Melbourne thrives on its laneways, the arteries that pump lifeblood and culture through the city with one-off boutiques, unique galleries, tiny cafes and hidden bars.
Celebs also got to take home soy candles from Milena's Boutique, whose unique frangrances include such scents as Chocolate Orange, Sage & Camomille, Blackberry Vanilla, Hazelnut Latte.
"There is a very real attraction to unique, boutique, clubby transactions that we often have access to," said Thorne Perkin, managing director at Papamarkou Wellner.
James and Mary DeFore, for example, own a women and children's store called Unique Boutique in downtown Thomasville, Ga., a small city of about 20,000 people.
Where to stay Many of the big-brand hotel chains can be found across the region, but look for some of the boutique, backwoods and unique options for a more interesting stay.
Set on 4.6 beachfront acres just next door to the Palms, this luxury boutique resort features unique guest activities like a seminar at the Sandcastle University, taught by the Guinness world-record holder in sandcastle building.
Indeed, the Art Deco airport that Gerot says offers a "unique, boutique" experience to the 3 million or so passengers who pass through each year maintains a 4.5 rating (out of 5) on TripAdvisor and Yelp.
The small, few-block district also has a chocolate shop, elegant but not overly expensive restaurants and bars, a dog boutique and other unique shops that make for a nice girls' day out or a fun stroll with the family.
If you are looking for a unique boutique (where fitting rooms are fashioned out of vintage phone booths) you can find it here as you browse an eclectic selection of art, literature, gifts and clothing.
"Of course, there is a level of communication that happens, whether it occurs through our own boutiques or through unique and exclusive collaborations," Ms. Emch said.
