Annapolis is full of little boutiques and small businesses that are must-do’s if you’re visiting our town, or if you live here! Supporting small businesses is something really important to me, especially small, local businesses. From preppy and coastal, to beautiful scents and fragrances, there are some local business that are absolute must-visits. Here I’m laying out the 5 must visit stores in Annapolis that you definitely need to check out the next time you’re in town!
This is not sponsored in any way, nor are these affiliate links, I’m just passionate about these stores!
1–Whimsicality
Although Whimsicality is technically in Cape St. Claire, it falls under the umbrella of Annapolis. In this store, you will find it full to the brim of local goods as well as brands such as SCOUT (seriously my go-to for all things totes and backpacks!), Swig, Barefoot Dreams, and UGG. Whimsicality is so special that they even have a print that is exclusive to them featuring Annapolis! They also have boutique clothing (I got one of my favorite sweaters here–it has the colors of neopolitan ice cream!) and local art–I suggest looking at the oyster prints by Kim Hovell. I honestly cannot go in here without spending money, so I have to carefully plan when I go, but it’s always worth it! Make sure to follow them on instagram (@shopwhimsicality) to stay up-to-date on new items and sales or shop online here.
Be sure to check out their First Holiday Sunday on on November 8th, from 10AM-7PM. Promos will be available online and in store!
2–A.L. Goodies General Store
The General Store is the very first store I ever went into when I moved to Annapolis. Although they are definitely a tourist-y store, their sweets and goodies are to die for! I always have to get some peanut butter fudge or chocolate dipped Oreos or Nutter Butters. And even though I’ve lived here for 8 years, it’s still fun to look at all of the little trinkets like crab bottle openers and signs with the funniest sayings on them. The General Store also does adorable window displays made out of their yummy sweets and treats! They don’t have a website, but you can visit the A.L. Goodies General Store on Main Street in Downtown Annapolis at 112 Main Street.
3–The Lucky Knot
Need a one-stop shopping place for all things preppy? Then The Lucky Knot is the store for you! They even call themselves “the ultimate preppy store with a nautical twist,” it’s really heaven on Earth (or on Main Street in downtown)! Some of the brands they carry are Vineyard Vines, Kate Spade, Kiel James Patrick, Jadelynn Brooke, and so, so many others. If you can’t make it to Annapolis, they also have locations in Baltimore, Leesburg, and Alexandria. Right now, I’m really loving the Dylan by True Grit pullovers, they’re so fuzzy! You can shop them here at the Lucky Knot. Lastly, another really fun thing about the Lucky Knot is you can get a free sticker if you just request on their website, how neat is that? You can request your free sticker here.
4–Brightside Boutique
If trendy is more your style rather than preppy, then Brightside Boutique is the place for you! Located in downtown Annapolis, Brightside Boutique has clothing, beauty, accessories, and home decor. They have brands like Free People, Z Supply, Ban.do., and their own label, Brightside. This is a great place to go if you need a dress for formal, homecoming, or a night out with some girlfriends. They also have an abundance of fuzzy sherpas, denim jackets, and spunky graphic tee shirts. Check out that their boutique here.
5–Candles Off Main
I always say that one of the things I am most excited for once I graduate is being able to have candles again since they’re not allowed on my college’s campus. To pass the time until that day, I just go to Candles Off Main which is the motherland of candles! I went right before Christmas with one of my high school best friends and he got a 47 oz candle with 4 wicks that burns for 120 hours–how awesome is that?!? They sell 28 brands of candles including Annapolis Candles, NEST, Volupsa, and Capri Blue Fragrance. You can also buy candles on their website and if you use the code “HOME” you can get 20% off! And I won’t tell anyone if you add to your candle collection 😉 Check them out at 2444 Solomons Island Road or online here.
These are my top 5 must visit stores Annapolis! Have you been to any of them? Or did I miss some that you would have added to the list? Let me know by commenting below and don’t forget to subscribe to my email list to stay up-to-date on everything!