Gifts for women: The General Store

Instead of spreading itself thin with multiple locations, the General Store keeps fine-tuning its perfect, single location. Every department is a winner -- women's clothing, home decor, bath and body, toys, jewelry and personalized gifts. Despite the well-worn plank floors and all the props befitting the store's theme (wringer washing machines, orange crates), the merchandise is quite contemporary, and diverse enough to satisfy a range of ages and tastes. At the end of a visit, head to the first-class café where nearly everything is made from scratch or made to order. Customers often grab a copy of the General Store Cookbook ($17) just for Grandma Gloria's Pumpkin Squares recipe, served daily.