The Best Stops for Shopping & Services in the First State in 2022

Adobe Stock | Monkey Business

The Best of Delaware category for best shopping and services includes all of our readers’ favorite stores, spas, inns and more.

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Airbnb

The only thing more refreshing than a meal at Good Earth Market is a stay at the on-site Airbnb cottages in Ocean View.

Editors: Good Earth Market & Restaurant

Few know that Good Earth owner Sue Ryan is more than just that— she’s also an Airbnb host. Fans of the farm-to-table eatery can also stay in one of five unique spaces on the property, something Ryan fondly refers to as the “Good Earth Village” on her booking site. Choose from cozy cottages, a tiny house or a loft apartment. Or, spend a night on the campground and sleep under the stars. Bonus: A delicious breakfast is just a few steps away.

31806 Good Earth Lane, Ocean View; 537-7100; goodearthmarket.com

Banquet Space

Editors: Juniper by Tonic

It’s hard to keep up with Jamestown Hospitality. The restaurant group recently opened Park Café in the Wawaset area, and Deep Blue at the Kitty Knight House. And the flagship restaurant, Tonic, now boasts a renovated banquet facility called Juniper, offering 5,000 square feet of flexible space that knows no limits: It can handle weddings, private parties and bands like Special Delivery. Rent the board room for 16 seats or the entire venue for 250 standing.

111 W. 11th St., Wilmington; 777-2040; juniperbytonic.com

Bed and Breakfast/Inn

Downstate, Readers: The Addy Sea

99 Ocean View Parkway, Bethany Beach; 539-3707; addysea.com

Upstate, Readers: The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa

528 Montchanin Road, Wilmington; 888-2133; montchanin.com

Bike Shop

Downstate, Readers: Lifecycle

10 SE Front St., Milford; 233-1657; lifecycledelaware.com

Upstate, Readers: Garrison’s Cyclery

2864 Creek Road, Wilmington; 384-6827; garrisonscyclery.com

Bridal Registry

Editors: The Enchanted Owl

Gift cards are so impersonal. At this Greenville shop, a vast array of China, silver, glassware and giftware exudes simple elegance—everything you need for your new home as a couple. Also find limited-edition items and easy online ordering.

4021F Kennett Pike, Greenville; 652-2233; enchantedowl.com

Coffee and Retail

Editors: The Station on Kings

Sip on a specialty coffee while perusing the home-goods market. Chefs and dinner-party enthusiasts will love the array of dining and entertaining accoutrements, from books and bowls to sauces and swanky décor. Feeling hungry? Step into the café or garden center, where a cluster of tables provide a relaxing place to enjoy a seasonal dish. 720 Kings Highway, Lewes; 645-0300; thestationlewes.com

Consignment Shopgar

Downstate, Readers: Christine’s Consignment

Multiple locations; 829-1425; 537-1037

Upstate, Readers: Designer Consigner

7185 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin; 239-4034; designerconsignerde.com

Day Spa

Downstate, Readers: Avenue Apothecary & Spa

110A Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-5649; avenuedayspa.com

If there’s one thing COVID-19 taught us we need more of, it’s self-care. Get yours at Avenue Apothecary & Spa in Rehoboth, which specializes in organic treatments. Adobe Stock | Ronstik

Upstate, Readers: First State MedSpa 1300 N. Franklin St., Wilmington; 294-0700; firststatemedspa.com

Accoutrements

Editors: Adorn Goods

It’s a good thing Centreville Café is next door, because there’s so much to take in here that you’ll need a break for refreshments between shopping shifts. Among the overwhelming inventory of home décor is everything you need to set the table: cloths and candle votives, flatware and fun napkins, mats and more. Pick up last-minute treats (extra pie? Of course!) in the market in back.

5712 Kennett Pike, Centreville; 575-9657; adorngoods.com

Dog-Friendly Inn

Editors: Canalside Inn

Vacation is always better with a furry friend. At Canalside Inn, dogs of all kinds are more than welcome. The hotel offers such amenities as doggie treats at check-in, bowls for food and water, and even an outdoor shower. Plus, on the days you’d like to leave your best friend at the inn, you can purchase the Dog Walking Adventure package, providing a walk, a meal and photo updates. 34 6th St., Rehoboth Beach; 226-2006; thecanalsideinn.com

Eccentric Gifts

Editors: Mandie’s Magical Marketplace

For the witches, wild and spiritually minded, self-care starts here. Find healing crystals, herbs and jewelry; books, Bibles and tarot cards; plus essential oils and all other essentials for cleansing, clearing and manifesting. Owner Mandie also hosts a variety of different workshops and Full Moon Gatherings each month, in both locations.

818 Kings Highway, Lewes, and 4839 Limestone Road, Pike Creek; mandiesmagicalmarketplace.org

Florist

Downstate, Readers: Not Too Shabby

614 NW Front St., Milford; 200-0752; nottooshabbyflorist.com

Upstate, Readers: Flowers by Yukie

916 N. Union St., Suite 3, Wilmington; 658-8292; flowersbyyukie.com

Gift Store

Downstate, Readers: Blue Room Gallery and Gift Shop

123 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach; 537-6617; blueroomgallery.com

Upstate, Readers: Trolley Square Market

25B Trolley Square, Wilmington; 401-1414; trolleysquaremarket.com

Gift Store for Mom

Editors: Heart and Home

With two locations, this is a one-stop shop for apparel, accessories, home décor and seasonal items that mom—and grandmas, aunties and other women in your life—will love. Find brands like Vera Bradley, Lilly Pulitzer and Kate Spade.

4770 Limestone Road, Wilmington; 230 Peoples Plaza, Newark; 999-8980; heartandhomede.com

Hair Salon (Men)

Downstate, Readers: Faded Barber Shop

37385 Rehoboth Ave., #5, Rehoboth Beach; 260-9603; faded302.com

Upstate, Readers: Delaware Hair & Co. Men’s Grooming

276 E. Main St., Newark; 266-4401

Hair Salon (Women)

Tie: Downstate, Readers: Bad Hair Day?

20 Lake Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-HAIR; badhairday.biz

Tie: Downstate, Readers: Color Me Happy

49 Brenda Lane, #D, Camden; 632-8984; facebook.com/colormehappyhairsalon

Upstate, Readers: LocalLuv Salon

1243 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin; 299-7833; localluvsalon.com

High-End Framing

Editors: Carspecken-Scott Gallery and Custom Framing

There’s no greater endorsement than one from the president of the United States, who owners say has been buying art here for years. (Since the early 1970s, the gallery has exhibited artwork by contemporary Eastern and mid-Atlantic artists.) Frame important family photos and enhance the value of your own art collection with thoughtful and bespoke framing.

1707 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington, 655-7173; carspeckenscott.com

In-Stock Furniture Selection

Editors: Johnny Janosik

Furnishing a new apartment, condo or home can be overwhelming, but Johnny Janosik makes it simple— and fast—with an unmatched supply of furniture that’s (almost) always in stock. There’s virtually no delay from purchase to arrival. Pickup and delivery are a breeze.

Multiple locations; johnnyjanosik.com

Jeweler

Downstate, Readers: Jeweler’s Loupe

1574 N. Dupont Highway, Suite 30, Dover; 734-9244; jewelersloupe.net

Upstate, Readers: A.R. Morris

Multiple locations; armorrisjewelers.com

Kids Clothes

Downstate, Readers: Lilypad Children’s Boutique

149 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-4464; shoplilypad.com

Upstate, Readers: Just Between Friends Wilmington/Newark

Locations vary (pop-up shop); wilmington.jbfsale.com

Massage

Downstate, Readers: Avenue Apothecary & Spa

110A Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-5649; avenuedayspa.com

Upstate, Readers: Currie Hair, Skin and Nails

Multiple locations; 777-7755; 442-6568; curriedayspa.com

Men’s Clothing

Downstate, Readers: Carltons Men’s and Women’s Apparel

31 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-7990; carltonsapparel.com

Upstate, Readers: Wilmington Country

Store 4013 Kennett Pike, Greenville; 656-4400; wilmingtoncountrystore.com

Oddities and Antiques

Editors: Oddporium

The name says it all. This shop is part museum, part unique gift shop, where owners Ken and Beth Schuler enjoy finding fantastic oddities: jarred specimens, skeletons, artifacts they find on local digs, and much more.

2115 Marsh Road, Arden; 757-9544

Part museum, part shop, the Oddporium in Arden offers weird curiosities for kids of all ages. Moonloop Photography.

Pet Day Care

Downstate, Readers: Fur Baby Pet Resort

301 NE Front St., Milford; 725-5078; furbabypetresort.com

Upstate, Readers: Dogtopia

Multiple locations; dogtopia.com

Place to Purchase Cosmetics

Downstate, Readers: Avenue Apothecary & Spa

110A Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-5649; avenuedayspa.com

Upstate, Readers: Houppette

4021D Kennett Pike, Wilmington; 421-9036; houppette.com

Portrait Photographer

Downstate, Readers: Hello Sweetie Studios

423-6968; hellosweetiestudios.com

Upstate, Readers: Becca Mathias

593-6627; beccamathiasphoto.com

Religious Goods Store

Editors: Angel Crossing Catholic Books and Gift Store Religious and inspirational gifts can be found at this family-owned shop in Wilmington, which has served customers for 20 years. The store carries informative and inspirational books, ceramic items, puzzles, jewelry and more.

550 S. Colonial Ave., Wilmington; 654-3232

Shoe Store, Men

Downstate, Readers: Carltons Men’s and Women’s Apparel

31 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-7990; carltonsapparel.com

Upstate, Readers: Delaware Running Co.

4021 Kennett Pike, Wilmington; 655-7463; delawarerunningco.com

Shoe Store, Women

Downstate, Readers: In2soles

170 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 226-5202; in2soles.com

Upstate, Readers: Delaware Running Co.

4021 Kennett Pike, Wilmington; 655-7463; delawarerunningco.com

Spa Retail

Editors: Zen Spa

Fenwick While most of us could benefit from blowouts and spa treatments on the regular, that kind of time and money just isn’t feasible. So, what to do in between appointments? Rely on some trusty products to help you preserve, protect and pamper from head to toe. At Zen Spa, find a luxe collection of creams (for skin and hair), Cannabliss and even perfumes.

38857 Bennett Ave., Fenwick; 988-1750; zenspafenwick.com

Sunset Wedding Location

Editors: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach/Lighthouse Cove

Wedding planning can be stressful, but with help from Hyatt Place Dewey Beach and The Lighthouse Cove Event Center, worries drift off to sea. The Lighthouse Cove offers 18,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, where a variety of wedding packages are available. On the big day, you and your guests will enjoy views of the Rehoboth Bay. Next door, the Hyatt Place provides a cozy place for everyone in the party and the guest list to crash.

1301 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach; 864-9100; lighthousecoveevents.com

Surf Shop (Statewide) Bethany Surf Shop

Multiple locations; 539-6400; bethanysurfshop.net

Tattoo Artist/Shop

Downstate, Readers: Homeward Tattoo and Body Piercing

37169 Rehoboth Ave., Unit 10, Rehoboth Beach; 226-8145; homewardtattoo.com

Upstate, Readers: Poppycock Tattoo & Piercing

115 W. 8th St., Wilmington; 553-7973; poppycocktattoo.com

Upscale Women’s Wear

Editors: Cashmere Gardens

Somewhat new to the Rehoboth scene, this upscale women’s boutique has already acquired a loyal following of polished clientele. With thoughtfully curated pieces that are as ethically produced as they are chic, owner and buyer Justin Brown exhibits how sustainability and style are not mutually exclusive.

247 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 260-9407

Cashmere Gardens stitches sustainability and style to dress some of the region’s most fashionable (wo)men. Maria Deforrest.

Variety of Event Spaces

Editors: Hagley Museum

Whether you’re throwing a cocktail party or a company dinner, or even getting hitched, this historic museum in Wilmington offers charm and three distinct event spaces with modern amenities. The Soda House galleries or auditorium for larger parties, and the library, whose Copeland Room holds up to 115 and boasts an elegant patio with beautiful views.

200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilmington; 658-2400; hagley.org.

Event Space with a Salt Marsh View

Editors: Signatures at Bayside

A day of activities and dining is made better with a view. Signatures at Bayside provides it all with a restaurant, pool, golfing and more with the backdrop of the Ocean City skyline. Situated beside the Assawoman Bay, the view is expansive and is the perfect setting for everything Bayside has to offer.

12021 North Haven Drive, Selbyville; 436-3200; livebayside.com

Wedding Photographer

Downstate, Readers: Photography by Deanna Michele

Milford; 531-6235; deannamichele.photography

Upstate, Readers: Christopher Ginn Photography

Townsend; 275-4577; christopherginn.com

Wedding Venue (Indoor)

Downstate, Readers: The Clubhouse at Baywood

32267 Clubhouse Way, Millsboro; 947-9225; baywoodweddings.com

Upstate, Readers: The Waterfall

3416 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont; 792-2600; waterfallbanquets.com

Wedding Venue (Outdoor)

Downstate, Readers: Baywood

32267 Clubhouse Way, Millsboro; 947-9225; baywoodweddings.com

Tie: Upstate, Readers: Brantwyn

600 Rockland Road, Wilmington; 654-4435; dupontcountryclub.com

Tie: Upstate, Readers: The Farmhouse

5600 Old Capitol Trail, Wilmington; 999-8477; thefarmhousede.com

Women’s Clothing

Downstate, Readers: Blooming Boutique

Multiple locations; 644-4052; bloomingboutique.com

Women’s Accessories

Editors: Peter Kate

Looking for luxury shopping sans a drive to King of Prussia? This Fairfax boutique (formerly in Greenville) offers thoughtfully curated apparel from coveted brands like Veronica Beard, Goldie, and Frank & Eileen. To boot, they also carry fine leather bags and an expansive collection of footwear, from sandals (Loeffler Randall, Tkees) to sneaks (Golden Goose, Paul Green) and more.

2303 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 656-7463; peterkate.com

Related: These Best of Delaware Award Winners Make the First State Great