Follow your nose to the most distinct district of downtown New Haven. Wooster Street was the center of New Haven's Italian community prior to the construction of I-91 and I-95 that rip right through the heart of the street. Today, Wooster Street is host to New Haven's finest and most renowned Italian restaurants, with the famous Pepe's and Sally's pizzerie. A few blocks up is the famed Lucibello's Italian pastry shop where you can taste all your favorite Neapolitan sweets. Wooster Street is the best part of town to explore and get a great meal.
Although it is paired with the mega-chain Barnes and Noble, it does not take away from the breathtaking selection at this bookstore, the largest in Connecticut. You can take a book or periodical to the cafe, which serves Starbucks coffee and other delectable goodies. If you promised someone a souvenir Yale t-shirt or baby onesie, this is the best place in town to find insignia clothing and university paraphernalia. If you need stationery supplies, you can get those here, too.
Located right in Downtown New Haven, the Broadway Shopping District is home to over 50 different shops. From cute boutiques to jewelry stores and beauty products, the Broadway Shopping District is one of the most popular shopping areas in New Haven. When it's time to rest your feet, there are several restaurants and cafes in the area as well.
This store has a reputation for carrying the best hand-knotted Oriental rugs around, and has been proud of that reputation for 119 years, making it the oldest, continuously family-run Oriental carpet business in the country. It carries an impressive selection of new, antique and modern designs. It also offers restoration and cleaning services. Periodically, it hosts Turkish and Tibetan weavers, who demonstrate the weaving methods and artistry that go into the creation of their rugs.
This shop is a true piece of New Haven history, and it is worth a stop inside regardless of your smoking habits. Conveniently located across the street from the Shubert Theatre, past customers include Vincent Price, Olivia de Havilland and Rex Harrison. Two employees from the 1950s still work here; one an expert in pipe repair and the other a specialist in mixing tobaccos. The shop offers a walk-in humidor, cigar lounge and cafe, plus everything from hand-blended tobaccos and handcrafted pipes to music boxes, writing instruments and chess sets.
If you're style is a little more vintage than modern trends, then Fashionista Vintage & Variety is for you. There's a great selection for both men and women, so everyone can find something they want. In addition to the clothing, Fashionista also carries great vintage shoes and accessories.
This store has a reputation for carrying the best hand-knotted Oriental rugs around, and has been proud of that reputation for 119 years, making it the oldest, continuously family-run Oriental carpet business in the country. It carries an impressive selection of new, antique and modern designs. It also offers restoration and cleaning services. Periodically, it hosts Turkish and Tibetan weavers, who demonstrate the weaving methods and artistry that go into the creation of their rugs.
Many would be surprised to find that one of the premier independent bookstores in the country, albeit a small one compared to the sheer size of many others, is located in Madison, just a 15-minute drive from New Haven. R.J. Julia has been the most unique and appealing independent bookseller in the area since 1989, with a small cafe and coffee shop as well as a huge area dedicated to children's books. Stepping into R.J. Julia is like venturing into a Victorian home, filled with books and trinkets galore. One of the best reasons to show up here is to hear one of the numerous, noted authors promote their latest works, and there is a book event nearly every day. Plenty of big names are attracted to this bookstore which caters to young and old, and will do its best to ensure you can get what you need.
Do you love shopping for antiques? Then head to Clinton, about a half hour drive along I-95 from New Haven and a little longer from Hartford to spend the day stopping in a variety of antique shops. The Clinton Antique Center is by far the largest, with about 85 dealers displaying quality antiques from silver spoons to sleighs. Enjoy poking through history and perhaps walking out with a piece of local heritage.
The Red Barn of Woodbridge is one of the area's favorite local boutiques. The shop sells women's clothing, accessories, jewelry and all kinds of interesting gifts and home items. All the staff are quite artistic people, so they can always help you pick out something special and unique that fits your personal style.
One of the state's best places to get an apple pie or pick-your-own fruit, Lyman Orchards offers fresh, local produce at great prices. There are a slew of annual events at the Orchards, starting with the Apple Hunt at Easter, where the Easter Bunny puts aside his candy for some healthy apples. During the summer months, there is the Sunflower Maze, and then if visiting in September and October, stop by the Corn Maze, which is spread across four acres of property. If golf is your game, there are two courses on the premises. You will never run out of things to do at Lyman Orchards!
Material Girls is one of the area's most popular boutiques. The shop carries all kinds of trendy fashions, from clothing to jewelry, shoes, bags and more. In addition to the wearable items, they also stock a range of candles and other home decor items. Material Girls will monogram any of their items.