The holidays are coming up, and that means it is shopping season. It’s time to start making that gift list, which can actually be quite a challenge. If you have people on your list who are difficult to shop for, or you have absolutely no clue what to buy them, check out one of these 10 local shops in Kentucky this year. Sure, malls and huge department stores have tons of options, but if you shop locally, you’re not only helping out a family in your community, but chances are you are going to find a one-of-a-kind gift for that difficult person on your list.
1. Quest Outdoors, Louisville
If you're shopping for someone who is a lover of the outdoors, you need to head to Quest immediately. You'll be overwhelmed with choices for both men and women, children, and even your pets. Whether you're just looking for a small gift like a durable water bottle or workout clothes, or something more extravagant like a kayak or a tent, you'll be able to find it here. Quest Outdoors is located in the Shelbyville Road Plaza at 4600 Shelbyville Road, Louisville KY 40207.
2. Preservation Station Market and Event Center, Owensboro
You'll have lots of shopping options at the 39,000 square foot market located in a former elementary school. Be sure to check out a Market Day, which is held the first weekend of every month. Come buy a unique gift from one of the many vendors that will be there selling all sorts of one-of-a-kind things such as antiques and hand-crafted boutique items. Preservation Station is located at 9661 Highway 56, Owensboro, KY 42301.
3. SoCool, Grand Rivers
SoCool is located in Grand Rivers, which is right on the banks of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, making it a popular town for water sports, fishing, and other outdoor activities. You can get items for your outdoor lover at SoCool, as well as toys for kids, and jewelry, clothing, shoes, and handbags. SoCool is located at 1804 J H O'Bryan Avenue, Grand Rivers, KY 42045.
4. Bentley and Murray, Winchester
Bentley and Murray sells items that are full of character and charm. Come browse their antiques and collectibles and you're sure to discover something you wouldn't find anywhere else. This store would be a great stop if you're shopping for newlyweds or someone who just moved into a new home. Help them furnish or decorate with a one-of-a-kind gift from Bentley and Murray. It is located at 23 S. Main Street, Winchester, KY 40391.
5. Berea Soaps and Gifts, Berea
At Berea Soaps and Gifts, you'll be able to find all sorts of handmade soaps and oils, aromatherapy products, and other bath and body items. It may seem like a place where you could only find a gift for women, but don't be fooled. They carry men's products as well, such as shaving necessities. Berea Soaps and Gifts is located at 209 Short Street, Berea, KY 40403.
6. Gifthorse, Louisville
Gifthorse is a great place to go and browse if you're not sure what to get someone, or for last minute gifts. You'll be able to find a lot of quirky and fun items that anyone will like, and many of them have a Kentucky theme. You'll be able to find something here for men, women, children, teenagers, elderly people, fashionistas, bourbon experts, animal lovers, Derby enthusiasts, and pretty much anyone else on your list. Gifthorse has two locations. One is at 805 E. Market Street, Louisville, KY 40206, which is in the NuLu neighborhood, meaning if you don't get all your shopping done at Gifthorse, you will be surrounded by other really cool local shops. Their second location is at 554 S. 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
7. Tala's Distant Treasures, Newport
Facebook/Tala’s
This unique Newport boutique has a wide variety of handmade items such as jewelry, scarves, shawls, furniture, candles, and more from countries like India, Pakistan, Peru, and Jordan. Tala's Distant Treasures is located at Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way #2116, Newport, KY 41071.
8. Worlds Apart, Lexington
For the women in your life, be sure to stop in to Worlds Apart in Lexington. This local boutique sells luxury clothing and accessories that are in season and in style. Worlds Apart is located at 850 E. High Street, Lexington, KY 40502.
9. Completely Kentucky, Frankfort
Buying a gift for a Kentuckian proud of their heritage? Or maybe you need to get something for someone from out-of-state, but you want to give them a little slice of Kentucky. No matter who you're shopping for, you need to visit Completely Kentucky. They carry everything from art, furniture, rugs, jewelry, clothes, and food items that were made by Kentucky artisans from all over the state. The store is located at 237 W. Broadway Street, Frankfort, KY 40601.
10. Expressions Tea and Gifts, Somerset
Make your shopping experience a little less stressful by stopping for tea while you shop. At Expressions, you'll find local, hand-crafted items such as furniture, throw pillows, quilts, wind chimes, and jewelry. They also sell Kentucky Proud food products, so definitely consider shopping here if you have a foodie on your list. Expressions Tea and Gifts is located at 2835 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501.
Of course, there are more outstanding local shops in Kentucky than just these 10 on the list, so we would love to hear your favorite local place to shop for the holidays.
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