Plus appréciés Shopping à Barnstable

Owner Ray Hebert could have become part of his family's Massachusetts candy-making business, but he wanted to keep his craft on a smaller scale. So, he opened Stage Stop Candy, where all of the candy is made on the premises, and he invented the cranberry cordial (which is like a cherry cordial except with cranberries). It became a local hit, along with seven flavors of truffles, peanut brittle, molded chocolate and other rich treats. Stop in for just a piece or order an entire gift basket.

Built as a church in 1855, this building was converted to a general store a few years later and has been in business ever since. The nickelodeon plays songs from the past, and the shelves are stocked with everything from clothing to antiques to sunscreen to hard-to-find parts for an oil lamp. In the winter, people come in for coffee and donuts around the coal stove. In the summer, the outside benches fill with patrons reading newspapers and sipping drinks. Each Christmas season, an old fashioned caroling get-together is held here.

Cape Cod is one of the most spectacular bird-watching paradises in North America, so a store like this seems only natural. Located in the Lower Cape area, this general store features a full range of bird-watching paraphernalia, feeders, guides, videos, tapes and CDs, as well as cute mugs, T-shirts and calendars to remind yourself of the birds when you can't be out there with your field glasses on. Birders are eternally grateful when they walk in, while non-birders can browse for that just-so gift for birding friends and family members.

Wind's up, surf's up, sail's up, you name it, they've got it. This shop sells everything from waterproof watches to snorkel gear. Their motto is, "If it's for the water or the beach, chances are we have it." Indeed they do. In addition to sale items, you can lease a kayak, sailboat, canoe, body board, surf board, and wet suit. Enjoy the water vehicle of your choice by hour, day or week. Lessons are also taught in sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

Corporate America has yet to come to Martha's Vineyard, and the pleasant result is an assortment of locally-owned shops such as this gem of a bookstore. Bunch of Grapes carries best selling titles as well as hard-to-find selections. You'll get personal attention from friendly staff willing to share their literary wisdom and offer suggestions. Pulitzer Prize winners and other famous authors have been on the schedule in the past.

While much of Martha’s Vineyard closes shop for the winter, the Vineyard Haven community stays open year-round. Located on the southeast corner of Tisbury, and flanked by a pleasant harbor, Vineyard Haven also has many of Martha’s Vineyard’s best attractions, restaurants, and shops. Ferries shuttle to and from the mainland, and visitors tour the lovely parks and Greek revival architecture. Historical highlights include the Old Schoolhouse Museum, the West Chop Lighthouse, and The Vineyard Playhouse, which is the island’s only year-round professional theater company.