Georgia Voice 2015 Best of Atlanta winners: Shopping

BOOKSTORE
CHARIS BOOKS

It’s been around for 40 years and is Atlanta’s favorite bookstore: Charis Books (www.charisbooksandmore.com). With a welcoming home in Little Five Points, a great selection of new and topical LGBT books and established classics, plus a calendar full of community and special events, it’s no real surprise.

The Edgewood Barnes & Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com) is second, and Book Nook third.

ADULT BOOKSTORE
BRUSHSTROKES

For those not in the mood for “Anna Karenina,” Brushstrokes (www.brushstrokesatlanta.com) is your top place for reading material of a more adult, spicy nature. With all sorts of books and magazines and DVDs—and an abundance of toys and other unexpected items—this is the place you want to drop cash.

Tokyo Valentino/Inserection (www.tokyovalentino.com) takes second and Southern Nights (www.facebook.com/SNVatlanta) third place.

TATTOO SHOP
TIMELESS TATTOO

Need a place to get that first tattoo or to add more to your body work? Timeless Tattoo on Cheshire Bridge Road (www.timelesstattoola.com/) has been an Atlanta institution since 1995—and Cap Szumski and crew are known far and wide for their service and professionalism. They are able to ink patrons on their first visit.

In second place is Liberty (www.libertytat2.com) and in third is Southern Star (www.southernstartattoo.com).

Charis Books takes home best bookstore. (Photo via Facebook)
Charis Books takes home best bookstore. (Photo via Facebook)

CLOTHING STORE
LOST-N-FOUND THRIFT & CONSIGNMENT

Over the last few years the Lost-N-Found Thrift & Consignment store (www.lnfy.org) has been a powerful fundraising tool for homeless youth. Now it has an amazing, sprawling location with all kinds of cool, great clothes. It’s a nice place to spend money for a very worthy cause.

In second place is Boy Next Door (www.boynextdoormenswear.com) and in third, Rag-O-Rama (www.ragorama.com).

FLORIST
FLOWER COTTAGE

When it comes to getting bouquets together or just a rose or two to say “I love you,” Flower Cottage in East Point (www.flowercottageonmain.com) is the winner. Whether it’s an array of stunning summer flowers, birthday flowers or a “get well soon” ensemble, the choices are pretty limitless here.

In second place is Carithers (www.carithers.com) and third goes to Foxgloves & Ivy (www.foxgloves.biz).

GIFT STORE
BRUSHSTROKES

The Gift Card Boutique at Brushstrokes (www.brushstrokesatlanta.com/store) is the place to go for aisles and aisles of birthday/relationship/holiday cards, but it also features clothing items, especially T-shirts, and all kinds of LGBT novelty items. Fairly new are the store’s home and décor and kitchen offerings, which give the store an added depth.

Marketplace 120 (www.marketplace120.com) takes second place and Stanton Design (www.stantonhomefurnishings.com) third.

FURNITURE/HOME DECOR
MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS

Looking for something classic yet affordable for the living room, or the kitchen, or any part of the house? Or any kind of accessories imaginable? Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (www.mgbwhome.com) claims victory here, with a terrific location in Buckhead open every day of the week—for those big or small furnishing needs.

In second place is Domestic Comfort (www.domesticcomfort.com) and in third is Horizon Home (www.horizonhomefurniture.net).

JEWELRY STORE
JONATHAN BUCKHEAD

LGBT marriage is legal—finally!—and Atlanta’s premiere choice to shop for jewelry is Jonathan Buckhead (www.jonathanbuckhead.com). Owner Jonathan Shapero knows his business inside and out and can fill custom orders in a heartbeat—for a quick wedding or a long engagement. He is also involved in community organizations throughout the city.

In second place is Worthmore (www.worthmorejewelers.com) and Brown & Company (www.brownjewelers.com) takes third.