Emporium Antiques
The word “emporium” is not an overstatement—this megastore showcases goods from 100-plus dealers in a huge warehouse. Whether you’re drawn to retro mixing bowls, antique maps, or century-old chandeliers, you’re bound to find at least a few corners that captivate.
112 E. Patrick St.; 301-662-7099.
Evangeline— A Touch of France
Step into one of van Gogh’s Provençal paintings at this shop. The turquoise, yellow, and orange walls paint a sunny tableau for an array of finds imported from Southern France, including linens, table runners, soaps, beautiful photo landscapes, and hand-painted ceramics.
115 E. Patrick St.; 301-624-5500.
Great Stuff by Paul
Looking to round out your collection of Chinese puppets? Or maybe your boho-vintage home begs for a bamboo birdcage. Whatever your whimsy, this pair of warehouse-like shops lures interior designers from across the region to an eclectic assortment of stuff, from mounds of discarded tubs and English watering cans to ornate Shanghai urns and bistro tables.
257 E. Sixth St., 301-631-5340; 10 N. Carroll St., 301-631-0004.
The Little Pottery Shop
On the eastern edge of downtown, this quaint brick shop has two levels lined with hand-thrown pottery by 120 artists, including owner Tameria Martínez. Styles span from country to contemporary, earth tones to bold hues, and everyday cereal bowls to display pieces destined for the mantel. You can also find locally forged iron, wildlife sculpture, hand-blown glass, beaded jewelry, and more.
117 N. East St.; 301-620-7501.
The Muse
Proving that handmade can also be haute, owner Whitney Bingham hand-plucks one-of-a-kind arts, crafts, and wearable accessories—most made locally. The colorful and often-changing inventory ranges from delicately hand-painted ballet flats to vibrant ceramic bowls and mugs.
19 N. Market St.; 301-663-3632
Clothing and Accessories
Chic to Chic
You’ll leave Chic to Chic smiling ear to ear, thanks to the secondhand designer clothes at seriously reduced prices. On the surface, the bright and welcoming shop could be your average small-town consignment store—with a downtown aesthetic—but a closer look reveals racks of couture clothing and handbags, from Gucci and Louis Vuitton to Betsey Johnson and Marc Jacobs.
30 E. Patrick St.; 301-620-8889.
Tiara Day
When you step inside this adorable boutique (tag line: “Where girlfriends shop”), don’t be surprised if you flash back to your grandma’s house—that is, if Granny was a glam Parisian with impeccable taste. Recently transplanted from Kensington, the shop displays a well-curated mélange of rhinestone-encrusted brooches, antique corsets, sheer negligees, flowy dresses, and beaded clutches. Goods are vintage and vintage-inspired.
153 N. Market St.; 301-694- 4911.
Velvet Lounge
Bold crimson and black-and-white damask walls strike a hip note at this 12-year-old boutique. Mod Lucite chandeliers illuminate skater-chic garb by Volcom, flowy frocks by Free People, and trendy jewelry from Tarina Tarantino. Frederick fashionistas also head here for designer denim from brands such as Citizens of Humanity and Hudson Denim.
203 N. Market St.; 301-695-5700.
Venus on the Half Shell
Guys and gals born in the wrong era head to this vintage shop for throwback fashion, from skinny ties and leather motorcycle jackets to silk Chinese dresses and floral tablecloths. The selection is wide and the style spot-on. The owner finds shoes that fit today’s larger feet, including worn-in cowboy boots for men. There’s also furniture, suitcases, jewelry, and other accessories.
101 E. Patrick St.; 301-662-6213.
Kids
Dancing Bear Toys and Gifts
“Batteries not included” is more than the fine print here—it’s the philosophy. This old-fashioned shop stocks low-tech board games, puzzles, puppets, science kits, and anything else “powered by imagination,” from books to musical instruments. Family owned, the store sells eco-friendly toys (Überstix, Sprig Toys, EnviroBlox) and donates a portion of its profits to children’s charities.
12 N. Market St.; 301-631-9300.
Steamboat Kids
This smart children’s boutique carries cute, clever clothing and accessories, such as the popular kid lines Catimini, Twirls and Twigs, Mud Pie, Hula Mula, and Les Tout Petits (designer of the multihued dress worn by Sasha Obama to the Kids Inaugural Ball). You can also stock up on Déglingos monster baby slippers and Knuckleheads beanies.
143 N. Market St.; 301-682-5439.
Gifts and More
The Flying Barrel
Homebrewers and winemakers buzz about this utilitarian supply shop and brew-on-premises center. It has a grungy charm that evokes a pal’s garage plus knowledgeable staffers who help homebrewers and DIY vintners navigate beer and wine kits, malt extracts, malted barley grain, hops, yeasts, siphons, fermenters, bottles, caps and corks, sterilizers, additives, books, and more.
103 S. Carroll St.; 301-663-4491.
Retro-Metro
Locals love getting lost in this kooky lair of novelty products sure to stand out at your next white-elephant gift exchange. Think Handerpants (fingerless “underpants” for your hands), robot calculators, glow-in-the-dark poker cards, Uglydolls, plus a bookshelf lined with kids’ books. The fun-loving store also has a serious side: sleek sofas, wall art, and pretty stone bracelets and earrings.
213 N. Market St.; 301-698-8100.
Simply Beautiful
Domestic goddesses flock to this graceful boutique. An abundance of items fill the stylish space, from frilly Jillie Willie aprons and Vera Bradley bags to artisanal Italian pewter and potted topiaries. There are also designer diaper bags and baby skin-care products for well-heeled moms.
145 N. Market St.; 301-662-9009.
Two Paws Up
Four-legged shopping companions can refuel at this comfy clubhouse for pampered pets. A large orange-and-pink doghouse marks the spot, as does the whiff of freshly baked dog biscuits. Beyond the treat-stuffed front room, you can peruse pet playthings (catnip, all-natural bully sticks, environmentally friendly squeak toys) and gear (plush beds, to-go bowls, hemp leashes).
15 S. Carroll St.; 301-668-7704.
Zoe’s Chocolate
The owners of this chocolate paradise, third-generation chocolatiers, draw on their Greek family’s pushcart past in stocking their cocoa bar with classic and Mediterranean-inspired handmade treats, from salty caramel to tahini, Aegean pistachio, and Dionysus baklava. You can also pick up tins of cocoa for hot chocolate, decadent gift boxes, and specialty chocolate bars.
121-A N. Market St.; 301-694-5882.
