Written by Abstract Samm
When you want to shop local in Savannah, you won’t have to look any further than here at The Savannah Insider. Presented by Savannah Sip & Cycle, The Savannah Insider is where you want to find all of your information about what to do while you’re visiting with us in the city. Community is a big deal to all of us from the hosts on the party bike to the bartenders that serve at the bars we stop at. Keep reading to find out how to shop locally with stores that are all locally owned and operated.
Oglethorpe Chocolates
5.0 ★
Located near Colonial Park Cemetery, Oglethorpe Chocolates is where you can find sweets based gifts large or small. With a perfectly crafted selection of chocolates that mirror all of your favorites, you can’t miss with a stop at this low key sweets shop. Even the pickiest of chocolate connoisseurs will want to take home an extra large box of chocolate covered cherries. Closed on Sunday and Monday, you can find your new favorite dessert with Oglethorpe Chocolates any other day from 11 am – 5 pm. Sweets are something we take pride in around here, we southerners are known for our desserts and Oglethorpe Chocolates could give Savannah’s Candy Kitchen a run for their money.
The Vintage Vortex
4.7 ★
Telling a story through the artifacts left behind from the 1800s through the 1990s is what art of business The Vintage Vortex is involved with. Whether you find yourself inside of their Bull St storefront or in their online cart, you might be surprised to find out that this store has more than plenty of classic pieces. Each article of clothing is hand picked by a team who is dedicated to displaying only the highest quality throughout the whole store. Check out their website for hours as they change daily and come out for some shopping if you can. Who knows what will be on their racks when you go inside?
Lilu Farms
4.6 ★
With the rise in popularity surrounding CBD and hemp based products seeming to take over the world as of late, there’s no shortage of supply here in the Historic District of Savannah. When you want to know where your products are coming from, look no further than Lilu Farms on Whitaker St. Locally grown, Lilu Farms personally takes charge of their organic process and ensures your satisfaction as a buyer. From 12 – 8 pm (1 pm open on Sundays) you can find everything you need in the realm of hemp, delta and CBD by visiting Lilu Farms. Tell them that CycleSavannah.com sent you!
Starlandia
4.8 ★
Mentioned regularly here on The Savannah Insider, Starlandia is a new and reclaimed art supply store in the Starland District of downtown. Just look for the pink and yellow building in the Starland District right on Bull St, you’d have a tough time missing this storefront. New and used art supplies make the creative shopping experience affordable and fun, there’s even an option to trade in your own gently used stock. From 10 am – 6 pm every day (except when they open at noon on Sundays) you can find everything you need for that next big project at a fraction of the cost. Feel good about reducing waste in Savannah while also supporting the local economy means there is no reason to skip a trip to Starlandia.
Matter of Factors
4.8 ★
Savannah is the kind of town that takes itself very seriously and Matter of Factors on Bay St is one of those stores where you can find that most items are somehow “Savannah” affiliated. Wine focused but featuring a small variety of souvenirs and nick knacks, Matter of Factors is a quaint stop for anyone’s shopping extravaganza in the historic district. Their Georgia Peach Wine is one of a kind and only sold within their walls so plan to swing by from 10:30 am – 5:30 pm every day except for Sunday when they are closed.
Nine Line Apparel
4.5 ★
Veteran owned and locally operated, Nine Line Apparel sits on west River St where innovation meets motivation. What has become a staple part of Savannah’s creative community, Nine Line is one of those stores that started out small. Now, you see the Nine Line stickers almost as often as the IHeartFoxy stickers that seem to line the city. Come by to check out their selection of graphic tees, hats, stickers and more any day from 8 am – 9 pm and join the cult of folks that can’t stop buying this merch.
Custard Boutique
4.8 ★
Clothes, jewelry, notebooks, candles, and more can be picked up at Custard Boutique on Whitaker St. Full of a diverse selection of styles, Custard Boutique is about dressing people in the best version of their personal taste. Since 2008, this upscale shopping experience has put a spin on fashion in ways that fits right in with Savannah’s generally creative aesthetic. Open every day from 10:30 am – 6 pm (12 pm – 5 pm on Sundays) so you never have to worry about missing out on finding the perfect piece at Custard Boutique.
Mystic Apothecary
5.0 ★
For those days when your chakras aren’t quite lining up like they should, or maybe when you need some ingredients that aren’t readily available at major chain stores, Mystic Apothecary keeps a supply of crystals and metaphysical ingredients on deck. Along with their heavily lined shelves, these are the folks to contact for psychic readings and even seances. Open late, you can usually come around any time after noon and find someone inside waiting with a smile. Readings start at 3 pm, and you can even inquire about their ghost tours. Find this family owned and operated business on Broughton St and see what they can do for you at Mystic Apothecary.
Silver Silk and Beads
4.4 ★
For over 10 years, Silver Silk and Beads has set out to provide jewelry to the public that is stylish, affordable, and unique. From the hand crafted pieces to the sterling silver selection, this City Market based store is charming and affordable. From 10 am – 6 pm every day, visit Silver Silk and Beads to pick up something for yourself or someone you love.
Graveface Records
4.9 ★
Though we have mentioned Graveface Records often, we are always looking to find another excuse. The Savannah Insider is made better by the community surrounding us and Graveface’s record store on 40th St (and separate museum of oddities at Factors Walk) has been adding to Savannah’s creative culture for many years. Very few locals can say they haven’t attended a Graveface run event or found their favorite vinyl at the shop. Monday through Thursday, swing by anytime between 11 am – 5 pm, they stay open until 7 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There’s no telling what you’ll run into at this store. From taxidermied animal gag gifts to the extensive selection of tunes, there are so many reasons to give Graveface a shot.
Back in the Day Bakery
4.6 ★
Pastries, pies, muffins, and even baking classes are all waiting for you at Back in the Day Bakery on Bull St. Only open on the weekends from 10 am – 3 pm, you will want to take advantage of this locally owned treat shop if you’re in the area. Known for their classic style baked goods, this spot is where you’ll want to pick stuff up to take home for your loved ones.
Pick up a loaf of Italian Bread or some Super Star Brownies and find out what makes everyone want to keep traveling backwards in time to Back in the Day Bakery.
The Book Lady
4.5 ★
Literature lovers will not want to miss out on a trip down Liberty St for a walk through The Book Lady Bookstore. Featuring tons of rare finds amongst a vast collection of new and gently used books, The Book Lady is a long standing part of Savannah’s community. Come by and see if they have your favorite titles any day except Tuesday from 10:30 am – 5:30 pm. Ask about The Book Lady Book Club if that’s the sort of thing you’re interested in, their group has been running for more than 15 years.
Starland Strange and Bazaar
4.9 ★
Generally inspired by Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, Starland Strange and Bazaar on 41st St has a mix of all the things in one convenient location. Keep an eye out for the big pink house in the Stadland District and come on in from 12 – 7 pm (8 pm on the weekends) for some quirky sprinkles, clothes, and who knows what else might be lining their shelves. Their sticker bar is truly unmatched and the “adult” sprinkle selection is bound to get a chuckle out of anyone with a sense of humor. Pick up something odd and memorable at Starland Strange and Bazaar, you won’t ever forget this trip.
Locally Made Savannah
4.7 ★
Shopping within the Savannah community doesn’t get any easier than a trip to Locally Made Savannah on west Broughton St. Featuring hundreds of local artist’s worth of inventory, this hodge-podge of gifts and creative pieces is noteworthy to say the least. Stop at the old timey soda shop to fill up on ice cream, snacks and sodas, while you browse some of Savannah’s creative gems. From 10 am – 6 pm (7 pm on the weekends) the clerks at Locally Made Savannah can’t wait to show off these wares.
Conclusion
After all that, we’re sure you are on your way out the door to go take advantage of all this locally fueled shopping! Here at The Savannah Insider, we are in the art of supporting Savannah and shopping with any store on our list is a great way to add to our growing community. Creativity runs through the veins of Savannah and you can tell by looking in any direction. Clothes, nick knacks, art, food, there’s not much that the locals won’t have readily available.
Before you take off to spend with Savannah, give yourself a moment to read through the rest of our Articles section. We’ve covered a little bit of everything in regards to our favorite city and always have room for more. This place is easy to talk about and we definitely do. To gain the full effect of what we’ve got to offer around here, you will have to book a ride on our #PartyBike but that’s another tab for another time. Click FAQ at the top of this page to find out more!