The Spice & Tea Exchange, Chattanooga

The retail spaces at The Spice & Tea Exchange teem with the charm of an 18th-century trading post. Amidst a backdrop of thick wooden beams and canvas sacks, glass jars give customers a preview of flavorful things to come. Home cooks and professional chefs can revel in each store's old-world atmosphere as they hand-pick ingredients to take their dishes to the next level, and tea lovers can peruse a wide-ranging selection from the world over.

Over the years, The Spice & Tea Exchange has expanded to over 50 locations around the country. Here's a rundown of what you might find at each location:

• A bevy of spices: Over 100 spices—along with dozens of exclusive, hand-mixed blends—let cooks of all skill levels season dishes, create tasty rubs, and explore endless palate-pleasing possibilities.
• Something for the sweet tooth: Gourmet selections such as blueberry sugar or bourbon black walnut sugar give desserts a special touch or add sweetness to coffees and teas.
• Exotic salts: Emphasize and enhance the flavor of meats and more with top-shelf mineral and sea salts, or try something a little different with smoked or infused varieties.
• Teas for every taste: Dozens of teas satisfy any preference, from loose-leaf classics like Earl Grey to bold blends such as Blood-Orange Smoothie.