203 favorite shops

Southern Living, Spring 2003 by Black, James T, Hamilton, Majella Chube, McKenzie, Jennifer L

From chic boutiques to farmers markets, we've found everything under the Southern sun. Grab your checkbook, and hit the road with us.

Whether we're browsing or buying, Southerners love to shop. And as varied as our collections and interests are, that's how far-flung the selection of shopping spots we have to offer you.

Browsing the Village

1. Betty Becher had never owned a business. Then 31 years ago she decided to take a chance. "It was an opportunity that came up, and I took it," says the owner of Gazebo dress shop in North Carolina's Reynolda Village.

Betty's shop was the first to open on the Reynolda estate near WinstonSalem. Built by tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds in the early 1900s, the 1,067acre complex now includes Reynolda Village, a collection of more than 20 specialty shops and restaurants.

"We carry designer sportswear, business clothing, evening gowns, and accessories," she says.

Betty's place occupies what was once a garage on the estate, now given a new life thanks to a Winston-Salem businesswoman who decided to take a Chance. JAMES T. BLACK chance.

Gazebo: (336) 725-7178. Open 9 a.m.5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday.

Personal Effects For Him and Her

2. Abejas Boutique, Houston, TX; (713) 522-3025. Women's clothing.

3. A Thousand Faces, Nashville, TN; (615) 298-3304. This Hillsboro Village shop has women's accessories and gifts.

4. Bijou, Atlanta, GA; (404) 350-7959. Women's clothing and accessories.

5. Bygones Vintage Clothing, Richmond, VA; (804) 353-1919. Clothes and accessories from the past.

6. Cellar, Franklin, TN; (615) 7909803. Fine women's clothing.

7. Creter's, Macon, GA; (478) 7456709. Children's clothing and furniture. S. Fast Buck Freddie's, Key West, FL; (305) 294-2007. Fun clothing and accessories in a department store.

9. Fetish, Austin, TX; (512) 457-1007. Clothing, accessories, and shoes.

10. Gifts Galore, Knoxville, TN; (865) 691-9999. Women's and children's clothing, accessories, and stationery. 11. Isla, South Padre Island, TX; (956) 761-4090. Beachwear.

12. Langston's Western Wear, Oklahoma City, OK; (405) 235-9536. Real cowboys shop here, open since 1913.

13. Maison Weiss, Jackson, MS; 1-800656-4766. A Jackson tradition for fine women's clothing and accessories.

14. Mini Oxygene, Miami, FL; (305) 868-4499. Baby and children's clothes and accessories with French flavor.

15. Quarter Moon Gallery, Bay St. Louis, MS; (228) 467-7279. Silver and gold jewelry with coastal themes.

16. Sassy Boutique, Naples, FL; (941) 435-0004. Women's clothes for the young at heart.

17. Sissy's Log Cabin, Pine Bluff, AR; 1-888-879-3940. Big-city jewelry store in small-town Arkansas.

18. Slippers, Athens, GA; (706) 5483179. Women's shoes and accessories.

19. So Cool on Broadway, Paducah, KY; (270) 575-0027. Women's clothing with a tropical flair.

20. Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon, Dallas, TX; (214) 871-3611. One of the Lone Star State's top bridal shops.

21. Waldron Street Market, Corinth, MS; (662) 665-9164. Mississippimade jewelry and gift items.

22. Wolf Creek Gallery, Lewisburg, WV; (304) 645-5270. High fashion meets hippie-chic in this unique women's clothing store.

23. World's Window, Kansas City, MO; (816) 361-2500. Jewelry and clothing from around the globe.

24. Ylang-Ylang in the Galleria, Dallas, TX; (972) 980-0819. Jewelry. Birmingham's Cool Pepper Place

25. When Cathy Sloss Crenshaw stepped into her dad's shoes as president of the Sloss Real Estate Group 12 years ago, she may not have realized that she'd create one of the most popular shopping districts in the region.

Her company's Pepper Place, a major retail and design anchor of Birmingham's Lakeview District, now houses an eclectic mix of 30 shops, galleries, offices, a theater, a cafe, and a summertime farmers market.

All in all, Pepper Place offers a cool and refreshing alternative to the typical mall merchandise and masses.

MAJELLA CHUBE HAMILTON

Pepper Place: (205) 313-4107. Located on Second Avenue South between 28th and 30th Streets. IN.

Home Sweet Home

Goodies for the Gardener

26. A Gardener's Place, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC; 1-800-543-2961. Garden ornaments and accessories.

27. Botanicals on the Park, St. Louis, MO; 1-800-848-7674. Floral arrangements and gifts.

28. Buy, Buy Birdie, Boerne, TX; (830) 816-2753. Antique furnishings and garden gadgets.

29. Charleston Gardens, Charleston, SC; 1-800-469-0118. Furniture, fountains, and other garden accessories.

30. Mosaic Garden, St. Francisville, LA; (225) 635-1880. Garden-themed accessories and gifts.

31. Oxford Floral, Oxford, MS; (662) 234-2515. Flowers and gifts.

32. Parkside Home & Garden, Birmingham,AL; (205) 592-3535. Garden accessories and design consultants.

33. Perry's Water Gardens, Franklin, NC; (828) 524-3264. Plants and accessories for aquatic gardens.

34. Porches & Yards, Stony Point, NC; 1-800-872-6525. Adirondack chairs, garden swings, hammocks, and wicker.

35. The Garden Center at Callaway, Pine Mountain, GA; 1-800-225-5292. Plants, tools, pots, gifts, and books.