Market Street Creatives is one of those places you walk into and immediately realize you need more…read moretime. The space is massive and filled with an incredible variety of local Connecticut vendors, from vintage finds and thrifted treasures to handmade goods, jewelry, custom woodwork, resin art, and personalized signs. Every corner has something different, which makes browsing feel like a treasure hunt. It's all quality items at great prices! One thing I really loved is how relaxed the shopping experience is. There are so many vendors to explore, but you never feel pressured or watched while you browse. You can take your time, enjoy looking around, and then check out in one central area, which makes the entire experience stress free and enjoyable. One of my favorite touches is the bar area, where you can grab everything from cocktails to coffee and even hot chocolate. It adds such a cozy, social vibe to the space and makes it easy to relax and enjoy your time while shopping. There is also a designated room where you can have food delivered right to you, which is such a fun and convenient concept. Cloud 9 Cookies absolutely deserves a special shoutout because they are unreal. Hands down some of the best cookies I have ever had. They are opening a full bakery downstairs soon, and that alone is reason enough to come back. If the cookies are any indication, it is going to be amazing. Between the creative energy, huge selection of local businesses, laid back service, and great food and drinks, Market Street Creatives is a must visit spot in Connecticut. It is the kind of place you can spend hours exploring and still want to come back for more.

"We'll count the hugs and kisses, When dividends are due,…read more 'Cause I'm in the market for you" (Louis Armstrong) You've probably been inside those vendor malls and indoor flea markets before, where the space (often inside an old industrial building) has been carved up into individual stalls or spaces, right? Well, there's a spanking brand new one in Torrington, and we visited them on their Grand Opening yesterday. The joint was jumping with two food trucks, 150 smiling vendors, raffle contests, and a parking lot that resembled Rentschler Field on game day. As their website states, "Market Street Creatives is a small business community where business owners can help one another, share ideas, and develop relationships that support the community". Simply put, the space is beautiful, I mean really gorgeous. And the vendors pretty much represent every home entrepreneur out there- from art, children's clothing and accessories, books, kitchenware, jewelry, food, candles, collectibles, sewing and embroidery, food, furniture, gifts, greeting cards, health and beauty aids, home décor, leather, linen, towels, office stuff, pottery, stained glass and dozens more. The Market is inside a huge multi-story brick building with art galleries on the walls between building sections. That brick building has a glorious history going back to the 1840's where companies under a series of names manufactured upholstery hardware, hooks and eyes, pins, nails, chains, handles, and even automated posting machines. In the early 2000's, the largest producer of weldless chain products in North America was right there in Torrington. That tenant (Perfection Chain) skedaddled to Alabama in 2013, when the building lay dormant until its 2025 resurrection as Market Street Creatives.

We drop by Moscarillo's several times each year, sometimes finding what we want at the right price,…read moresometimes not so much. This year not so much. A couple of things about this garden shop. First, it's much larger than you might think from the road. There are lots and lots of flowers, veggies and other garden items; no quarreling over the choices to be found here. And for the most part the staff has proven helpful. Mostly. Our main issue is over the prices -- this is not a shop for anyone operating on a budget. And in the spring of 2024, it's pretty expensive here to buy potting plants, perennials, hanging baskets, fertilizer, potting soil, vegetables and the like. You may legitimately argue over whether the likes of Home Depot and Lowes can match the quality here, but they certainly do better when it comes to pricing. Check it out -- you may disagree. But at least you have been cautioned.

We stopped in the Moscarillo's Torrington nursery just because we happened to be driving by on our…read moreway home from visiting White Flower Farm in the Litchfield area. What a pleasant surprise! This place is a lot bigger than it looks. We found the very hard to find Donkey Tail or Burrito succulents! We bought 2 of those, a String of Teardrop, and a tiny String of Pearls. I also found the most beautiful rain gauge there. They had a really nice selection of all landscaping plants and flowers, even a nice sized selection of houseplants. Everything in this store is well taken care of and healthy. Lastly, the prices were very reasonable. I can highly recommend this place.

I wouldn't expect a guy to understand this place…read more Good place to go when you need a gift for your mother and have no idea what to get her.

Downtown Torrington's premiere gift shop. The kind of place you'd see repeated on every block if…read moreTorrington was a high-traffic tourist destination. They have some unique stuff, but very little of practical value.

We were in search for a reasonably priced christmas tree and the type of tree that we wanted! The…read moredrive was not bad at all from the Hartford area. The staff was extremely friendly and super helpful. They have carts and provide saws for you to make it easy and they have such a variety of trees. We found the perfect size tree for our house and the tree has lasted even past our expectations. I highly recommend Maple Hollow if you want the experience of cutting your own tree!

We've been going to Maple Hollow Farm for years. They have an amazing assortment of trees & the…read morestaff is so friendly. Maple Hollow is a fun & festive experience. They have an adorable gift shop with a mix of unique gifts and homemade gift items. Their trees precut and cut your own are healthy & last for a long time. The property is gorgeous & they have a cute bridge near the River to take cute family pictures.

A very unique shop in a unique location. Found in the downstairs of a downtown Torrington building…read moreis Frenchies Delights. They have a collection of great Asian snacks foods and drinks along with other gift items such as semi-precious stones, Tarot, crystal and more. They have just about anything you're looking for related to smoking. They also have a growing collection of vintage clothing. Something very unique found in the back of the shop is a recording studio! Yes, you can rent out one of the studios and record to your heart's content. The fees are very reasonable versus other studios so check it out if that's your scene.

The House of Char gift shop in Shelton is by far the best gift shop in not only Shelton, but…read moreConnecticut and my go-to for the best gifts around. The owner is so welcoming, kind and puts her heart and soul into this gem in Shelton. The selection from jewelry to clothes to home goods is perfection and I never leave this story empty handed. The prices are great and the owner hand wraps each gift you purchase with love and beautiful detail. The store is pure class and sophistication and every item she offers in the store is current, in fashion and always too notch. Do not miss this store- it is truly a one of a kind amazing place.

From the owner: Fabuwood Cabinetry Retailer Cabinet Hardware Retailer read more

Stunning! Fantastic experience! I was looking for a local delivery to a dear friend in CT from…read moreCA, where I'm based. I found the website helpful as a starting point and my delightfully received call all I could hope for. Never have I had a florist so in-tune with her community! I asked the florist to use her creative skills and freshest flowers to help celebrate a friend and her daughter. The delivery was on time and message as I'd indicated. Thank you Lily and team!!

Just ordered for my daughter's birthday & she received the most beautiful arrangement. Thank you…read morefor the smooth transaction & beautiful flowers! We will definitely be returning customers.