Top Rated Shopping in Montville

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.

This lovely vineyard is located in the southeastern corner of the state, as part of Connecticut's Wine Trail. Stonington Vineyards is close to the picturesque village of Mystic, so for the parents this is a great getaway and experience if in the area. There are free, 25-minute tours of the vineyards every day at 2p as well as tastings of their red and white wines. The gift shop sells every variety of their special wines, not to mention handmade gift baskets with goodies for all occasions.

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.

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.

With beauty stores, retail outlets to pizza places and more, Groton Square Shopping Center is truly any shopper's paradise. This shopping center has plenty of options for families as well as groups of friends. Anchored by well-known national brands like Walmart, Payless ShoeSource, and Kohl’s, Groton Square is your one stop shop, and is just a short drive from Downtown Mystic.