Shop 'Til You Drop: The 10 Glitziest Shopping Districts in the U.S.

There is a deep, unavoidable impulse that gets every shopper out of bed, makes them board the next flight without hesitation, and keeps them waiting on long lines without feeling agitated.  That is the thrill of the hunt, tracking down that blockbuster sale or finding the perfect threads in an environment built for shopping.

Yes, many destinations do inspire and provide unique cultural attractions, but there are also places that cater to the shopaholics, the traveler that just wants to spend his/her days whipping through local and international fashions.

For all of you shopaholics, fashionistas and stylish dressers, here are 10 of the country's finest districts to max out your plastic.

San Francisco: Union Square

Not be confused with Union Square, Manhattan, this San Francisco gem is no copycat. 

A shopaholic’s paradise, Union Square is as cultural as it is exciting.  Here, high-end stores perfectly line cobblestone streets and quaint boutiques showcase the eclectic spirit of the city. 

You will be dazzled by the sparkling jewels of De Beers and entranced by the chic fashions of Saks Fifth Avenue.  The place where both famous brands and local digs call home, Union Square is not for the amateur shopper.  It offers a world-class buyer’s frenzy only a true fashionista will appreciate.

Philadelphia: Walnut Street

In the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, sits one of the country’s most expensive retail locations. Spenders are often seen salivating over the luxurious clothing of The Shops at Bellevue where the stylish fashions of Nicole Miller will be patiently waiting for you to try them on and take them home. 

After spotting Tiffany’s, it will be difficult to resist the charm of the brilliant twinkle that beams throughout the store, quickly convincing you those diamond earrings will go perfectly with that new outfit you just bought.

Boston: Newbury Street

If you are looking for shopping, art and history all in one location, you have come to the right place.  This commercial hub is an attraction in itself combining cozy cafés intertwined with a myriad of shops to charm the pants off any customer (shortly before charming new, more stylish, pants back onto the customer).

A  tour of its eight blocks will be a journey into Boston’s vibrant flair where you will be welcomed by the lush Public Gardens, captivating art galleries, and of course a retail haven that may make you jump at the opportunity to buy everything in sight (even items you don’t really need).  As one of America’s best locations for the passionate spender, Newbury Street bursts at the seams with countless upscale and local merchandise to make your shopping dreams a reality.

Charlotte, NC: Ballantyne Village

Dubbed “the crown of the queen city”, Ballantyne Village preserves North Carolina’s exquisite treasures within its wide spectrum of stores. 

Spenders of all kinds flock here to enjoy soothing spa amenities, dine on imaginable dishes, and stroll into its boutiques to play “dress up” in jewelry and clothing and much more, while basking in the picturesque beauty of the city.  With a special place in the heart of North Carolinians, you will see why many come here to capture the true flair of Charlotte through its unique gems.

Houston: Rice Village

For residents of Houston, Rice Village landing a spot on this list comes as no surprise.  Colorfully painted with hundreds of stores like Ann Taylor, The Gap and  Banana Republic stretched across 16 blocks, you will be able to find a bit of everything. Whether you are looking to add a little décor to your home or an outfit that will stop traffic, hit Houston’s streets for a night out on the town. 

With a mix of Rice Village’s provisions of delectable cuisine including Thai, Mexican as well as Italian, the dining options are as plentiful as the shopping opportunities.

Beverly Hills: Rodeo Drive

Can you imagine grabbing for that last shirt only to realize that Kim Kardashian also has her claws on it?  All of a sudden you two are in a tug-of-war trying to pry it out of each other’s hands.  Not saying this will actually happen, but anything is possible on Rodeo Drive.

When it comes to upscale shopping, nothing excites a shopaholic more than Rodeo Drive- where you can shop with the stars. You won’t need to venture to Paris or Milan to get your hands on world-class designer goods like Versace, Tom Ford, Valentino, Cartier and Armani because this big spender’s playground is lapped in luxury along three blocks and dotted with hundreds of  stores enough to make any window-shopper green with envy.

Blended with premier restaurants and cafés ideal for resting your feet while quenching your palate or celebrity-spotting, Rodeo Drive is sophisticated as well as cultural, and a paradise for the high-end shopper.

Brooklyn: Flatbush Ave

For Brooklyn locals, Flatbush Avenue is the one-stop shop to purchase their Caribbean spices, fruits, and that hip ensemble for a night of fun.  Its flooded streets welcome visitors to soak in the bustling atmosphere of the boulevard, where different genres of music intertwine heard earshot away causing a melting pot of cultures to implode throughout its sprawling streets.

Eclectic vendors can be commonly seen luring shoppers with their unique merchandise an unconventional shops offer fashions you will not find anywhere else.

This trendy destination offers a distinct atmosphere you will only find here, and a buyer’s heaven too peculiar to ignore.

Washington, D.C.: Georgetown

Magnificently presented in 18^th and 19^th century architecture, the fashions of Georgetown embody the historic flair and modern style of this chic neighborhood. With over 150 stores gracing its roadways Georgetown is undeniable one of the trendiest districts in the U.S. 

From tailored suits for the savvy dresser to elegant dresses for the fashionista, you will be wondering why you have not explored its unique styles sooner. Whether you are an avid designer-label wearer or prefer one-of-a-kind brands, Georgetown continuously keeps its loyal spenders coming back time and time again.

New York City: SoHo

New York City as a whole is one gigantic shopping center.  However, if you are over looking like everyone else, SoHo may just be your solution to this fashion faux pas. 

SoHo is every modish dresser’s dream come true, embodying a “one-of-a-kind” philosophy proudly displayed in boutiques like Madonna & Co., tailored to the stylish diva who relishes in making the fashion pack jealous, or Todd & Duncan, a local retailer draped in cashmere textures.  If you enjoy being fashionably late to every event, let SoHo cater to the fashion, and you can handle the late part on your own.

Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki

Where shopping meets idyllic weather, Kalakaua Avenue is considered the places of all places spoil yourself in Waikiki.  Not only is it situated in Oahu, one of the most beautiful islands in the world, but if you listen closely you may hear the roar of the Pacific in the distance. 

If you are looking to blend in with intricate Hawaiian jewelry or be arm’s length away from world-class designs, this three-block shopping paradise has something fit for every wallet.