The old general store and mega-sized department stores are fine for some folks. The one-size-fits-all crowd doesn’t care about uniqueness or individuality. But for those who prefer those hard-to-find items or have a hard-corps interest in a particular theme, only specialty shops will do.
Fortunately for you, the Myrtle Beach area has a wide array of specialty shops where you can find exactly what you are looking for, and find a few things you have never seen before. Lace up your shopping shoes and head to these one-of-a-kind items:
Audubon Shop & Gallery: Bird-watchers don't have to go to the wild to be wowed by this Pawleys Island shop. Featuring a wide selection of bird-related artworks, birdhouses, field guides, binoculars and more, this is a popular spot for bird-lovers of the same feather to flock together.
Bodega: If cooking is your thing, Bodega is your store. This Conway culinary shop offers an array of gourmet foods and cookware so you can take home a taste of the Grand Strand to share with others. Pick up a cookbook, coffees, teas and cooking supplies, and enjoy a glass of wine while you shop at the in-store bar.
Canipes Chocolates: This locally based candy shop has everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. Serving a variety of chocolates and candies, this Market Common location is best known for its chocolate-covered creations, such as alligators, ballerina shoes, eggs, and different dog breeds.
Christmas Mouse: Sure, Christmas may still be six months away but it's never too early to get in the holiday spirit at this shop. Featuring ornaments and decorations from some of the top designers, Christmas Mouse allows you to give yourself an early Christmas gift by picking up something and stashing it away for later.
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove: This downtown Myrtle Beach shrine has served as the Strand's first and largest souvenir shop for more than 70 years. Featuring three stories filled with all kinds of stuff, the Gay Dolphin is your one-stop shop to take care of everyone on your gift-shopping list.
I Love Sugar: Welcome to downtown Myrtle Beach's sweet spot. This 6,000-square-foot facility is wall-to-wall candy and looks like a set from “Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory.” Grab a plastic zip-lock bag at the door and fill it up with your choice of gum drops, jaw breakers, gummy bears and all the name brand candy bars. Pay by the pound and chow down.
Purpleologist: If your favorite book is “The Color Purple,” your favorite album is “Purple Rain” and your favorite dinosaur is Barney, this shop is for you. This Barefoot Landing features more than 3,000 feet of wall-to-wall purple items, including clothing and accessories to golf clubs and Christmas ornaments.
Red Hot Shoppe: Add some spice to your vacation by picking up something that will always remind taste buds of those hot summer days at the beach. Featuring a wide range of hot sauces that range from mild to mouth-melting, this downtown Myrtle Beach store packs some serious heat.
Retro Active: Are you still stuck in the 1970s, '80s or '90s? So is this Broadway at the Beach store, which offers a wide selection of entertainment items from those eras. Pick up classic CDs, movie posters, T-shirts and more ranging from “The Dukes of Hazzard” to the KISS Army.
Seacoast Artists Guild & Gallery: If you are looking to take home a piece of the Grand Strand you can proudly display on your wall at home, visit this gallery of local artists who capture the soul and spirit of the area on canvas.
(Posted: 5/29/15)
