Savannah in 5 Shops: local books, unique jewelry, and chocolate delights

The shopping landscape in Savannah, Georgia, mirrors the city’s eclectic spirit, featuring a blend of vintage charm, vibrant colors, and well-known national brands typical of any major urban area.

Savannah's rich history is reflected in its shops, showcasing a variety of fine antiques, while fresh creativity flows from the local art college’s students. You could easily spend a whole weekend exploring the city’s stores. Here, you’ll find items that are unique to the area and hold special significance.

Be sure to leave ample room in your suitcase for treasures from these five beloved shops in Savannah.

Top spot for souvenirs: Starland Strange & Bazaar

Starland Strange & Bazaar is one of Savannah’s quirkiest shops, situated in the vibrant Starland District. Marked by a colorful mural that draws in bachelorette parties, the store is as eclectic as its name suggests, featuring monthly live music on the porch. Founded by Marguerite Seckman and Emily Bargeron, this is the go-to place for Savannah-inspired apparel (shirts starting at $35), Dolly Parton stickers, and dancing disco ball decor ($3–10), plus delicious ice cream topped with the shop’s signature sprinkles. It’s a refreshing treat, and while it may be a temporary souvenir, you can take home the city’s flavors with bottles of sprinkles for $9. I love picking up stickers for my car here.

Top local design store: shopSCAD

Explore the creations of emerging artists at shopSCAD, a branch of the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design, featuring work solely from students, faculty, and alumni. This Romanesque-style brick shop and gallery on Bull St offers an array of items, including ceramics, artwork, jewelry, and bags from rising talents. Each artwork is one-of-a-kind and priced from $100 and up. Consider gifting a pair of palm tree earrings by Jen Cervelli ($125) or a box of stationery adorned with Savannah’s iconic oak trees ($17).

Best vintage/thrift store: The Paris Market

The Paris Market feels like a hidden gem in Paris, featuring European antiques and a café serving pastries and coffee. Housed in a former grocery store from 1874 on Broughton St, which opened in 2001, this shop is brimming with thoughtfully curated items like coffee table books, fine antiques, jewelry, and unique home decor. Their signature candle collection ($29), including the Savannah scent, will remind you of the city long after you leave. Enjoy a croissant ($5) and coffee ($3+) while you browse, and if you love it, you can take home a bag of beans ($13.75).

Top food purveyor: Chocolat by Adam Turoni

Broughton St is the heart of Savannah's shopping scene, and a must-visit for sweets is the elegantly chandelier-lit Chocolat by Adam Turoni. Pastry chef Turoni creates exquisite artisan desserts that would outshine Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates. With another shop on Bull St and one in Charleston, delightful treats are always within reach. Try the Honey Crunch Peanut Butter Cups ($21 for six), filled with local honey and peanut butter, topped with salted peanuts and a chocolate bee. The Georgia Peach Cream Truffle ($18 for six) captures the essence of the Peach State, featuring white chocolate, peach preserves, and peach liqueur, crowned with local pecans.

Top bookshop: E. Shaver Bookseller

E. Shaver Bookseller is the quintessential bookstore in Savannah, showcasing titles about the city as well as works from national authors. Located near Madison Square, this shop is a favorite stop on book tours, inviting visitors to wander through its maze of rooms filled with regular book clubs and storytime sessions. Keep an eye out for Morticia, Bartleby, Skimbleshanks, and Mr. Eliot, the resident cats often found dozing in the windows or among the shelves. There’s also another location in the up-and-coming Starland District. No matter which location you visit, be sure to grab a book on the city's rich history, such as the iconic Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil ($18 for paperback), or an E. Shaver tote bag to carry your treasures ($25).