Unique Shopping in Frederick
2010 February 16
I got this email today from a freelance writer from Washington, D.C. Rather than just emailing her a list of what I think are the best shops, I thought I’d put the question to you.
Hello!
I’m a freelance writer in Washington, DC, working on a shopping guide to Frederick, Maryland, for a local publication. I discovered your Frederick blog, and wondered if there was any chance you’d be willing to share a few of your recommendations for the best and most unique shops in Frederick?
I greatly appreciate any help you can offer.
Many thanks
What do you think? What are the “best and most unique shops” in Frederick?
42 Responses
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Lipstick and Spurs for cowboy(and girl) boots and other fun accessories.
Retro Metro for awesome gifts.
Emporium Antiques— it’s so huge that you’re bound to find something you like and in the price range you’re looking for.
Viniferous for wine, wine, wine, oh and some beer.
Dancing Bear for kids toys.
There are just so many, I can’t narrow it down!
Velvet lounge has the best selection of unique clothes. Hudson jeans, trendy bags, cute dresses to flip flops.
Lipstick and Spurs has the best cowgirl great boots, t-shirts and belts (including Ed Hardy).
Smooch Studio has the best makeup around. The girls who work there show you how to use it and you can formulate your own lip stick.
The Candy Kitchen
En Masse Flowers
Any one of the specialty food markets
Emporium Antiques
The shop in the Delaplaine for one of kind art objects
Retro Metro, Zoe’s Chocolate and Smooch are some of my favorites!
I second Zoe’s Chocolate. Also, Molly’s Meanderings.
I would include Wonder Book because of the millions of books you can pick up and flip through. The next closest bookstore like that is Strand in NYC.
Viniferous is definitely a highlight for one of the best “new” shops in downtown. Very nice and knowledgible owner with a very unique selection of wines and beers.
A couple I forgot – The Muse on Market Street has some awesome finds from local artists.
Shab Row has a ton of good places too (like the Perfect Truffle and Eleganza Yarns), so the writer should definitely pay it a visit. I love Stone Hearth Bakery too!
Just send Katie here http://www.downtownfrederick.org/play/shop.htm
I like the variety of great gifts and furniture at Retro-Metro, usually something for everyone.
Dancing Bear Toys, definitely! Isabella’s… Muse… Eleganza knitting shop…
I also love Retro Metro but don’t forget Two Paws Up for great pet supplies, Accessories of Old for lace and sewing accessories, Zaruba & Zaruba for fine custom jewelry and Amber Coast for unique giftware from around the world. Too bad Cinegraphic Studio is gone… : (
Flights of Fancy, Retro Metro, The Perfect Truffle, Dancing Bear, The Muse, Molly’s Meanderings, Accessories of Old, Tiara Day
One shop I love going into is Evangeline – The Colors of Provence. Lot’s of great French products, such as soaps, linens, ceramics, and prints.
The Flying Barrel, making your own beer and wine
I second the votes for Dancing Bear Toys (NOT just for kids … I’m a childless 30-year-old and I can’t go in there without buying something), the gift shop at the Delaplaine, Wonder Book, and the Muse.
Surreybrooke is a great place to visit for plants and garden ornaments. I also like shopping for edible things at Zoe’s Chocolates, McCutcheon’s, West Frederick Farmers Market, Common Market, and My Organic Market.
Steamboat Kids has some really unique baby items.
looooove mccutcheons! footlights is the best in maryland for dance stuff; the little british shop on market st is great for anyone who likes food/drinks from the commonwealth; ye old spirit shop by the hospital has the best beer and wine selection too.
I’m a huge fan of both the Owl Nest on 85 http://www.theowlnestonline.com/ and Eleganza Yarns on East St http://www.eleganzayarns.com/.
Both have friendly, knowledgeable staff and fun events!
MOXY’s! Cakes for Cause…..at the end of Market – just before the 7th st fountain!
AMAZING everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lots of great places already mentioned…I’d add Ten Thousand Joys, lots of great stuff in there.
They have to include Vibrant Artwear! There is nothing else like it anywhere. We also love Dancing Bear;)
En Masse is the most unique flower shop in the mid-Atlantic, rivals those in Europe; clever arrangements, imaginative and unusual flowers, stems, plants, branches, etc., gorgeous vases and other containers, a real $$ value for the money, and love the way they petal the sidewalk in front of the store.
I can’t vote for The Muse enough
The items are by local artists, who usually have a little card with their name by their items. And the selection of goods always changes.
The Muse, Simply Beautiful Boutique, Neccessories (not downtown, but still lots of great stuff)
Yaneth Reyes for beautiful jewelry
2 Paws Up
The Muse
Wonder Books
And remember Chic to Chic is really great too! High end consignment shop, big name labels at small prices!
There is so many options to choose from: Frederick is a very under-rated “city”. Our residents are amongst the most nicest in the region maybe even state. Our local stores and shops also give us the advantage of a small-town/family feeling! It is the BEST place I’ve been to in a LONG tme!
RetroMetro is a must, their unique gifts and furniture are fabulous. http://www.retro-metro.com/
TwoPaws Up, is also a must so you can bring back a little something for your fur-babies (if you don’t have any, your friends fur-babies would love to have a new treat => ) http://www.twopawsup.biz/
Check out the Historical Society… see where Frederick has been.
Historical Society of Frederick County http://www.hsfcinfo.org
Home Essentials of Frederick — GREAT place to find just the perfect gift for you or someone else
http://www.HomeEssentialsFrederick.com
Check out Moxie Bakery and Cafe… FABULOUS foods made with love, passion and many times local ingredients. (They also have Vegetarian/Vegan items on their menu — which tastes fabulous regardless if you are or not!)
http://www.moxiedesserts.com/
For many more options check out:
The DownTown Partnership’s website: http://www.downtownfrederick.org/play/shop.htm#home
and The Frederick Tourism Council’s website: http://www.fredericktourism.org/
Everedy Square & Shab Row at East and Church Streets in downtown Frederick features 30+ independent shops, eateries and services. The neighborhood has become a destination for fashion and beauty with anchor Talbots and boutiques like Aspire (trendy clothing for mother and daughter) and Smooch Studio (custom cosmetics). Unique gift shops like Accents, The Little Pottery Shop and Flights of Fancy complement the independent eateries like Frederick Cellars, Maryland’s only urban winery, Danielle’s Restaurant (great wood-burning oven pizza!) and hand-crafted chocolates from the Perfect Truffle.
http://www.everedysquare.com
Frederick Basket Company!
Agreed that Everedy Square & Shab Row is a good location. You have the many antique shops, Flights of Fancy, Daisy’s Salon and Body Botique, and Danielle’s all near each other.
Check out Neccessories in the Westview Shopping Center off 85 — lots of unique gift items – for yourself and friends — scarves, handbags, jewelry, home and office items — unique things you’ll fall in love with!
SMOOCH is not only a unique experience allowing you to customize your own look the owners really understand skin care and offer great ideas and suggestions for colors that match your individual skin not just the out of the package colors. It is a fun and learning experience for all ages!
No mention of Venus on the Half Shell? Hot stuff there for DC 20-somethings. The owners are very cool and have great off-beat senses of humor.
I do like that store! I’ve found stuff in there that I wore in high school in the early 70′s…….especially the Gunny Sax dresses…….
Thanks for the shout outs for the Perfect Truffle. We love our customers and we love what we do. Lots of fun new flavors coming out for St. Patrick’s Day. Stop in and say “hi”!
I know I’m a little late on this, but yes….Perfect Truffle is absolutely fantabulous! I also love Vibrant Artwear and Zebop.
I second Yaneth Reyes. Also McGuire Fine Arts Gallery. Plus all the places mentioned above!
Liz, do you know when this article will be published and in what publication?
No I don’t, but I emailed her asking to let me know when it is published.
Hey, just found this site! I have to toot my own horn and
mention Old Hat Vintage Clothing at Cannonhill Place Antiques. If you like vintage clothes, 50′s furniture, books , funky jewelry, then check us out even tho we’re a little off the beaten path-111 S. Carroll Street!