3:42 PM EDT, August 17, 2012

What's in store in Historic Stevensville [Pictures]

As you head to the Eastern Shore to enjoy one last bit of summer, extend your visit - and take a breather from all the Bay Bridge traffic - with a stop in Historic Stevensville. You'll find these five shops all within steps of each other, where you can bring a little of the town's charm home with...

3:42 PM EDT, August 17, 2012

What's in store in Station North and Charles Village [Pictures]

You may not think of Station North and the lower end of Charles Village as a shopping mecca. But, there are some great little shops tucked along Charles Street, and a store offering bargains galore not far away on Greenmount Avenue. The owners and their employees will welcome you like family. And what you find in their shops will also add warmth and charm to your home. -Sloane Brown, Special to The Baltimore Sun

2:11 PM EDT, August 2, 2012

Pictures: What's in store in Perry Hall

Scattered in and among the various strip malls and big box stores around Belair Road, you'll find some locally-owned shops that pop with the personality of their owners and show a personal involvement in what they've chosen for their wares. It won't take long for you to find something that will...

Pictures: What's in store in La Plata

Ten years after a tornado cut a swath through the Charles County seat, the downtown area of La Plata now shines with new structures and retail life. You'll find more evidence of the area's creativity inside the shops there. It's reflected in the work of many local artisans, and the imaginative...

10:56 AM EDT, July 13, 2012

Pictures: What's in store on Baltimore's Antique Row

Don't let the dark windows and dwindled number of shops along Howard Street fool you. Baltimore's famed Antique Row may be smaller, but what's behind those windows will amaze you. There are fine vintage and antique treasures from Maryland and around the world here. The store owners are more than...

8:06 AM EDT, May 6, 2013

Pictures: What's in store in Finksburg

Take a drive through part of Carroll County and bring home a breath of fresh country air, courtesy a collection of specialized shops in Finksburg, Eldersburg and Sykesville. Each of these stores offered more than expected: specializing a piece of furniture just to suit your tastes, using old barn...

Pictures: What's in store along Route 165

The communities along the Harford and Baltimore County lines are bustling with fabulous consignment shops - each with its own personality and distinct specialties. Some offer a combination of gently used treasures and those that are brand new. And they're not the only locally owned shops where you'...

Pictures: What's in store in Thurmont and Emmittsburg

Perhaps creativity is in the Catoctin Mountain air. That trait seems to be in abundance with many of the shop-owners in nearby Thurmont and Emmitsburg. And you'll find results of that originality and talent in each of their stores there.

Pictures: What's in store on the shore

You don't have to cross a bridge to explore the shores- and stores - along the Chesapeake Bay. Take a drive to picturesque southern Anne Arundel County, where small communities, marinas and shops line pop up along the inlets there. And bring home something to remember your adventure there.

4:22 PM EDT, June 5, 2012

Pictures: What's in Store in Oakland

There's more than just a wide array of summer outdoor activities in Western Maryland. For those who consider shopping their favorite sport, hike on into the town of Oakland for your kind of workout.

Pictures: What's in store in Chester

This Memorial Day weekend take a shopping break from the Bay Bridge traffic, with a stop in the Kent Island town of Chester. Start your summer by bringing home a touch of the Eastern Shore.

4:19 PM EDT, May 18, 2012

Pictures: What's in Store in Pasadena

You'll find loads of local flavor in Pasadena shops. It might come in the form of home accents and art by local artists, or a warm greeting from friendly owners and sales associates -- who come in both human and animal varieties.

11:28 AM EDT, May 11, 2012

Pictures: What's in Store in Galena

Take a great shopping break to or from the Eastern Shore in this little town right off Route 301, a couple miles down the road from Georgetown and the Sassafras River. Pick up something quaint, cute, country or classic, to bring to your home on this side of the bay.

Pictures: What's in store in Towson

Family businesses are big in the Towson area, as are some of the family-owned stores there. That means lots of choices when it comes to decorating or adding a little something to your family's abode.

Pictures: What's in store along Southern Maryland's Route 5

There's a 10 miles stretch of Route 5 in Southern Maryland that offers pure bliss for home decorating shoppers. The route from Mechanicsville to Leonardtown, offers there four businesses that each could outfit an entire house, and as well as an unexpected source of folk art.

4:02 PM EDT, April 13, 2012

What's in store in Bel Air

If you're looking for something unique and different in Bel Air, skip the big box stores and shopping malls galore. Head right downtown, which is bustling with locally-owned shops that can offer a personal touch while you find something with personality for your dwelling.

3:21 PM EDT, April 5, 2012

Pictures: What's in store in Kensington

When many folks think of antiques in Kensington, Maryland, they think of Antique Row, a collection of comfy antique shops situated on Howard Avenue on the east side of Connecticut Avenue. However, the west side of Howard has been a favorite destination to many interior decorators and designers for...

8:28 PM EDT, March 29, 2012

What's in store in Pikesville

Many of the shops in Pikesville have a loyal following of locals. But, if you know where to look, you - too - can find some of Pikesville's hidden treasures, when it comes to adding just the right touch to your home. Whether it's a fantastic lighting fixture at a price well below what you might...

Pictures: What's in store in Havre de Grace

Head up the road apiece for a whole lot of unique - as in shops that offer a variety of interesting home furnishings and accessories that range from quaint to quirky. Havre de Grace is an quick, easy getaway, that is sure to help you add even more personality to your home.

7:02 AM EDT, May 1, 2013

Pictures: What's in store on Annapolis' Main Street

You don't need a boat to take a day trip to the sailing mecca of Annapolis. In fact, you don't even have to stray from the city's Main Street to find all sorts of treasure for your home not-so-buried in the various shops there.

Pictures: What's in store in Elkridge

When it comes to furnishing your abode, it's worth tracking down the locally owned shops in Elkridge. There are some great finds here, in both quality and price. Your home will thank you for it.

Pictures: What's in store in Crofton-Gambrills

Spend some time checking out the nooks and crannies of shopping in the Crofton-Gambrills area. You'll come up with terrific finds that could help fill those empty nooks and crannies in your home.

8:55 AM EDT, August 14, 2012

Pictures: What's in store at Clipper Mill

You may know that the Clipper Mill complex houses a number of studios for local artists and artisans. What you may not know is that many of those studios have showrooms as well, and how many of them offer beautiful things for your home. Some showrooms have regular hours. Others are open when the...

Pictures: What's in store in Easton

Just because it isn't the season makes it just the right reason to drive to Easton this time of year. You won't have distractions like the seashore and boating to divert you from exploring all the great shops in this Eastern Shore town. From antiques to new furnishings and gifts, from fine art to...

Pictures: What's in store in Olney

Take a swing through Olney and be surprised by a unique shopping experience. A store that specializes in Swedish antiques, a sumptuous home design showroom, and one of the area's oldest nature gift shops are some of the locally-owned businesses that offer great gifts and home decor. Only in Olney.

Pictures: What's in store in Forest Hill

This Harford County burb offers a number of locally owned stores. Many of them have been there for years, and each is chockfull of personality. They can help you completely outfit your manse or just enhance it with stylish home furnishings and accessories.

What's in store in Reisterstown [Pictures]

When cabin fever hits and you need to get some fresh air, head to Reisterstown. There, you can take a stroll down Main Street, and pop into a number of local shops where you can warm up and find a little - or big - something to warm up your home.

Pictures: What's in store in Frostburg

Whether you're visiting a student at Frostburg University, or heading to Western Maryland to enjoy a winter weekend, you can take a "retail break" in downtown Frostburg.

Pictures: What's in store in California, Maryland

With winter officially in force, maybe it's time to take a trip to California. California, Maryland, that is. This St. Mary's County town is only a couple of hours' drive from Baltimore, and has a number of locally owned furniture and gift shops.

Pictures: What's in store in Timonium/Cockeysville

The Timonium/Cockeysville area is abound with fabulous consignment shops - as well as some other local stores - that make your house even more appealing to spend some major time there.

Pictures: What's in Store in Fells Point

Thames Street west of Broadway may house some prominent home furnishing stores. But, don't limit your shopping trip to that area.

Pictures: What's in Store in Alexandria

If you're looking to add a little charm to a holiday shopping excursion, Old Town Alexandria is a great place to spend the day. There are scores of locally owned shops that offer fabulous things to dress up your home, including some with their own distinctive perspectives.

Pictures: What's in Store in St. MIchaels

St. Michaels isn't just a summertime destination. Twinkly lights along the Eastern Shore town's Talbot Street have turned it into a sparkling winter wonderland of wonderful little shops. This is also its annual "Christmas in St. Michael's" weekend with all sorts of extra activities that can make a...

Pictures: What's in Store in Salisbury

Shops in Salisbury pop with personality, with offerings that range from full-out country couture to funky to fabulous finds. You're sure to find something in this Eastern Shore burg to perk up your place.

What's in store: Glen Burnie

Looking for an armchair made of cow horns? How about an electric fan in the shape of a fish? Or a hand-blown glass vase that looks like a handbag? Then head to Glen Burnie.

What's in Store: Main Street Ellicott City

Antiques aren't all you'll find on Main Street in Ellicott City. If you're looking to decorate your home, you can find a mix of modern and forward-thinking items among the traditional furniture and knick-knacks.

-- Sarah Kickler Kelber