Beautiful Hilton Head Island: Home to sandy beaches, glimmering sunsets and Southern charm. This island, located off the coast of South Carolina, is a vacationer's paradise. There's never a lack of things to do - from kayaking to kite-flying - and many dazzling sights to see.

Visitors to Hilton Head will also be pleasantly surprised at the island's vast selection of shopping locales. Shoppers can choose from an assortment of malls, boutiques and specialty stores. Here is a brief guide to the Hilton Head shopping hotspots.

Specialty Shops
No visit to Hilton Head is complete without a short stop at one of the island's many specialty shops. Most of these stores and boutiques offer merchandise that you won't find anywhere else.

First stop: The Salty Dog Cafe, which is oh-so-much-more than a place to eat. Legend has it that The Salty Dog was established in honor of a dog named Jake, who saved his drowning owner by dragging him back to terra firma. Now, this place is a venue for fine food and unique gifts, like Salty Dog T-shirts, bandanas and pet bowls.

Next, take a peek at the Coligny Kite & Flag Co. Located in Coligny Mall, this exclusive shop is the spot for kite flying enthusiasts. While you're at the mall, you can pop in to The Shell Shop or Black Market Minerals - both good places to pick up a Carolina beach style gift. Or head over to The Porcupine, a unique and stylish fashion boutique for women.

If you're a fine food aficionado, Hilton Head has much to offer.  You can start your shopping at More than Wine - a boutique that features a large selection of hard-to-find wines, along with other gourmet items. Every native Hilton Header has heard of Fresh Produce, the best place to shop for the finest ingredients and prepared foods. Or, check out The Island Fudge Shop, which boasts 16 varieties of gourmet fudge, like Rocky Road, Maple Walnut and Chocolate Pecan. Doesn't that make your mouth water?

Outlet Shopping
It's bargain time! As long as you're shopping, you may as well get some great deals. Tanger Outlet Center is the prime locale on the island for bargain hunters. The 85 stores offer designer merchandise at up to 70 percent off. You can start your trip to the outlets with brand-name style, like Gap, Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren factory stores. Then, pick up some stylish accessories from the Coach Factory and Nine West. Last but not least, score some fine furnishings and home accessories from Home and Patio Galleries or Mikasa.

Antiques
If you've got an eye for collectibles, Hilton Head is the place to shop: There are several sophisticated antique stores on the island. You can start your search at Decorators Wholesale Antiques, where you'll find more than 35,000 square feet of imported country and accessory pieces from England, Holland and other European nations. Or, take a look at Michael and Company, which has a diverse collection of 18th,19th and early 20th century antiques from all over the world. Sports history fans can visit Match or YesterYears. Both stores have an assortment of authentic autographs, vintage sports gear and other fine antiques.

Shopping Malls
No discussion of Hilton Head shopping hotspots would be complete without mention of the shopping malls. You can beat the heat by taking a stroll through The Mall at Shelter Cove. This traditional enclosed shopping mall offers classic stores like Victoria's Secret, Ann Taylor and Foot Locker. If you're in the mood for something a bit more island inspired, try shopping at the Coligny Mall. Located on the seaside, this mall features a duck pond, various Southern-style boutiques and even a quaint, little movie theater.  Don't forget to sample the treats at the Frozen Moo, or stop in for a full meal at The Big Bamboo or the Frosty Frog Cafe.

Whatever it is you're looking for, Hilton Head has got it - from fine art to fruity beverages. A stroll around Hilton Head Island will reveal shopping possibilities to satisfy every savvy traveler.

This tidbit of real travel advice was contributed by Susannah Schild.

Rest up after a long day of shopping-induced exercise in a beachside condo all your own.