8 impressive souvenirs you'd never know came from an airport
Sometimes on your travels, there just isn’t enough time to buy souvenirs for friends and family. Airports are your last chance before going home, but you don’t want to buy the usual T-shirt or fridge magnet.
Lucky for you, there are airports with shops that feature authentic local items. When you buy at these stores, no one will ever guess you bought the gifts right before you boarded your flight. I’ll outline some of my personal favorites below.
Churchill Downs Store
It only makes sense that Louisville International Airport (SDF), home airport of the Kentucky Derby, would have a branch of this store, located pre-security on the upper level. You can buy commemorative mint julep glasses, cuff links made from wood paddocks at Churchill Downs, collectors' buttons and pins and drink stirrers.
Crab cakes
The worst has happened: You came to Baltimore and didn’t have one of our iconic crab cakes, made with the meat from Maryland blue crabs. But it’s not too late, because you can get some to go at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Obrycki’s no longer has its famous restaurant in the city’s historic Fells Point neighborhood, but you can buy a six-pack of their crab cakes fried, blast-frozen, boxed with an ice pack and put into an insulated bag. Again, if you can’t get there, you can order your crab cakes online.
Cuban Crafters
This premier local boutique cigar vendor has brought its brand to Miami International Airport’s North Terminal Marketplace. The store sells popular premium cigar brands, including Cohiba, Davidoff, H. Upmann and Romeo y Julieta. You can also buy cigar cutters, humidors and other accessories that appeal to true aficionados. Hand-rolled cigars start at $6 each.
DFW Employee Store
This amazing airline memorabilia store, located at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal C near Gate C2, is an aviation geek’s dream. Not only does it carry tons of swag from American Airlines, American Eagle, Envoy and many of the former airlines under the American banner — Allegheny Air, America West, PSA, Reno Air, TWA and US Airways — but there’s also stuff from American’s Oneworld alliance partners.
There are the usual T-shirts, hats and coffee mugs, but you can also find luggage tags, cosmetics bags, jewelry, license-plate holders, airplane models and throw pillows. I’m not ashamed to say that I bought TWA drink coasters, a T-shirt and a fridge magnet the last time I was there. And if you can’t get to DFW, there’s an online store for airline swag.
Made In Oregon
You’ve seen airport stores purporting to sell local goods, but it's the same stuff wherever you go with a different city name on it. This local store, with an outlet at Portland International Airport’s Concourse C near Gate C8, is the real deal. It features goods from local artisans and businesses, including soy candles from Broken Top Candle Company, wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards, the state’s world-famous Pendleton blankets and Rogue Batsquatch craft beer. You can also shop online for your favorite Oregon goods.
The Salt Lick BBQ
Whenever I’m in Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, I make a beeline to Gate 21 in the main terminal past security to get my Texas barbecue fix. And while I’m eating, I make sure to order a brisket — with sauce, of course — to take home. For $70, they will wrap it up and put it in an insulated thermal bag that fits underneath an airline seat (although I put mine in the overhead bin).
San Franpsycho
Named after a 2001 film on San Francisco’s local surf scene, this store near the city’s botanical gardens specializes in unique, screen-printed T-shirts (long and short sleeves), tank tops and outerwear. The shop’s original T-shirt, an orange-and-black, zebra-striped number called Big Chaos By Day, was a huge hit. See samples of the most popular T-shirts in Terminal 3, near Gate 69.
Souvenear
These vending machines showcase locally designed and produced items at five U.S. airports — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Newark-Liberty International Airport (EWR), Oakland International (OAK) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Among the souvenirs in the Oakland vending machine in Terminal 2 near Gate 23 were Bay Bridge flour-sack dish towels, an illustrated California landmarks print, Oakland-themed T-shirts and a stylized California state flag cloth tote bag.
Bottom line
The next time you're out of town and realize that you didn't buy any souvenirs, don't panic. You can pick up items in the terminal that are so unique and cool, no one would ever know — or believe — that you bought them at an airport.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.