Small businesses are the cornerstone of America, each sharing new knowledge and creativity with locals. Deviating from the monotony of big-box stores, independently owned shops provide a sense of community, bringing togetherness in the care taken to serve their customers with a friendly smile and, oftentimes, a personalized greeting upon arrival. Homegrown character oozes through each storefront, inviting new visitors to explore the world through new eyes. These little shops embody the heart and soul of their locations. To build something special takes time, a keen eye, and, sometimes, a major restoration to make what was old new again. Below, we explore the passions of independent store owners from all over the country, selling everything from rare books to gourmet goods. Not only are these shops beautiful inside and out, but they also realize the American dream. In a nation with hundreds, if not thousands, of worthy contenders, the task of choosing just one from each state was by no means easy. And given the allegiance that often attends these small businesses, there is certain to be some healthy—and welcome!—debate. Herewith, our list of the most beautiful independent store in every state.
Alabama: Shaia’s, Birmingham
Every detail, down to the thoughtful meaning of the iron-vine-wrapped door, feels special in Shaia’s. It is immediately apparent that menswear isn’t just a daily routine—it’s a passion. The windowed archway and clean design of the façade pops from the street, drawing in savvy customers. shaiaom
Alaska: The Park, Anchorage
The opulent crystal chandelier greeting customers upon arrival is almost a beautiful as the carefully curated fashions dotting the boutique. The Park creates an inviting luxury environment with personal stylists at the ready. facebookom
Arizona: Stephanie’s, Scottsdale
The naturally fashionable vibe of Stephanie’s in Scottsdale embraces customers as soon as they pass through the airy entrance flanked by tall tapered pants and an intentionally stationed bicycle. The luxurious fashions are expertly curated and set into the store as if part of the chic decor. shopstephanieom
Arkansas: Bathhouse Soapery, Hot Springs
This historical building sits pretty on the Bathhouse Row, an infamous district of Hot Springs. Bathhouse Soapery specializes in small-batch, hand-blended bath and body products, which can be personalized to your specifications. The juxtaposition of dripping crystal chandeliers and painted weathered brick walls give the store a vibe as fresh as the scents coming together in their latest batch of product. bathhousesoaom
California: The Last Bookstore, L.A.
Located on Gallery Row, The Last Bookstore occupies 22,000 square feet of the historic Spring Arts Tower. Boasting a book tunnel and over 250,000 new and used books, shop owner Josh Spencer is keeping his love of print alive by creating the ultimate destination for bookworms. lastbookstorelaom
Colorado: Eve’s Revolution, Colorado Springs
Shop owner Eve Carlson calls Eve’s Revolution her baby, and it shows. Housed in an adorable clapboard-style home with an artfully scalloped pediment painted an ombré pink, Eve’s Revolution is a sanctuary for unique fashions and accessories. evesrevolutionom
Connecticut: Bungalow, Westport
Wende Cohen’s Westport design shop represents a culmination of her passion for home decor, traveling, and antiquing. Her unique style is housed in a quaint shop with an ever-changing inventory as she uncovers new decor jewels. bungalowdecorom
Delaware: Salvaged, Lewes
Owners Brynn Byerly and Michelle Long channeled their love of upcycling antique and vintage furniture into a creative business selling one-of-a-kind furniture. The colorful barn-inspired shop stands out as much as their unique goods. salvagedfurnitureparlourom
Florida: Oxford Exchange, Tampa
Situated in a chic white-brick building with a Mediterranean-style clay roof, Oxford Exchange is a shopping experience created by sibling team Blake Casper and Allison Adams. The bookstore is the most recognizable area of the massive store, sporting a sprawling geometric tile floor, painted bookcases lining the walls, and a carefully curated selection of new releases, bestsellers, classics, and more. The bookstore focuses on the beauty of the physical book, using the striking black and white motif to allow the books to pop off the shelves. oxfordexchangeom
Georgia: The Paris Market, Savannah
Using a Parisian flea market as inspiration, founder Paula Danyluk creates a maze of alluring and unusual items. The old-world feeling evoked by the 1874 Victorian building is the perfect housing for such a unique shop. Wandering through the store’s myriad of vignettes feels like traveling the world, drinking up inspiration safely in the arms of southern hospitality. theparismarkeom
Hawaii: Hound and Quail, Honolulu
Entering Hound and Quail is likened to stumbling upon a treasure trove of peculiar items that blend harmoniously into a cohesive design story. Owners Mark Pei and Travis Flazer drew inspiration from small shops in Tokyo and Amsterdam to create a store reflective of their hunt for rare and wonderful finds from all over Hawaii and around the world. houndandquailom
Idaho: Crazy Neighbor, Boise
Aside from standing out aesthetically, this boutique has as big a personality as the store’s theatrical founder, Star Moxley. Specializing in stage makeup, wigs, hats, and costume fashions, the boutique’s decor plays off of its thespian roots. crazyneighbor.biz
Illinois: Distinctive Gardens, Inc., Dixon
The revamped 100-year-old barn serves as the introduction to Distinctive Gardens, Inc., a beautifully rustic gardening and gift shop. As it expanded through the years, the store became a destination for inspiration and art, hosting a variety of events, workshops, and concerts for all ages. diggersdelighom
Indiana: James Dant, Indianapolis
This rare men’s shop was created by owner Tommy James Dant out of his need for products that were scarce in the Midwest. Operating with a focus on low-impact goods and wrapped in a fitting red brick building with an eye-popping orange door, James Dant brings a new sense of style to the area. jamesdanom
Iowa: Preservation, Des Moines
Acquired vintage goods and carefully selected chic modern clothing pairs seamlessly to create an utterly cool destination for style. Nicole Lorenson’s Preservation is a well curated reflection of her keen eye for how well-loved pieces of the past breathe new life into today’s trends. Even the corner location and the weathered brick building play into the classic vibe of the shop. shoppreservationom
Kansas: Hand & Land, Leawood
The façade of Kansas jewel Hand & Land is coated a white brick that calls to the white tile interiors. Focusing on sustainable, nontoxic products, this little shop is providing a greener way to life for Kansas. handandlandom
Kentucky: Stoneware & Co., Louisville
For Steve Smith, owner of Stoneware & Co., pottery is not just a labor of love, it’s a heritage steeped in history. The company’s stunning showroom and factory location entices locals and tourists alike to take comb through the artfully designed collections. The modern wood paneled exterior ushers visitors into a “grocery store” inspired layout, showcasing "fresh produce" throughout the shop. stonewareandcoom
Louisiana: Pilot and Powell, New Orleans
Co-owners Kathryn Bullock Joyner and Coeli Hilferty Boron started Pilot and Powell as an answer to the lack of high-fashion boutiques in Louisiana. The light-flooded corner shop is the perfect spot to showcase their chic collections to the fashion hungry. pilotandpowellom
Maine: Minka, Kennebunkport
Positioned in the heart of Kennebunkport in southern Maine, this beachy home decor shop prides itself on selling sustainable products. The natural coastal decor is the perfect aesthetic to reflect the store’s values. minkahomeom
Maryland: Trohv, Baltimore
Trohv, meaning a collection of artful objects discovered or found, is Maryland’s destination to uncover local artisans. The home decor and gift store is renowned in the area for their exceptional seasonal window displays and unique inventory. trohvshoom
Massachusetts: Brattle Book Shop, Boston
The element that makes Brattle Book Shop so special isn’t necessarily what is housed within the historic walls of its three-story building, but rather what is stationed predominantly in the alleyway beside it. Beneath a black-and-white mural depicting a selection of the most famous writers in history are rows upon rows of books ripe for perusing. Owner Ken Gloss’s family has run this unique book store since 1949. brattlebookshoom
Michigan: City Bird, Detroit
The industrial look of City Bird harkens back to Detroit’s bustling factories. Founded by a team of homegrown Detroit siblings, City Bird is known for its focus on locally made products and artwork. citybirddetroiom
Minnesota: Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis
This children’s indie bookstore created an artful escape from the real world behind a discreet storefront in Minneapolis. A maze of literature follows a canoe embarking on a journey down the colorful river depicted on the ceiling of the shop, sparking curiosity in the mind of every child who enters the space. wildrumpusbookom
Mississippi: Square Books, Oxford
Stationed in a two-story building on Oxford’s historic town square, Square Books keeps good company in the home of famous authors such as William Faulkner, Barry Hannah, and Larry Brown. squarebookom
Missouri: Bonboni Home & Gift Co., St. Louis
Housed in a 120-year-old former candy shop in the historic Shaw neighborhood, the shop is now home to a stunning collection of home decor. The mint-painted mullions and a welcoming flower display against the weathered brick makes this is the perfect setting to discover the array of old and new items that have been carefully sourced by the shop’s owner, Lauren Thorp. bonbonistlom
Montana: Fact & Fiction, Missoula
The historic Bluebird Building was the perfect place for bookstore Fact & Fiction to settle, as it looks a bit like an opulent hardcover novel of the past with its bright colors and stand-out design. factandfictionbookom
Nebraska: Master’s Hand, Tekamah
This homey robin’s-egg blue storefront is home to the local-endorsed “woman’s dream shop.” Emerging from humble beginnings selling homemade candles, Master’s Hand quickly grew into a comfortable shop fueled by beautiful, artfully crafted items as inspiration. mastershandcandleom
Nevada: The Writer’s Block, Las Vegas
The raw edge of this quirky bookshop is attracting readers and writers alike from all over the globe. Drew Cohen, owner of one of the few independently owned shops in Las Vegas, takes pride in the store’s “unfinished” look. The decor evokes the feeling of trespassing on a construction site, with fake birds fleeting overhead on raw wooden beams. thewritersblockrg
New Hampshire: Zeb’s General Store, North Conway
The whimsical world of Zeb’s General Store, named for a local folk hero, evokes a walk back in time to the general stores of the past. The warm yellow exterior is iconic among the small North Conway Village shops, delivering local goods as well as some unexpected items visitors are delighted to happen upon. zebom
New Jersey: The Roost Outpost, Hoboken
Hoboken has quickly become a haven for those looking to escape the confines of Manhattan. The Roost Outpost rose to the big-city competition by creating a unique hybrid of a coffee shop and retail destination. The matured double doors and chic black exterior celebrate the seasoned feel of the area while introducing a hip vibe to the neighborhood. hobokenheroostnycom
New Mexico: Shiprock Santa Fe, Santa Fe
From its historical location on Santa Fe Plaza to the Native American–inspired name, Shiprock is rooted in the cultural significance of the American Southwest. The gallery draws inspiration from the traditions of the area and highlights Native American artists, embracing a colorful decor that encompasses the store’s mission. shiprocksantafeom
New York: Creel and Gow, New York City
Located in the former stables of an Upper East Side townhouse, this ivy covered façade is a delicious entry into a one-of-a-kind home decor boutique. Each inspiring corner of Creel and Gow reflects a unique design aesthetic filled with rare pieces. creelandgoom
North Carolina: Porter & Prince, Asheville
Set just a few blocks from the iconic Biltmore Estate, Porter & Prince resides in a Tudor-style cottage that was originally a working post office in 1895. Today, owner Debra Prince Slosman creates a tranquil shopping haven for home furnishings, with a strong focus on French and Scandinavian influences. porterandprinceom
North Dakota: Prairie Fire Pottery, Beach
This Old West style building dates back to 1908 and is the perfect eye-catching spot to showcase the creative works of Tama Smith. Ranging from handmade tiles to kitchenware, Smith crafts an array of pottery items in this local gem. prairiefirepotterom
Ohio: Room Service, Cleveland
The first thing to notice about Room Service is the storied window displays. As the shop sells everything from home decor to apparel, there is ample room to play and build a beautiful narrative. Colorful accents dot the shop, bringing the white brick walls to life. rsclevelandom
Oklahoma: Lovera's Handcrafted Foods, Krebs
This family-owned and operated Italian market has been a staple in Krebs since 1946. The freestanding stone building erected in 1910 is the perfect setting to blend the family's traditional Italian recipes with modern, award-winning products they supply in the store. loverasmarkeom
Oregon: Pistils Nursery, Portland
Focusing on sustainable gardening, Pistils Nursery far exceeds the enchanting clapboard building seen on the street into a backyard and solarium, where, if lucky, visitors may come across a chicken or two. pistilsnurserom
Pennsylvania: Baldwin’s Book Barn, West Chester
The maze that is Baldwin’s Book Barn is located in a barn dating back to 1822 and houses nearly 300,000 books within its five stories. The beautiful stone exterior is as stunning as the intricate rooms within its walls, each leading to a comfortable haven for browsing or settling into a good read. bookbarnom
Rhode Island: Rib & Rhein, Newport
Blue-and-white-striped awnings and manicured planters coax the fashionable clientele of Newport into this elegant boutique. ribandrheinom
South Carolina: The Boutique, Charleston
This airy boutique prides itself on keeping with Southern style and hospitality. Owner Lois Daughtridge creates a warm space with a knowledgeable staff waiting to help personalize your home or select the perfect housewarming gift. Cloaked in white paint, this quaint shop blends beautifully with the Old-South backdrop of Charleston. theboutiquecharlestonom
South Dakota: Palmer Lea, Sioux Falls
Mother-daughter duo Kayleen and Vicki Leonard created Palmer Lea Boutique to offer fashionable and affordable clothing. The hip shop is nestled in a windowed brick storefront in downtown Sioux Falls. palmerleaom
Tennessee: Imogene + Willie, Nashville
With the intent of creating a home for crafting bespoke denim, owners Matt and Carrie Eddmenson took up residence in an old service station to begin their dream. Today, the worn building is filled with fashions, perfect-fitting denim being at the heart of their mission. imogeneandwillieom
Texas: Wrong, Marfa
Housed in the bones of an old church, Wrong is a sparkling surprise among its desert surroundings. Local art is presented against stark white walls in light-filled rooms, spaciously placed to allow each piece room to breathe and be absorbed. wrongmarfaom
Utah: Root’d, Park City
It’s not hard to brainstorm new home design choices while browsing though Root’d in Utah, filled as it is with reimagined vignettes, . Nestled in a striking green clapboard building, customers can imagine themselves immersed in this stylish atmosphere on a daily basis. rootdhomeom
Vermont: Woodstock Farmers Market, Woodstock
The Woodstock Farmers Market is famous among locals for its fresh regional produce and delicious ready-made foods. Housed in a classic barn-inspired building, the interior is crisp with light wood paneling the ceiling for a homespun feel. woodstockfarmersmarkeom
Virginia: Taste Unlimited, Virginia Beach
From humble beginnings, the locally focused gourmet shop grew a quick reputation for its homemade house sauce and other local products, along with its crave-worthy sandwiches. The barn-inspired shop at Bayville Farms is a modernized haven for specialty foods. The local farm stand and sprawling yard seating make Taste a destination in the Virginia Beach area. tastenline
Washington: Standard Goods, Seattle
Located in the lively neighborhood of Capitol Hill, Standard Goods focuses on affordable fashionable goods made in America with an emphasis on local artisans. The organic interiors are the perfect reflection of the trendy neighborhood and a favorite among locals. thestandardgoodom
Washington, D.C.: Pillar & Post
This home decor shop nestled in the Book Hill neighborhood of Georgetown focuses on British antiques and home decor brands, bringing a fresh spin to the solo antique shop. Pillar & Post melds old and new beautifully, reflecting the character of Georgetown within its blue brick walls. pillarandposom
West Virginia: Harmony Ridge Gallery, Lewisburg
Transforming the shell of a 1930s car dealership, owners Aaron and Monica Maxwell reimagined the space into a haven for American-made art. harmonyridgegallerom
Wisconsin: Red's Mercantile, Eau Claire
The façade of Red’s Mercantile looks as though it belongs on a quaint street in San Francisco with its striking blue exterior and corner entryway. Leading the indie movement in Eau Claire, Red’s focuses on keenly crafted American-made items. redsmercantileom
Wyoming: Habits, Jackson Hole
Habits is a rare gem that’s decor embodies the rugged elegance of Jackson Hole. The shop highlights little-known designers who specialize in using natural materials, giving the space a grounded connection with nature. habits-jackson-holeshopiom
