Top Rated Shopping in Orient

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.

An extreme example of form following function, the Big Duck was a clever structure built in 1931 by a duck farmer who needed a place to sell ducks and eggs. He built an enormous duck and set up shop in its belly. The eyes of the duck, who is 20 feet (6.09 meters) tall and 30 feet (9.14 meters) wide, were fitted out with tail-lights from a Model T Ford so that they glowed red at night. This attraction has almost become infamous: any building that is shaped like its product is now referred to as a "duck" by scholars of architecture. Today, the duck houses a tourism center, a small gift shop and hosts an annual Holiday Lighting of the Big Duck with singing and refreshments.

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.

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.

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.