They call it “mall exhaustion.”
We are all familiar — when shopping till we drop turns into frustration, fatigue, and eventually flopping out on one of those chairs in the middle of a store while our partner combs the sale racks… again. Bad Muzak, heavy perfume smells, and too many people all add up to swearing off shopping entirely.
Beleaguered retail-phobes of the world take heart! There is hope!
And it comes in the form of the Hammock Shops Village in Pawleys Island.
This delightful destination is the anti-mall, with about 20 small, one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants in clapboard cottages dotted among meandering paths, pines, porches and flowers. Let us just say this place is oozing with charm and natural beauty and guaranteed to wipe away any preconceived notions about shopping excursions. And yes, as the name suggests, there are hammocks. Rejoice!
Here’s a little stroll through the shops to get you excited about visiting the real deal, but there are many more where these came from!
Shops:
For the shopaholics: Hit up local chain Affordables first for some cute, trendy, and yes, affordable duds. Any out-of-towners forget that perfect pair of comfy travel shorts? Head to Cabana Gauze. You’ve got to bring back that perfect little jewelry souvenir for a friend back home, and you’ll find it at Details by Three Sisters (they offer on-site engraving). Barefoot Elegance has a touch of luxury for women, babies, home and garden (gifts galore!). Love that chic, beachy look? You’ll adore Pawleys Island Wear. If your outfit is lacking a little flair (but how?) the Accessory Cottage is bound to brighten you up with a scarf, bag or hat. And if you’re looking for, ahem, a bit more, Whitmire Fine Jewelry has enough sparkle to light up a long winter back home.
For the foodies: Get your mitts on the finest southern foods and gift items, cookbooks, gadgets and more at Carolina Gourmet at Pawleys. We love this for unique and useful holiday gifts. Serious cooks know they can’t get far without olive oil, and the selection offered at High Country Olive Oil is a gourmand’s paradise. Oenophiles will sniff out Coastal Wine Boutique in no time, with its global selection, tastings, tapas, bar and beer selection.
For everyone: Your kids will delight in the books, toys, games and more at the Freckled Frog. For all those that love a good smell, Isle of Candles Retail Store and Factory has candles of all sorts, along with a fun peek into how they’re all made. Locals and visitors know the Grand Strand to be a birder’s dream, and the Audubon Shop and Gallery will help you take that dream back home with field guides, feeders, houses and an art gallery. And of course, the spot from where this wonderful collection of stores took its name: the Original Hammock Shop. Pick out one of the famous Pawleys Island rope hammocks along with fudge, books, jewelry and more.
Restaurants:
Nosh: A fabulous place for a date night, the dining room and gorgeous patio are wonderful settings for their delicious Mediterranean-inspired meals. BisQit: As you may have inferred, they make biscuits, and darn good ones at that. But they also specialize in burgers and some really, really indulgent milkshakes and desserts. This is a great place for the family, but mom and dad will appreciate their creative cocktails and extensive craft beer and wine offerings. Island Dogs: a quick stop for the all-American dog is made lovely by the gorgeous setting in which to enjoy it. Sandwiches, ice cream and sweet tea are also available.
For a full list of all the stores you will find at the Hammock Shops Village, see here. And if you never head into another mall again, we understand.
Have you ever been to the Hammock Shops? What’s your favorite stop?
(Posted: 11/3/14)
(Photo Courtesy: pinterest.com)
