Shopping

Atlanta, Georgia 
 Atlanta.net
[404] 521-6600, or 1-800-285-2682
 Atlanta is the shopping mecca of the South. From upscale to funky and boutiques to mega malls, you'll find it all in this city. The key is to plan, plan, plan. Don't try to hit Alpharetta, Midtown, and Gwinnett County in one day. It won't happen, and you'll feel frazzled.

Get a detailed city map, and take your shopping suburb by suburb. Allow plenty of time to wander off the beaten path too. I've found some of my very favorite stores while lost on Peachtree. And heed this advice, even if it seems obvious: Forget about trying to zip along local interstates after 3:30 p.m.

Don't miss Westside Urban Market in West Midtown. In fact, stroll the entire strip of eclectic shops to find all sorts of treasures. Next head five minutes northeast of downtown to the Virginia Highland area where you can make a day of shopping; the offerings there won't disappoint.

Atlantic Station is one of the city's newest shopping destinations. Filled with anchor stores (such as Dillard's) as well as unique finds (for example, K-la), this place promises a workout of your shopping muscles. If you have enough time, make tracks to the Smyrna/Vinings area. See, I've already done some of the work for you! --Stephanie Gibson Mims

2. Charleston, South Carolina 
 CharlestonCVB.com
[843] 853-8000, or 1-800-868-8118

 3. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
 Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg.com
[865] 436-4178, or 1-800-568-4748
 Pigeon Forge: MyPigeonForge.com
[865] 453-8574, or 1-800-251-9100

(left) LUXE Atlanta offers designer clothes and shoes just off the Georgia Tech campus.

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