Shopping at Historic Homes and Hotels -- It's Cooler Than You Think

History, travel...and online shopping? You read right. Those three things actually do go together. The gift shops of house museums and historic hotels, long lumped in the tourist trap category, have finally come into their own with their under-the-radar finds.

Here are a few favorites, whether you're traveling or simply couch surfing. Check 'em out.

Monticello
Thomas Jefferson didn't just build an architectural gem -- the shop also sells reproduction Federal furniture, pewter tableware, and garden accessories along with the expected Jefferson memorabilia (a quotation garden stone, anyone?)

Pineapple salt-and-pepper shakers are the perfect hostess gift.

For that friend who refuses to join the digital revolution, this phone book cover is a great gift. At least they can stay stylish while doing it.

I'm a sucker for stoneware -- these salt-glazed bottles are great as vases or just as decorative objects.



The Greenbrier
One of America's most storied hotels, it was on the edge of bankruptcy this year. Thankfully, Marriott stepped in, and it's fabulous gift shop is still going.
Take a bit of the storied hotel home. Plates emblazoned with a rhododendron, the state flower, in the hotel's iconic pink and green give off an air of Southern gentility.

Guests at the hotel have always raved about their famed frozen peach dessert. We hear it's especially good over vanilla ice cream.

A historic hotel comes complete with it's own decorating history. Carleton Varney recently refurbished the interiors originally done by Dorothy Draper in 1946. Read all about his life in his coffee table memoir, Houses in My Heart.

Mount Vernon
Another former president's historic home, another great store for traditional home accessories. It looks like George and Martha sure had style -- the store is loaded with replicas from their home as well as luxe items like Mottahedeh china.

For the classicist in your like, a pair of Palladian bookends won't disappoint. These are like tiny replica's of Washington's dining room windows.

These are the sweetest dessert plates based on an original Martha Washington pattern. And, they're on sale for $8.99!

A cross-stich silhouette of George himself is perfect for your DIY-happy friends.













The Beverly Hills Hotel
Okay, so it's not quite historic, but this hotel built in 1912 is certainly close. Plus, it has the cutest logo in the business -- and it happens to figure largely in the gift shop.


The wide stripes on this hat box remind of a 40s dressing room. So glamorous!

A corkscrew opener -- because cocktail hour and Beverly Hills go hand in hand.

And the classic stripe, seen here again in pajamas, is just irresistible. Plus, they come in pink or blue -- his and hers?