Ways to Get Your Shopping Fix

Shopping on Main

For a one-of-a-kind getaway, book a trip to one of Maryland’s Main Street districts. Enjoy shopping with a side of history in Mount Airy, or see firsthand how Cumberland’s railroad roots have given way to an arts focus in the town’s open-air Town Centre. Spend a day exploring Leonardtown’s Fenwick Street. The picturesque waterfront town of Havre de Grace has antiques, gifts stores, and legendary carved waterfowl decoys. On the Eastern Shore, see why Berlin was named “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Venture to Chesapeake City to shop for antiques, handmade soaps, toys and boutique clothing alongside the historic C & D canal towpath. Or pair a day of shopping in artsy Cambridge with a tasting of some great local wines.

No weekend getaway would be complete without a nod to Annapolis: shop downtown art galleries and gift shops overflowing with nautical and Naval Academy gear in the “Sailing Capital of America.” After your downtown venture, head over to the Westfield Annapolis Mall to peruse anchor stores and famous name boutiques and shops.

Big City Blitz

Start your Baltimore excursion at chic Harbor East. With hot shops like J. Crew, Anthropologie, Patagonia, Warby Parker, Madewell, Free People and the Under Armour Brand House, it’s the perfect spot to begin your urban shopping adventure.

Find unique boutiques in hip Hampden, Mount Vernon, and Canton, all within a few miles of the harbor. Check out Hampden’s unique Ma Petite Shoe, which specializes in shoes, socks and artisanal chocolates. Looking for a classic, cosmopolitan gift? Historic Mount Vernon showcases art, rugs, furniture and attire from around the globe. In Canton, find mainstream shopping at The Shops at Canton Crossing, or stroll “the Square” of O’Donnell Street and along Boston Street to peruse independent boutiques and shops.

The Village of Cross Keys in northern Baltimore is a destination for high-end boutique clothing, linens and jewelry. North of the city in Towson, explore the luxury wing at Towson Town Center and nearby bridal shops and formalwear boutiques. Towson is also home to The Shops at Kenilworth, which has several small high-end shops like South Moon Under, Poppy and Stella, and the Towson Bootery as well as great restaurant options, and even an attached Trader Joe’s. A bit further east lands you at The Avenue at White Marsh, a fun, family-centered shopping district dotted with play areas and green space. South of Baltimore in Howard County, find high-end labels at bespoke boutiques. Parents can enjoy upscale shopping at The Mall in Columbia, while the kids will love the mall’s grand merry-go-round.

Posh Purchases

Whether you’re just window shopping or ready to drop some serious cash on haute couture, Maryland has you covered. In the D.C. suburbs, the highly walkable Bethesda business district is home to Bethesda Row and Wildwood Shopping Center, where shoppers will find apparel and accessory boutiques plus home furnishings, décor and unique gifts. Stroll along North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose District’s streets to enjoy an upscale Main Street vibe with shopping and dining galore. Visit Silver Spring, and stop in Ellsworth Place to shop, then hop aboard VanGo—a free shuttle service that runs Monday through Saturday—to rest your feet for more shopping. Feel like you’re shopping Fifth Avenue when you patronize the high-end shops of Chevy Chase.  Head to National Harbor, home to Tanger Outlets and more than 150 boutiques and dozens of fantastic restaurants all within striking distance of Washington D.C..

Weekend Adventure

 Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on the way to the beach are big savings on Under Armour and more at the Queenstown Premium Outlets. In Western Maryland, visit the Hagerstown Premium Outlets. Clarksburg Premium Outlets are convenient to the Capital Region and to Western Maryland. Or check out the area around Perryville, where you can hit Hollywood Casino after a day of shopping in the region. Arundel Mills has the same great set-up—a mall plus numerous entertainment options, including Live! Casino and Hotel right next door. Savage Mill is an historic cotton mill that now houses specialty shops, including Cherie Amour bridal shop, spas and salons and several antique dealers.