We happened upon this delightful independent bookstore after enjoying a late lunch at the…read moreMediterranean restaurant next door. It's brightly lit and beautifully arranged by theme, with lots of staff pick summaries/comments posted all around. Friendly staff and welcoming vibe. Great book selection of books!

This is such a cute and cozy bookstore! The River Bend Bookshop is set inside a refurbished old…read morehouse in downtown Gastonbury. It's an adorable New England town that looks like it was plucked straight from a movie. When you go inside, the store is so cozy. It's packed full of books and bookish merch, but so well set, there is plenty of room to explore. There are books in every nook and cranny, sorted by genre, with bookseller recommendations and plenty of signed copies. The booksellers are very knowledgeable and helpful too. If you are looking for a gift for an avid reader, they will definitely be able to help you find the perfect present. This is going to be a permanent stop for me every time I head through Connecticut.

Tapestry Rose is a fabulous little gift shop located in the old train station in Rocky Hill…read more I walked in there today to stumble on the most wonderful array of gifts and trinkets for that someone that has everything. There are glass vases, picture frames, unique bookmarks...handbags, martini sets, salad sets etc. There are beautifully decorated Christmas Trees with all of the gorgeous ornaments (some glass blown) available for purchase. There is a section with gifts for children, a selection of fabulous music, and a unique array of handmade jewelry. What I liked most is that some things benefited a group or a cause if purchased. This is a great little gift shop that I know I'll visit several times this holiday season.

Love this store ! Beautiful inviting shop . Nice staff , there done lots for the community such…read moreas a l local fundraising and helped raise money for the local dog park . Always donated for worthy cause. Nice relaxing landmark in Rocky Hill Connecticut and tourist coming across the Connecticut River. Very unique !!

Very nice shop with several items to see. Looks like they maximized their space thru using the…read moreupper levels. Unlike other places it wasn't crammed with so much stuff that you had a hard time navigating the store. The aisles were open enough to properly browse the shelves. Reasonably priced items.

I visited TT for the first time during my yearly weekend visit to the Coventry area, and I was so…read moreimpressed by the selection of items that they had. Many of the booths had great sales. I had so much stuff that I had to bring it all up to the counter so that I could keep my hands free for further hunting around (unusual for me when I do any antique shopping - I usually only find 1 or 2 items at most). The man working at the counter was friendly and helpful. My friend and I appreciated that he seemed to enjoy his job - that made our shopping experience even better. I also think that someone who set things up outside has a wonderful sense of humor, because there was a doll sitting in a chair looking into a mirror. You know I had to get a picture of it!

While driving through the area, we stopped at Over AndOver, which has so many cute things to look…read moreat! Great place if you're looking for a unique gift. My friend really enjoyed the selection of crystals they had, and I found a candle that smelled great. The worker at the counter was friendly. Would definitely check them out again on future visits to the area!

This is where you find the best gifts in CT. Adorable, homemade upcycled treasures. The people…read morethere are the best and everything is unique and amazing. So many pieces are great jewelry, furniture that you will not find anywhere else and candles that smell awesome. Worth the trip. They also have classes and events happening all the time.

Situated in downtown Mystic, on the other side of the river; this is a must see venue…read more You'll find yourself surrounded by beautiful hand blown glassware, wooden kitchen tools and cutting boards, ceramics, and some jewelry; much of it has a nautical theme, Plenty of housewarming ideas at several price points. It's hard to make up your mind; they are all museum quality. There's no hard sell from the staff.

Company of Craftsman is a beautiful store filled with a variety of handmade items. Some of the…read moreitems are made by locals, others are a bit farther, but everything is America made! This store is in the center of the of the cutest town in Connecticut, Mystic. I didn't even know where to look when I walked inside, there were so many beautiful, unique peices. The cutting boards, and other kitchen tools are so tastefully made that I would keep them as decor. They have beautiful sterling silver jewelry, from earrings to bangles. There's some stunning pottery, as well as hand blown glassware. As expected most of the items are a bit pricey, but not outrageous. Their packaging is gift ready! You're sure to impress who ever is lucky enough to receive a gift from such a charming little store.

More often than not, we hear of local shops shutting their doors, so it was great news to learn of…read moreWeekend Kitchen's move and expansion. We love this destination in Essex for all kinds of kitchen accoutrements, and we love it even more now. Nancy Kirkiles has a knack for mixing vintage finds with kitchen necessities, and the new, larger space has allowed her to flex her merchandising muscles. You'll find an extensive selection of her lovely letterpressed cards on thick stock (and you'll want to stock up), plus a tempting mix of vintage glassware, interesting cookbooks, antique cleavers, teeny silver spoons, crystal salt cellars, linen aprons, essentials for baking; an entire batterie de cuisine. If you're on a spring cleaning rampage, head here for natural bristle brushes and potions with names like "Boys Bathroom" and Superlative Hand Soap. Over the years, Nancy has developed a talented team of collaborators. If you've been to one of her cooking classes or pop-up dinners, you'll know what I'm talking about. Chef Paul Barron will continue to offer classes and dinners through Weekend Kitchen (coming up: Potato Gnocchi and Easy Thai), plus home chef services and (coming soon) grab-and-go meals. You'll find Plenty of Cake, literally. Lesley Moore's imaginative treats will be available and by custom order (her gluten free versions may just be the best I've had), and a refrigerator case is on the way, to be stocked with Arethusa Farm's ridiculous fresh butter, milk, and cheese. I've been known to race over pre-party for a last minute ladle or gravy boat; now I'll just have so many more reasons to visit.

Very nice store with lots of nice things but sales person was NOT wearing a mask. It made me quite…read moreuncomfortable as the store has aisles that are a little tight.

Dina Varano Gallery is a little store in Downtown Chester housing the art and jewelry handmade by…read morelocal artist Dina Varano. What first caught my eye in this tiny boutique, is the assortment of unique brushed sterling silver jewelry. I feel like brushed silver jewelry can be eye catching in its own way. In addition to the beautiful jewelry, you'll also find stunning cashmere and fine wool scarves and accessories. They also have some very funny ornaments, including one of a man in his underwear, covered in tattoos. There are so many creative designs at the Dina Varano Gallery, they will cost you a pretty penny.

This is my favorite store in the area. Besides the beautiful fine jewelry made by the namesake…read moreowner, there are gorgeous scarves, textiles and decorative objects that would make unusual gifts for someone hard to please. There is nothing run-of-the-mill about this store. I bought the softest cashmere shawl that was like a cloud of luxury around my face and its a pleasure to wear each time. Great ornaments at Holidays time too!

They erase bad reviews, worst business ever... not a single helpful or even an approachable…read moreemployee on site

This is a great shop if you are sourcing things to practice your craft. Really good selection of…read morebooks, lots of raw ingredients for creating recipes. They will order books for you and will also suggest companion books for your next read. I always find something on my wishlist when I go there, and the staff are so nice to deal with.