 |
Fanueil Hall offers shopping indoors and out. |
Believe it or not, holiday shopping does not have to be stressful. Rather than let it become a last-minute headache, turn it into a weekend away — or even a day trip — and surprise your loved ones with some memorable gifts.
1. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. Add a little history to your holiday shopping at Faneuil Hall, known as the “Cradle of Liberty” for its role in the Revolutionary War. Boston Pewter, Cheers and the Museum of Fine Arts shop are just some of the local vendors found throughout this indoor-outdoor city marketplace. If you’re still in shopping mode after making your way through the 100-plus shops and eateries, check out the gift shops at the Hard Rock Cafe or the New England Aquarium, both within walking distance.
2. Freeport, Maine. If you haven’t seen Freeport within the past year, then you haven’t seen Freeport. The town’s most famous native retailer, L.L. Bean, has added another store, L.L. Bean Home, onto its flagship campus. It joins the Hunting & Fishing, Bike, Boat & Ski and 24-hour Flagship stores. The popular L.L. Bean Outlet has moved across the street to the new Freeport Village Station, an outdoor shopping district featuring famous retailers like Brooks Brothers and Coach. And Main Street offers upscale boutiques and fun moose-themed souvenir shops.
3. King Street, Charleston, S.C. Gather your girlfriends and head to Charleston for more than three centuries worth of treasures. King Street features high-end antique shops, filled with candlesticks and decorative platters made before the United States was a country. Farther down the street, modern boutiques sell the latest fashions and well-crafted furniture meant to last 300 years from now. Savor a delicious dinner after your day of shopping at one of the city’s many popular seafood restaurants.
4. Manhattan, New York City, N.Y. Enjoy breakfast-time browsing at Tiffany’s? Craving a Carrie Bradshaw-worthy pair of Manolos? If so, then Manhattan is for you. NYC’s downtown offers some of the world’s best window-shopping, especially during the holiday season. Stop inside shops like Louis Vuitton and Saks Fifth Avenue, or enjoy a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3. Looking for something special for the kids? Visit American Girl Place, the Disney Store or F.A.O. Schwartz for a fun-filled experience. No matter what your plans, be sure to stop by Macy’s at Herald Square.
5. Newport, R.I. It was once a holiday haven only for the rich and famous, but today you can bring home a piece of Newport without spending a fortune. At Newport Scrimshanders, at Bowen’s Wharf, you can watch as artisans etch beautiful scrimshaw jewelry and collectibles, many of which are for sale at the shop. Continue to Newport Modern, a 1,000-square-foot boutique featuring 20th-century art, jewelry and furnishings. Finally, stop by Only in Rhode Island, a store celebrating the many contributions and quirks of the Ocean State. From Del’s Lemonade-scented candles to Newport Creamery’s “Wicked Good” hot fudge, the name of the store explains it all.
6. North Conway Village, N.H. Hitting the slopes for some early-season skiing? Be sure you leave time for North Conway Village, the quintessential New England shopping district. Zeb’s General Store offers sundry items ranging from hot sauce to hammocks. The HandCrafter’s Barn is a year-round craft show, housing work from more than 150 artisans in an 18th-century barn. Stop for a quick lunch or a cup of hot chocolate at one of the many local eateries, then head to the Conway Scenic Railroad, where you can rest your shopping-weary feet during your round-trip train ride.
7. Patriot Place, Foxborough, Mass. Whether you’re going to Gillette Stadium or simply in the area, Patriot Place is the perfect place for food, fun and shopping — lots of shopping! Classic TV fans will love CBS Scene, a restaurant, bar and shop devoted to CBS hit shows past and present. Outdoor adventurers will have a blast at Bass Pro Shops and Eastern Mountain Sports. Teens will find the latest fashions at Hollister, and football fans will love the Patriots ProShop. Chill out after your big day of shopping with dinner at one of many gourmet restaurants, followed by a movie or show at Showcase Cinema de Lux or Showcase Live.
8. Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, Pa. In the heart of Bucks County, Peddler’s Village features more than 70 specialty shops and restaurants in a quaint 18th-century setting. Get a taste of Europe at stores like The Celtic Rose and A Touch of Britain. Treat yourself with candies from Truffles Ltd., or a facial at Skin & Tonic. Spend the afternoon playing with your kids at Giggleberry Fair, a family fun center featuring an antique carousel and the area’s largest indoor obstacle course. After your busy day, enjoy a relaxing stay at the village’s Golden Plough Inn ().
9. River District, Richmond, Va. Virginia’s capital city offers the perfect blend of history and shopping. The River District features more than 50 shops and 80-plus eateries, many housed in turn-of-the-century warehouses and businesses. Find an eclectic mix of home furnishings and children’s items at These Four Walls. Admire the beautiful creations from local artists at Artworks Studios & Galleries. Grab lunch or dinner at Bank, a trendy restaurant in a century-old former bank building. If you visit before Nov. 15, be sure to take a canal cruise along the James River to learn more about Richmond’s heritage.
10. Woodbury, Conn. Have a devoted “Antiques Roadshow” watcher in your household? Known as the “Antiques Capital of Connecticut,” Woodbury has captured the hearts of collectors and travelers for more than five decades. With 30 shops, most located along a six-mile stretch of Route 6, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for here, whether it’s 18th-century jewelry or modern furniture. Outdoor adventurers will also love Woodbury: Its place in the Litchfield Hills makes it perfect for skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities.
Special Savings at Outlet
Off to the outlets? Don’t forget your AAA card. Several popular stores offer everyday savings for AAA members. Show your card to save 20 percent at Reebok Outlet Store, Rockport Outlet Store and Samsonite Factory Outlets ; and 10 percent at Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Store .
In addition, show your AAA card at the Information Desk to receive a free VIP coupon book at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, Wrentham, Mass. Show your AAA card at the Guest Services kiosk to receive a free Saving to Go booklet at Prime Outlets, Lee, Mass.
These discounts cannot be combined with any other offers. Some restrictions apply, see store for details.
Back to Index
