I’m so excited to highlight 5 of my favorite stores in Frederick, MD – perfect for an easy day trip, gift hunting, or a treat-yourself stroll down Market Street. Save this post for your next Frederick visit, and let me know what you think when you go.
And if you’re up for a shopping day in a different direction, Uncharted Annapolis is a lifestyle and gift boutique in Annapolis that gives the same gift-hunting, treat-yourself energy.
1) North Market Pop – 400+ Sodas, Snacks, & Ice Cream
Why go: A nostalgia bomb in the best way. They stock a MASSIVE soda selection (400+ kinds!!!!!), plus global snacks, from Asian faves to old-school candies AND ice cream.
What to try: Grab a few weirdo sodas (you know you’re curious), pair with a crunchy snack, and make your own mini tasting. My partner always asks me to pick up some BAWLS for hims, lol.
📍 241 N Market St, Frederick
⏰ Su–W 12–8pm · Th 12–8:30pm · Fr 12–10pm · Sa 11–10pm
2) Curious Iguana – Cozy Indie Bookstore with that Gives Back
Why go: A fantastic independent bookstore that donates a portion of sales each month to nonprofits supporting literacy. Great staff, great recs, and the coziest vibe.
What to try: Ask for staff picks, check the events calendar, and don’t skip the local authors table.
📍 12 N Market St, Frederick
⏰ Su–W 10–7pm · Th–Sa 10–8pm · First Saturday 10–9pm
3) Candy Kitchen – Since 1902, Handmade the Old-School Way
Why go: An area icon specializing in salt water taffy, fudge, and hand-dipped chocolates – all made by hand with no machines or preservatives.
What to try: The dipped s’mores (trust, it’s SO good) and alllll the fudge.
📍 52 N Market St, Frederick
⏰ Su–M 12–5pm · T–Th 11–6pm · Fr–Sa 11–8pm
4) The Perfect Truffle – Edible Art, Rotating Flavors
Why go: Artisanal chocolates crafted in-house, with 40+ flavors that rotate so there’s always something new. Almost too pretty to eat… almost.
What to try: Build a gift box for a friend… or for yourself, lol. They also include free samples from time to time which is SUPER nice. I’m all about that free 99 treat, haha.
📍 25 N Market St, Frederick
⏰ Su 12–7pm · M–W 10–5pm · F 10–8pm · Sa 10–8pm
5) LOVE: Lebherz Oil & Vinegar – Olive Oil & Balsamic Heaven
Why go: One of my favorite spots for olive oil and balsamic. They have 60+ options you can sample, and they fill your custom glass bottles fresh from the tap.
What to try: I’m obsessed with their dark balsamic vinegars – the wild blueberry is my current obsession.
📍 214 N Market St, Frederick
⏰ W, Fr, Sa 12–6pm · Th–Su 12–5pm
Make a Day of It
Start with a soda flight at North Market Pop, wander south for bookstore browsing and chocolate tasting, then finish with balsamic sampling to stock your pantry. Street parking is plentiful nearby, and Market Street is packed with restaurants, bakeries, and boutiques so it’s easy to turn this into a full afternoon.
For a great lunch or dinner stop before or after the shopping, Beef ‘n Buns ‘n Paradise is a Frederick staple known for their burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. If you love boutique-hunting on a day trip, Jo Retro in Havre de Grace is another Maryland find worth adding to your list, a vintage shop packed with Pyrex, collectibles, and hidden gems.
Have you been to any of these spots? Tell me your favorites below and drop any other Frederick must-visits I should add to the list!