••• Shopping at Black Belt Treasures in Camden. w w w. a l a b a m a . t r a v e l 23 http://www.alabama.travel
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