If shopping is your thing, grab your credit card and head to Chattanooga’s Northshore. The historic neighborhood offers the quintessential vacation shopping experience: tree-lined streets, locally owned boutiques in 100-year-old buildings and sidewalks adorned with public art. Not only that, you can find just about anything you want at any price point, from dresses and shoes to artwork and antiques.
FRAZIER AVENUE
The easiest way to start your shopping sojourn is to park behind the shops in the parking lot adjacent to Coolidge Park. Explore the lower level for funky finds like recycled artwork and jewelry at Tangerinas or hand-poured soy candles and soaps at River Street Makery.
Plum Nelly sells just about any gift you could imagine, including an impressive jewelry selection, dinnerware, art and hand-blown glassware from local artist Prentice Hicks.
In the same complex is Barefoot Bandits, a children’s casual lifestyle boutique with lines like Tea, LUCKY and Skip Hop. Speaking of little ones, A Child’s Garden is just down the street and is chock full of precious appliqué and smocked offerings, plus a large toy section.
If it’s fashion you’re after, head to Frankie and Julian’s for a curated selection of women’s designer dresses, jeans, shoes and accessories. Across the street, search for a deal on the perfect party dress at River City Apparel Outlet.
Chattanooga is a city of artists, so be sure to snag some locally produced goodies while you’re here. In-Town Gallery, the nation’s oldest artist co-operative represents local work in virtually every medium including oils, watercolor, photography, metalwork, pottery, jewelry, ink/paper, fabric and more. If folk art is you thing, head to Winder Binder Gallery and Bookstore, where the walls are literally lined with eye-popping art. In between the two is Blue Skies, an artfully arranged gift store with jewelry, accessories and a large selection of funky and beautiful cards.
2 NORTHSHORE COMPLEX
Once you’ve hit the hot spots on Frazier, walk or drive down Manufacturers Road to the 2 Northshore Complex. The upscale development is grounded by Whole Foods and local outfitter Rock/Creek’s flagship location, with plenty of small, locally owned shops to explore. Willa Collection offers high-end women’s labels like Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, Rag & Bone and Alexis Bittar. For pint-sized fashionistas there’s The Sandbox, carrying casual and dressy finds sized preemie to pre-teen. (You can also entertain little hands with a trip to Learning Express Toys.) To accessorize your finds, visit Chattanooga Shoe Company for fashion-forward yet comfortable brands like Frye, Dansko, Earthies and Gentle Souls.
Once you’re feeling adequately accessorized, it’s time to think about your home. Snag a killer throw pillow or chandelier at Belle Rive, an upscale boutique offering antiques, gifts, homefurnishings and clothing.
