More often than not, we hear of local shops shutting their doors, so it was great news to learn of…read moreWeekend Kitchen's move and expansion. We love this destination in Essex for all kinds of kitchen accoutrements, and we love it even more now. Nancy Kirkiles has a knack for mixing vintage finds with kitchen necessities, and the new, larger space has allowed her to flex her merchandising muscles. You'll find an extensive selection of her lovely letterpressed cards on thick stock (and you'll want to stock up), plus a tempting mix of vintage glassware, interesting cookbooks, antique cleavers, teeny silver spoons, crystal salt cellars, linen aprons, essentials for baking; an entire batterie de cuisine. If you're on a spring cleaning rampage, head here for natural bristle brushes and potions with names like "Boys Bathroom" and Superlative Hand Soap. Over the years, Nancy has developed a talented team of collaborators. If you've been to one of her cooking classes or pop-up dinners, you'll know what I'm talking about. Chef Paul Barron will continue to offer classes and dinners through Weekend Kitchen (coming up: Potato Gnocchi and Easy Thai), plus home chef services and (coming soon) grab-and-go meals. You'll find Plenty of Cake, literally. Lesley Moore's imaginative treats will be available and by custom order (her gluten free versions may just be the best I've had), and a refrigerator case is on the way, to be stocked with Arethusa Farm's ridiculous fresh butter, milk, and cheese. I've been known to race over pre-party for a last minute ladle or gravy boat; now I'll just have so many more reasons to visit.

Very nice store with lots of nice things but sales person was NOT wearing a mask. It made me quite…read moreuncomfortable as the store has aisles that are a little tight.

This is a beautiful gift shop in the B&B Farm in Milford. Their website says they're a gift and…read moregarden shop. They have gifts made by local artists, local products like handmade soap and local honey, flowerpots, the plants are pretty. They have florists there, too. You want to spend time looking around after your ice ice cream next door.

B&B Farms is a farm and ice cream shop that opened in West Haven, Connecticut in 1998. It was…read morefounded by husband and wife Robert & Barbara Newkirk. The 12-acre location has actually been a farm since the 1940s, but the Newkirk Family didn't take over until decades later. Three years after opening the new farm, the Newkirks moved onto the property when they realized that they spent more time there than at their previous home down the street. One of the main crops on the farm is their large selection of flowers. They also grow pumpkins and various squash and gourds for the Autumn. In addition to crops, there is also an ice cream shop on the property that carries over 22 flavors of ice cream (supplied by Buck's French Ice Creams from the neighboring town of Milford). The farm hosts children's parties in their big red barn and also offer tractor-drawn hayrides, pony rides, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides during the Holiday season. Since 2014, the Newkirks' son Tyler has his own craft shop on the property. The gift shop carries a variety of handmade crafts along with ​an abundance of unique decor, candles, soaps, cards, house plants, antiques, etc. In addition to Newkirk's own crafts, the shop also carries the work of many other local crafters. The shop also provides florist and decorating services. My family and I visited B&B Farms for the first time recently. My son loved all of the animals on the property, which included goats, donkeys, and horses. They had a nice selection of pumpkins and decorative gourds, as well as beautiful mums. The craft shop had some really cool Autumn and Halloween decorations on displays. The ice cream shop had an extensive selection of flavors. I ordered a cup with Pumpkin and Apple Pie ice cream, my wife ordered a cup with Pumpkin and 'Swamp' (Vanilla malt ice cream, caramel, crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, M&Ms and malted milkballs), and our son had a cup of Vanilla. We were all very happy with our choices! We enjoyed our time at B&B Farms and we look forward to returning in the future.

Shop lives up to its name with gorgeous couches, lamps, even jewelry. Got a homemade card for my…read morehusband and my friend for a print. Docking a star because the owner can be a little cold, but other than, he's got such an eye and has a lovely shop.

I stopped at Treasures before the holidays and purchased a beautiful Sansoucci teacup for a friend…read more Unfortunately the cup didn't survive the ferry ride and trip back to Long Island. I called to see if they might be able to send me a replacement, and it is scheduled to arrive Monday! Saving me the trip back to CT. Dana was SO accommodating, literal "service with a smile". I will make Treasures a regular stop on my visits to Connecticut.

Wonderful little gift shop with a great selection. They have many types of unique gifts, including…read morejewellery, purses, children's gifts, and beautiful items. I love this place and have been coming here for years. I always love their small crystals they sell, which you can hand up in window and they shine so beautifully. The woman who own's the store is so helpful and nice, and always will nicely giftwrap anything you buy. Great place. :)

Great little art and gift shop behind Salem Farm ice cream. Lots of local artists with art, prints,…read morecandles, soap, scarves, jewelry and notecards. Great for birthday or Christmas presents. Usually only open on the weekends, but you may get lucky at other times if the owner happens to be there.

So we didn't start this visit as a destination but by a twist of fate and butter pecan ice cream…read morefrom the local diary. The place has a great vibe and you could spend more time wondering and checking out the nuisance. There are tons of pieces to add to a collection which ever way your going or that special gift for that special someone in your life.

New to Old Saybrook and eager to explore the town. Went to all the shops on Main Street and…read moreabsolutely LOVE Where Memories Are Made. Unique and fun items for you or to gift. Bought super cute car coasters that say Dogs Make the Best Travel Partners and several throws that I was able to personalize. Lynn was able to personalize in less than 24 hours, which was perfect for the birthday dinner I was attending the next day. Loved it so much, ordered one for my dog Lulu and as gifts for friends with dogs. If you are interested in supporting small businesses, especially small women-owned businesses, please check this store out and make your home beautiful in the process!

Lynn is terrific & her shop is filled with all sorts of wonderful and unique items, which she wraps…read moreat no charge!

Amazing selection at super reasonable prices. Genuinely a gem of a store, everyone needs to go…read morecheck it out right now. Definitely will be back!!

I really love going to vintage shops. It's so interesting to look at items from many decades ago…read more When I heard about Tova's Vintage Shop, I had to go check it out. The store it's self is adorable. If you're looking for a formal dress for prom or a dance, or a themed event, this is the place to go for sure. There are so many beautiful formal dresses here, black tie dresses, big skirt dresses, and even casual cotton dresses. There are dresses for infants and little girls. Everything is in pristine shape and looking beautiful. The prices range, of course depending on if it's designer or not. There's a whole selection of sparkly accessories, most of these items are oversized for my preference. There are lots of home items, I saw ice skates from the 1920s, lots of cool dishes with the Kennedys on them. This store is basically a museum where you can touch everything and purchase what you like for a very decent cost. I don't have a purpose for most of these items, so I didn't get anything. If you like vintage items, you'll love browsing through Tova's. I encourage you to stop by.

To start the woman who owns The Herbery is charming and is a wonderful gardener with a collection…read moreof over 100 types of teas. It's a very quirky place and has its own kind of charm. They do NOT have a restroom so you have to drive a mile either way if you have to use it. If it was an emergency she said you can go out to the bushes. Yes. This was said. This may be important if you're drinking a lot of tea. If you just want a cup of tea they will serve it in a to go paper cup. They use plastic silverware and paper plates. But if you can spent more on a pot of tea then you can get the nice china. So I ordered the pot of tea for more money because the my mother was having a different tea. So I only had 1 cup of tea and a big pot that I didn't want. I was told that they usually serve "Starbucks" style where you go to the counter and they give you a cup of tea to go ( even if the whole point is not to go to Starbucks but have lovely afternoon with my mother) The only way you get served is if you get the pot of tea. The treats ( cookies and such- no scones in this day) are individually wrapped in ziplock bags) Again if you don't mind a different type of afternoon tea experience and you are just there maybe for the atmosphere and don't need a restroom ( sorry I keep bringing that up but I still can't believe it) then you can indulge in these teas and the company of the lovely owner. It just not our cup of tea.

Great gift shop and tea house! Lots of tea, great scones, reasonably priced ornaments and gifts!read more