Albany, Georgia: A shopping and dining destination

In addition to malls and national retailers, more than 20 boutiques and specialty stores provide unique, on-trend fashions, home décor and gifts, antiques and recreational and fitness gear. Albany's many locally owned boutiques offer exclusive finds in all sizes and price ranges, starting at affordable prices.

Bandit and the Babe is a modern bohemian boutique with an ever-evolving mix of eclectic, hand-picked clothing and accessories locally made across the globe (249 Pine Avenue Albany‚ Georgia 31701; 229-496-6836). Blush Albany Boutique solves denim and upscale dress dilemmas, and suggests the trendiest tops and accessories (2334 Whispering Pines Road Albany‚ Georgia 31707; 229-439-0332). Score “nice clothes for bad babes” and other bold youthful styles and statement jewelry at Ibiza Boutique (Hunters Mill Shopping Center, 2610 Dawson Road, Albany, Georgia 31707; 404-938-9640). From cozy family time, to a night on the town, Roots & Wings Boutique - Albany, GA has shoppers covered right down to stylish footwear (711 North Westover Boulevard, Suite F Albany‚ Georgia; 229-496-1532). Rebel Dolls specializes in standout, youthful clothing and accessories for women who aren’t afraid to be bold and trendy: rebels with a stylish cause (719 North Westover Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31707; 229-449-1354). From a collection of dresses, tops and sets, to custom-designed looks from the mind of a true artist, Vizorre Fashions and Designs is a go-to for one-of-a-kind outfits in sizes small to 4X (Hunters Mills Plaza, 2610 Dawson Road Suite 13, Albany, Georgia 31707 or Albany Mall, 2601 Dawson Road #D-17, Albany, Georgia 31707; 770-855-1418).

For one-stop shopping, Livi & Company houses over 90 vendors with a wide variety of goods from hand-crafted to vintage and antique (3099 Ledo Road Leesburg, Georgia 31763; 229-496-1822). Rock the gypsy soul with distinctive gifts, accessories and more at The Paisley Fig, featuring a curated collection of products from local artisans as well as fair trade from around the globe (238 West Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-894-2297). For a complete list of independently owned retailers, see VisitAlbanyGA.com/explore/category/shop.

Finished shopping already? Relax with a pint at the Good Life City’s farm-to-tap brewery, Pretoria Fields Brewing in downtown Albany (120 Pine Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-518-1770). For vino and stronger spirits, visit Still Pond Vineyard and Distillery (1575 Still Pond Road, Arlington, Georgia 39813; 1-800-475-1193), the only farm winery and distillery in the Southeast. Sample some of Still Pond’s 18 award-winning wines, flavored and straight moonshine, award-winning vodka, and other spirits. Head to Corks Wine & Charcuterie for a curated charcuterie board and a bottle of wine to take to your room (2700 Dawson Road, Suite 5, Albany, Georgia 31707; 229- 405-1500). Sip, savor and browse delicious dining options as you celebrate the day's finds. For a real treat, bring home new culinary skills from The Italian Wooden Spoon in Albany (409-392-4328). Each class includes step-by-step instructions, printed recipes and a three-to-four-course meal. Chef Laura Piovesana was born and raised in Italy and loves to teach private groups as well as in-house classes.

From elegant ambience to trendsetting eateries for foodies, Albany is known for destination dining, with more than 45 local choices in addition to noted chains and franchises. Showcasing Chef Laura Piovesana of The Italian Wooden Spoon, Osteria is Albany’s newest restaurant, a stylish Italian concept that also pays homage to the former, much-loved Henry Campbell’s Steakhouse (9629 North Westover Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31707; 229-594-9288). Try the chocolate infused pappardelle pasta tossed with smoked prosciutto, sweet peas and a smoky cream sauce garnished with truffle oil. Chef Piovesana also offers her cooking classes at the restaurant. For elegant dining, choose The Flint, aptly named for its location alongside the Flint River, which serves succulent Southern fare like fresh seafood sensations of stuffed flounder and fried catfish (112 Pine Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-302-3568). The restaurant focuses on the fresh, not frozen, bounty of the Georgia and Florida coast, yet satisfies meat-eaters and vegetarians. The pub-style Harvest Moon has music and a menu to satisfy everyone in the group (2347 Dawson Road, Albany, Georgia 31707; 229-439-7077). A fave is the Harvest Pie pizza complete with pesto, grilled eggplant, Portobello mushrooms, tomatoes, tri-colored peppers, spinach and two kinds of cheese. Nearby, Blackbeard’s offers a far-ranging menu, including barbecue, freshwater and ocean seafood, steaks, salads and more (2209 North Slappey Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-878-6369).

Breakfast? Among several choices, Pearly’s Famous Country Cookin’ is known for Southern favorites like blueberry pancakes and cathead biscuits with gravy along with a morning cup of Joe 9814 North Slappey Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-432-0141). Pearly’s is equally delicious for lunchtime with a good handle on the meat and three possibilities. In addition, many of Albany’s more than two dozen hotels offer complimentary breakfast.

Looking for even more local dining, lodging, shopping and attractions? Find it at VisitAlbanyGA.com.