5 of the South’s Most Instagrammable Boutiques
These five Southern boutiques offer ample opportunity to snap a 'gram-worthy photo. Load up the car and head to any of these Instagrammable Southern boutiques. Image: Kathryn McCrary
Travel photography isn’t what it used to be. Instead of meandering about a city snapping photos in front of must-see sites, today’s photos are centered around alluring fare, brightly lit accommodations and highly curated boutiques. While we all might have mixed feelings about our photo-ready world, the reality is that these visual spectacles are often owned and operated by locals who love their city as much as they love their businesses. And in many ways, these shops are the very heart of the cities we visit; they just happen to be impeccably beautiful, too.
Today we’re dishing on five of our favorite Instagrammable boutiques across the South. Our wish is that with this guide in your pocket, you’ll be inspired to hit the road to explore and shop all while surrounded by photo-worthy digs.
Destination: Atlanta, GA | Boutique: Waiting on Martha Everyday
Instagram Moment: The neon sign on the faux boxwood wall near the dressing room
Mandy Rye has come to be known as one of the most influential and stylish women in the biz. As the owner of successful home and gift store, Waiting on Martha Everyday, Mandy knew what she was getting into when she decided to add a fashion and beauty boutique to her repertoire. The freshly opened Waiting on Martha Everyday delivers what Mandy’s customers have come to expect: hand-selected finds at competitive price points in a lovely setting. Built-in shelves are filled with timeless pieces like fitted button-downs, drop-waist dresses, buttery leather jackets and quintessential game day needs like upscale clear bags. While the whole store is one big Instagram setting, don’t miss the dressing room for our go-to Instagram moment.
Destination: Charleston, SC | Boutique: The Skinny Dip
Instagram Moment: The hand-painted mural of Charleston’s Rainbow Row in the upstairs wine bar
While there are three fabulous locations of The Skinny Dip, the Charleston outpost is the one that captures our hearts. At just two years young, the store breathes life and light into its prime King Street digs. While shopping, you’ll bump into some of The Skinny Dip’s classic brands like Sail to Sable and Candy Shop Vintage, but their devoted Charleston makers section is where the true gems lie. Confidently shop for a local-approved souvenir before heading upstairs to their coworking and event space, complete with a wine and coffee bar. Here, you’ll find the store’s iconic Charleston wall, which makes a picture-perfect backdrop for snapping a photo of the house frosé. If you’re visiting on an especially nice Charleston day, head outside to The Skinny Dip’s patio complete with chic tables, palm plants and garden lights.
Destination: Inlet Beach, FL | Boutique: Outpost
Instagram Moment: The shop’s quaint wine and coffee shop while holding a beverage, of course
Our Birmingham readers might have it made with their quick access to Outpost’s Mountain Brook store without enduring the trek to the beach, but if you’re on 30A this spring and summer, you’ll want to put this Inlet Beach shop on your travel bucket list. With a tagline of “sip, shop, sea,” the store beckons seaside shoppers like a siren’s song. Beach-approved fabrics like linen and eyelet fill racks while coastal-inspired home goods, like handwoven baskets and Turkish towels, complete the aesthetic. Once you’ve finished perusing, step into the Outpost wine+coffee bar. Grab a coffee or a glass of wine (and maybe a pastry too), depending on your next destination. Then snag a French bistro seat at the bar for a moment of post-shopping solitude before heading back to your beach chair.
Destination: Nashville, TN | Boutique: Lemon Laine
Instagram Moment: The blush oil bar where Lemon Laine’s experts concoct a made-for-you elixir
Nashville’s natural beauty destination, Lemon Laine, has been a go-to since opening its doors. Their green products are among the best on the market, and their staff can walk you through anything you might need. While the store offers a ton of natural beauty options, Lemon Laine is perhaps most well-known for their oil bar experience. Pull up a stool at their blush pink bar, and visit with specialists while they learn more about your skin needs and wants. Then wait as they mix-up a facial oil specifically formulated for your skin. Take this opportunity to capture every step on your smartphone. You’ll be offered several ‘grammable moments that you’ll want to share later. Don’t miss the store’s flamingo pink and tangerine orange geometric wall for an extra photo opp.
Destination: Savannah, GA | Boutique: The Paris Market
Instagram Moment: Too many to choose! Take your pic (pun intended) from the outdoor French bistro tables, along the wall of vintage candy, or in the depths of the market’s stylish basement.
While it’s hard to pin down a “most Instagrammable” boutique on our list, The Paris Market might take the top spot. Located on bustling Broughton Street in Savannah, The Paris Market is a local favorite amid some of its bigger box neighbors. With two floors and several nooks and crannies to explore, The Paris Market offers a variety of home goods, gifts, tableware, art, jewelry and even candies. Basically, it’s hard to leave without a shopping bag in hand. The spot oozes charm, and you’re bound to keep your camera in hand as you peruse. Whether you’re captivated by the vintage-inspired wares or delighted by the 1874 historic Victorian building, you’ll leave this flea market-esque shop imagining your next trip to Paris, or perhaps simply your return trip to Savannah. Because with a shop this authentic, who needs a plane ticket to France?
**********
Find more great shopping destinations in our “Store Highlights” section. Click HERE!
Nicole Letts
Nicole is a life-long Southerner and freelance journalist based in Atlanta who relishes sharing the stories of inspiring Southern businesses and residents. When she’s not weaving her next tale, you can find her stitching cheeky needlepoint canvases or perusing area antique shops.