Blog

Please join me, the Port of Call Shopper, as I journey around the world by seas, waterways and land, to discover a plethora of unique, artful and distinctive Things created by craftsmen, artisans, designers and retailers located in picturesque seaports, towns and villages.

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Global Shopping | Meet The Artist | Cultural Destination Guides

If you’d like to follow the Port of Call Shopper’s shopping voyages around the world AND get exclusive access to shopping guides and tips - plus special offers and discounts on handcrafted Things and travel, please JOIN our Crew.

Kathy Anderson 2/16/26 Kathy Anderson 2/16/26

Downtown Los Angeles Shopping: Art, Fashion & Decor in 2026

Discover the best of Downtown Los Angeles shopping in 2026, from contemporary art and independent fashion boutiques to stylish home décor, artisan markets, and design-forward finds in DTLA’s most creative neighborhoods.

Kathy Anderson 2/12/26 Kathy Anderson 2/12/26

Istanbul Shopping Areas: Top Artisans, Bazaars & Markets in 2026

Discover the best Istanbul shopping areas in 2026, from historic bazaars to contemporary artisan studios. Explore top markets, handcrafted goods, local designers, and unforgettable cultural finds.

Kathy Anderson 2/12/26 Kathy Anderson 2/12/26

Granville Island Shopping: Vancouver's Public Market Artisans

Explore the best Granville Island shopping, from artisan crafts and handmade goods to local food, markets, and one-of-a-kind Vancouver finds.

Kathy Anderson 2/8/26 Kathy Anderson 2/8/26

The Ultimate Bermuda Handmade Shopping Guide: Local Artisans, Crafts & Island Finds

Discover the best of Bermuda handmade shopping, from local art and jewelry to island-crafted gifts and souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.

Kathy Anderson 2/7/26 Kathy Anderson 2/7/26

Rome Handmade Shopping Guide: Artisans, Boutiques & Local Finds

Discover Rome’s best handmade shopping, from artisan workshops and local boutiques to one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Kathy Anderson 2/7/26 Kathy Anderson 2/7/26

Best Shops in Athens for Traditional, Handcrafted Artisan Things

My guide to the best handmade shops in Athens, featuring my picks for folk art gifts, jewelry, icons, and keepsakes made by local artists, with quick shop notes.

Kathy Anderson 2/6/26 Kathy Anderson 2/6/26

Artistic Traditions in Naples: Shopping for Handcrafted Art & More in Italy’s Most Spirited City

Discover the best Naples handmade shopping spots, from artisan ceramics and leather goods to local food specialties and traditional crafts made in Naples.

Kathy Anderson 2/4/26 Kathy Anderson 2/4/26

Boston SOWA Shopping Guide: Best Markets, Art & Local Finds

Discover Boston’s SOWA art district for shopping. I’ll take you from the SOWA Open Market to art galleries, boutiques, and local makers. A must-visit Boston shopping guide.

Patrice Horvath Design 2/2/26 Patrice Horvath Design 2/2/26

European Christmas Market Shopping Guide: Best Gifts, Food & Festive Finds

Kathy Anderson 1/31/26 Kathy Anderson 1/31/26

Best Scandinavian Handmade Shops for Unique Nordic Crafts & Gifts

Discover the best Scandinavian handmade shops featuring authentic Nordic crafts, minimalist home decor, and one-of-a-kind artisan gifts.

Kathy Anderson 1/27/26 Kathy Anderson 1/27/26

Handmade in Mykonos: Shopping for Artisan Crafts in the Heart of Chora

Colorful Handpainted Ceramics at Eva Studio and Shop in Mykonos

Kathy Anderson 1/23/26 Kathy Anderson 1/23/26

Spanish Village Art Center: Classes, Events & Guilds in 2026

Kathy Anderson 1/22/26 Kathy Anderson 1/22/26

Liberty Station San Diego Shopping Guide: Best Stores, Art & Dining Near the Waterfront

Explore Liberty Station San Diego’s shopping, dining, and art galleries in this complete guide. Discover unique boutiques, local makers, restaurants, and waterfront experiences near downtown San Diego.

Kathy Anderson 1/20/26 Kathy Anderson 1/20/26

15 Top Mediterranean Cruise Gift Ideas (Handcrafted & Unique) in 2026

Discover my favorite handcrafted Mediterranean gift ideas of the year, from artisan ceramics and textiles to unique handmade souvenirs inspired by Mediterranean culture.

Kathy Anderson 1/19/26 Kathy Anderson 1/19/26

San Pedro CRAFTED Market: Best Artisans and Local Makers

Explore San Pedro’s best shopping at CRAFTED market with this complete guide. Discover top boutiques, local shops, and must-buy finds in this historic waterfront community.