Best Independent Bookstore: Not only does Park Road Books stock thousands of different titles, they also host regular author events that increase your chances of getting your favorite book signed by its author.

Best for Couture Clothing: The chic Boris and Natasha, a boutique in Plaza Midwood, is your best bet if you’re looking for couture items from designers such as Anna Sui and Ben Sherman.

Best Accessories: HandPicked: The name says it all. The stunning accessories, from chunky necklaces to statement rings, are all handpicked by the owner, resulting in a huge assortment of unique pieces in a single shop.

Best Deals on the Hottest Fashion Trends: Nothing in the hip Ivy & Leo costs over $100, so go ahead and pick up a few dresses and handbags to wear out for cocktails.

Best Outdoor Gear: Whether you’re preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail or just need a sporty pair of shoes to race through the aisles of the grocery store, the outdoors superstore Great Outdoor Provision Co. has the right gear.

Best Gift Shop: If the colorful ephemera isn’t proof that there is a gift for everyone at Paper Skyscraper, listen to the local media who for years have been voting the shop the best place to buy a gift.

Most Unique Home Store: The owners of Luxe Home Couture are designers who travel the world in search of exotic and unusual accessories to import for their shop.

Best Place to Take a Break: The setting is as relaxing as the treatments at Folicle Salon and Day Spa, a former home–turned-spa.