Charleston, SC

Utopia Boutique
Owner-artist Beki Crowell and husband Sherman Evans run this charming boutique with women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry and stationery; the striking and colorful artwork on the walls, painted by Crowell, makes the boutique a mini art gallery; shoppers will find it hard to walk out of the store without buying at least a few pairs of Crowell’s unique earrings; Mon–Sat 11a–7p, Sun 12p–5p; downtown at 27 Broad Street; 843-853-9510; http://www.utopiacharleston.com and http://www.bekiart.com

Gallery Chuma
Chuma Nwokike displays a wealth of African American art, especially from South Carolinians; pieces include colorful paintings by award-winning artist, Jonathan Green of Beaufort County; Green, known for his beautiful interpretations of South Carolina’s Gullah culture, did the official poster for the 2004 Spoleto Festival; has hosted many artists, including Phillip Simmons; located next to the Charleston Visitor’s Center; Mon-Sat 10a-6p; downtown at 43 John Street; 843-722-7568; http://www.gallerychuma.com

Books, Herbs, & Spices
Thomas and Maisha Williams downtown establishment specializes in herbs, teas, spices, and books that promote good health; Mon–Fri 10a–6p, Sat 9:30a–5p; 63 Spring Street; 843-722-4747

Sweetgrass Basket Stands
Basket stands have been sprinkled along North Highway 17 on both sides of the road since the 1930s. These wooden stands display the artists’ variety of sizes and designs, and often one can get a glimpse of a basket-in-the-making; sweetgrass grows naturally near the area’s marshes and pine straw is often used in addition, and the coiled baskets are stitched with strips from the Palmetto, the state tree; sweetgrass baskets are also sold daily at the City Market and the Four Corners of Law in Downtown