USA TODAY 10Best
Best Small Town for Shopping? Head to Frenchtown, New Jersey
Best Small Town for Shopping (2022)
Farmer's Markets, boutiques, art galleries, antique shops – these small towns with populations of less than 25,000 are the perfect destinations for some retail therapy.
Photo courtesy of Erick Anderson, Lord Camden Inn
No. 10: Camden - Maine
Camden is a postcard-worthy seaside village situated on Maine's scenic Penobscot Bay. A large fleet of windjammers can often be spotted in the Camden Harbor, and the shops, galleries and cafes of Main Street spill into the surrounding small streets and allies, making it an ideal setting for a summer stroll. Many of Camden's B&Bs occupy old Victorian, Greek Revival or Federal-style houses.
Photo courtesy of iStock / aimintang
No. 9: New Hope - Pennsylvania
Where Lambertville is known for its antique shopping, head across the river to New Hope, and shoppers find more eclectic offerings. Pick up pottery, jewelry or other one-of-a-kind household items at Heart of the Home, or give your closet a makeover with European fashions from Savioni Designer Boutique.
Photo courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
No. 8: Sedona - Arizona
Sedona is home to dozens of art galleries and studios. The most extensive collection is at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a unique collection of galleries and shops inspired by an Old Mexican village. Built around a sycamore grove, Tlaquepaque (an Aztec word meaning "best of everything") includes fourteen art galleries, six jewelry shops, three clothing boutiques, and nineteen specialty shops ranging from toys, shoes, and music boxes to Christmas decorations and pottery.
Photo courtesy of CarmelCalifornia.com
No. 7: Carmel-by-the-Sea - California
If shopping by the sea gets any better, those in Carmel don’t see how. Here, along cobblestone streets and paths, quaint stores selling local wares are set up in a picturesque village setting that feels more like a step back in time than a stroll down a retail row. Art galleries are a top draw, and it’s also a good spot for unique gifts and children’s toys. Just a stone’s throw away are the gift shops for the famed Pebble Beach courses and resorts, where golfers and tennis enthusiasts can stock up on everything to up their game.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Dept of Economic Development
No. 6: Dahlonega - Georgia
Shoppers will find more than 100 businesses within Dahlonega, one of Georgia’s top destinations for retail. Pick up custom gold jewelry from the sight of the nation’s first gold rush, browse locally made gift items from some 30 regional artists, try on a new outfit or peruse a collection of antiques at the Gateway Antique Mall.
Photo courtesy of Greg Newington
No. 5: Highlands - North Carolina
The picturesque Main Street in the small North Carolina town of Highlands is a shopper’s paradise stocking a little of everything – sportswear, gift items, European and American antiques, home decor and accessories, fine art and kitchen gear.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Aneese
No. 4: Cape May - New Jersey
The town of Cape May offers several shopping opportunities in their downtown area, including The Washington Street Mall, a three-block outdoor walking mall. The beachfront and West Cape May are locations for additional shopping. The sites are home to several specialty shops – brides can achieve their wedding vision at Free Love Bridal, GIVENS provides space to local artists and designers, and Fathoms provides a new approach to clothing and gifts for coastal wear.
Photo courtesy of Ben Carpenter
No. 3: Montpelier - Vermont
Just steps from the Vermont State House lies the pedestrian-friendly Montpelier downtown shopping district – a neighborhood packed with shops, antique stores and restaurants. Find one of a kind pieces from Vermont artists at the Artisans Hand Craft Gallery or pick up a new cooking gadget at Capital Kitchen.
Photo courtesy of Rachael Stollar, House SFW
No. 2: Rhinebeck - New York
Over forty specialty shops in the heart of the village celebrate the independent retail spirit in this New York community. The variety is endless – fine handmade jewelry at Adel Chefridi Studio & Gallery; books at Oblong Books, the largest independent bookseller in the Hudson Valley; or a fantastic selection of gifts and antiques at Hammertown. High-quality domestic and European toys for children of all ages are available at Land of Oz Toys; new and used vinyl records at Rhinebeck Vinyl Vault; quality products for dog lovers and their dogs at Pause Dog Boutique, plus many more stores for your shopping enjoyment.
Photo courtesy of stanley45 // Getty Images
No. 1: Frenchtown - New Jersey
10Best Travel Expert Marla Cimini notes, “A fun town with a wide variety of fascinating, independently owned shops!” This walkable New Jersey town offers a quaint shopping district with a constantly changing selection of unique merchandise. Find the perfect gift of handmade pottery at Frenchtown Pottery, flowers for a particular person at Gather Floral Shop, the perfect outfit at Lord Ivy or River Gypsy, or even a vintage item or two at County Chic Boutique and Consignment or Sublime.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning towns!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has... Read More
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Sherel Purcell
Sherel Purcell is a travel writer who specializes... Read More
Sherel Purcell is a travel writer who specializes in golf, Montreal and Quebec, contemporary art, cycling and food and wine. Her articles appear on USA Today's 10Best, About.com, Aol, Matador, Vacay, Travel+Escape and other large sites as well as print magazines including Dreamscapes (The Globe and Mail) and Frommer's Budget Travel. Her travel photos have appeared in the video, "A New York Minute" on the Smithsonian website and Brand USA. She has received an editorial award from Parenting Publications of America and a nomination from "See America".
Sherel Purcell
Sherel Purcell is a travel writer who specializes in golf, Montreal and Quebec, contemporary art, cycling and food and wine. Her articles appear on USA Today's 10Best, About.com, Aol, Matador, Vacay, Travel+Escape and other large sites as well as print magazines including Dreamscapes (The Globe and Mail) and Frommer's Budget Travel. Her travel photos have appeared in the video, "A New York Minute" on the Smithsonian website and Brand USA. She has received an editorial award from Parenting Publications of America and a nomination from "See America".
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.