The Grand Strand's Southern roots run deep, and now – as the site of the nation's first Southern Living Store – the sheer Southernness of our little corner of the Carolina coast has been confirmed. Modeled after the popular magazine by the same name, the Southern Living Store brings a breath of fresh air to The Market Common's retail lineup.
If you are a fan of the magazine, or just a lover of the laid-back Southern way of life, this store is right up your alley. Featuring tastefully presented items and decor in a relaxing environment, the Southern Living Store has become a hub a cultural sophistication with its “Celebrate the South” motto in the midst of The Market Common's existing retail outlets. Guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort are only a short drive or bike ride from the store and shopping district.
Like the popular magazine that led to its creation, the Southern Living Store is divided into sections such as Fashion, Food, Home Decoration, Garden and Travel. Browse the one-of-a-kind retail items the same way you thumb through the pages of the magazine, except now you can do so with a hands-on, 3-D experience. Whether you are a longtime magazine subscriber or a casual reader/picture-peruser, the Southern Living Store is sure to have something for you.
The Fashion section focuses on women's apparel and accessories with a flair for comfortable elegance and Southern charm, while the Travel department offers a wide variety of travel-related items as well as unique gifts and souvenirs you will want to carry back to your loved ones (or treat yourself to). The Home Decor department boasts a wide selection of furnishings and fixtures to add a touch of the Southern Living lifestyle to your collection back at home.
Perhaps the most popular sections of the store are the Food and Garden departments, likely because of the food and drink tastings and the gardening displays. The Food section features some of the best pre-packaged goodies in the South, and occasional cooking demonstrations show you how to make dishes that appear in the magazine or in the many best-selling cookbooks on display. The Garden section has everything from fresh-cut flowers to seeds and secrets for those of us with green thumbs.
The Southern Living Store is just one of the many new venues to open recently in The Market Common, where the motto is “Eat, Shop, Play, Live.” Shopping is the main attraction, with dozens of retailers making up the five-block district. From national chains like Anthropolgie, Tommy Bahama and Victoria's Secret to regional and local mom-and-pop shops such as Bijuju, Coastal Urge and the Seacoast Artists Gallery, The Market Common offers upscale shopping in a casual environment.
Dining also attracts visitors to The Market Common, which features more than a dozen eateries off all varieties in the district. Among the many top restaurants are Crepe Creation Cafe, King Street Grille, Divine Prime Wine and Tapas Bar, Travinia Italian Kitchen, Tupelo Honey Cafe, The Brass Tap, Co Sushi, P.F. Chang's, and Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant. For fun, food and refreshments, be sure check out Ultimate California Pizza, Nacho Hippo, Cold Stone Creamery and Yummy Yogurt.
The Market Common also provides plenty of room to play for families, especially those with little ones who need to burn off a little steam. Grand Park features playgrounds, ball fields, biking and hiking trails, and more, and The Market Common plays host to a wide range of festivals and special events. It’s a great place for guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort to spend a fun-filled day or night.
