The Book Barn is a Connecticut institution with three locations in Niantic. The main location on West Main Street is an incredible old barn with smaller off-shoot locations on the main property where you can find old, out-of-print treasures amongst the bookstacks. If you have old books at home that you don't need or want to trade in, The Book Barn will gladly purchase your books for cash or store credit. Hot beverages and snacks are served (for free!) every day of the week. Plenty of bibliophile felines prowl the property, so be prepared to share a book or a snack with them as well. The shop is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Bleu Squid at Olde Mistick Village is a great place to stop for a bite to eat while in the Mystic area. If you are looking for something casual, comforting and delicious, this is the perfect place to pick up a grilled cheese, quiche, cupcakes, artisanal cheeses or pates. The most popular menu items are the Lobster Grilled Cheese and Bleu and Bacon Grilled Cheese. For the little ones, there are children's grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This bakery and cafe is perfect for lunch after a morning at the nearby Mystic Aquarium.
The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk offers a great collection shops and restaurants in South Windsor. This pedestrian-friendly shopping center actually resembles a New England village, creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere as you explore the various stores. You'll find name brands here as well as local items, so whether you want to find the perfect gift or just stroll through the center, The Promenade Shops is the ideal place to visit.
Upon seeing the this shop's awning and entrance, with its cool lighting that illuminates its even cooler font, you can only imagine what's inside. The Hoot has an amazing collection home decor and gifts. Every item is original, from toys, jewelry and candles to stationary and much more. Even if you don't buy anything, it still merits a visit inside just to see some of the wares in this part of East Connecticut.
Olde Mistick Village is located just off Interstate 95, a short distance from the Mystic Aquarium. This outdoor complex is home to over 40 lovely shops and restaurants that are set in a charming old-world setting of bricked lanes, flower beds and ponds. Visit the family-run R.A. Georgetti Jewelry store, Toy Soldier for toys, La Bottega Italian for imports, Munson's Chocolates, and Bestemors Scandinavian store. Once you’re done shopping, catch a movie at the Olde Mistick Village Art Cinemas with a schedule of Hollywood hits and independent features.
Located in the heart of Downtown Mystic, just off Highway 1, the Blue Horse Children's Shop is an independent store that specializes in children's clothing. From toddlers to teens, the collection has everything under one roof from top labels like Luli & Me, Petit Bateau, Heartstrings, and Sarah Louis. Locally owned and operated, this charming New England boutique carries a wide range of clothing from quality casuals to formal and seasonal wear so your little ones can look their best.
Oysterponds Farm sells some locally grown fresh and healthy produce. The sight of these beautiful farms, a short distance from the coast will energize you. Wait till you see their amazing produce. All of it is a hundred percent organic and includes vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes, depending on the season. They have a beautiful collection of berries such as strawberries and raspberries too and home made berry jams such as red and golden raspberry and blackberry. Just think of all the delicious recipes you can try with their yummy ingredients.
This one-of-a-kind Christmas shop is open from Independence Day until Christmas Eve. Housed is a rustic country barn, this winter wonderful sells handcrafted and unique Christmas decorations, from garland, ribbon and ornaments to nutcrackers, wreaths and trees. Not to be totally outdone by Christmas, there are also plenty of Halloween treats to be found too for your own haunted house. Be prepared to explore every nook and cranny of this 19th-century barn that has some of the region's best holiday decor and gifts.
Located in the heart of Downtown Mystic, just off Highway 1, the Blue Horse Children's Shop is an independent store that specializes in children's clothing. From toddlers to teens, the collection has everything under one roof from top labels like Luli & Me, Petit Bateau, Heartstrings, and Sarah Louis. Locally owned and operated, this charming New England boutique carries a wide range of clothing from quality casuals to formal and seasonal wear so your little ones can look their best.
Located in downtown Mystic, and open continuously throughout the year, Company of Craftsmen houses many modern American crafts. Whether be it wood, glass, clay, or metal in origin, the store displays some of New England's best craft pieces, as well as art from across the country. Housed in the heritage Holdridge building, Company of Craftsmen promises one-of-a-kind craft pieces you won't find elsewhere. If you're looking for unique gifts, stop by this independent gallery and boutique. The owner is passionate about sourcing only the finest craft works, and this shows in the eclectic and beautiful collection.
Local to Mystic, CT, the Mystic Gem Company specializes in the design and creation of custom handmade, one of a kind jewelry. An extensive amount of gemstones ranging from places like Brazil, Tanzania and Sri Lanka, the Mystic Gem Company also carries high quality diamonds to match. With a strong sense of customer service, Mystic Gem strives to match it's jewelry with the personality and individual style of their customers.