A Litchfield County hidden gem is The Rustic Country Barn on route 202 in New Milford. The place…read morehas been open a little over five years now and to be honest, although I drive by it several times a day, I didn't give it much thought. Litchfield County is kind of a Mecca for antique shops and old furniture stores. So on what should have been another glance as I whizzed by (observing the speed limit of course) was rudely interrupted by my wife's suggestion that we stop in and take a look. (hear my sigh) Fine I mumble. As we entire the store I am pleasantly surprised. It's filled with all the kind of furniture I always imagined I would build myself in my own workshop someday. But as my wife will quickly point out, you can't sit on someday. About a minute into the place my wife gives me the look. You know the look I'm talking about guys, the "this is a beautiful thing and you know I'm worth it" look. Once this happens and I come to the realization that were probably not going home empty handed there's only one thing left to do; make sure my input is dooly noted and prepare to limit the damage to our budget. As I'm cruising around the store the first thing that catches my eye is this very cool rustic looking pub table. As I belly up to kick the proverbial tires I can't help but say, "Honey, I could totally build this in my workshop!" Out of the corner of my eye I see my wife staring at the floor and shaking her head. She didn't say it out loud, but deep down I knew she was right. So with dignity still intact I decide to run this pub table through the paces. For those of you that know me, petite is not a word that most people would use to describe me. So when I reluctantly enter a typical big name furniture store filled with imported poorly made junk I always rate the quality based on one thing. What is the shimmy factor? When I sit down, how bad does it shimmy? If you're a big guy like me, you know what I mean. Back at the pub table I begin by kicking the first tire; the old grab the top on both sides and give it a shake followed by a feeble attempt to lift it off the ground. Table feels solid and vertical lift was negligible. Check! Next comes the big one. The old hop up on the stool and check the shimmy factor. Whoa, no shimmy! I even tried my rendition of the bar stool boogie and she held her ground. Impressive! Now for one final test; the old, "I've have 9 beers and it's time to let the table hold me up" test. I lean in and give the pub table everything I've got. Folks, we have a winner! The table didn't give a bit. As I walk through the rest of the store and barn, I find these qualities to hold true everywhere I turn. Bottom line, it's clear to me that the motto of The Rustic Country Barn, "Quality American made furniture that will last for generations" are not hollow words. I highly recommend a visit.

I was torn between 3 or 4 stars for RCB. I discovered them on Facebook and love everything I see. I…read morehave not been to the physical store yet but I have explored their website a few times. I was prompted by a video on their Facebook page for barn stars. I was inspired by the video to get one for my parents barn back in Ohio but after going through all the steps to buy one I was shocked at the shipping cost. It was as much as the barn star! I still want to get one but I'm going to wait until I have time to just buy it at the store. Now I'm not one to give up so I saw another post on FB for these cute drink holders so I went to the website to get a better look and as cute as they were they were like $24 for a little metal drink holder! They do have a lot of beautiful barn wood furniture on the website and I could see a few of these items in my home but clearly I'll need to save up. I'm going to stop in soon and I'll update my review then.

My wife loves this place. Nice people selling great quality items. Most of their stuff is unique…read moreand interesting.

This place is magical! Diamond rings, beautiful glassware, etc.! Owner Jeff and Natalia (graphic…read moreartist and photographer) are fabulous! So happy with the service and product!

Love this little shop!! Beautiful candles and great service!! Stopped in with both.my pumpkins and…read moremy oldest Was happy to pick out a few goodies for himself now that It's fall we'll be using our candles

This little gift store was an amazing random find!!! I stumbled in here, and I'm not usually one to…read morebuy home decor from small shops but there were a ton of interesting, unique, (and also extremely well priced) items here, easy for gift giving or even just to decorate your own home. There were also $5 hand painted greeting cards available at the front that were so adorable. The store owner was extremely friendly, but also gave off the vibe of letting you comfortably shop at your own pace. I greatly enjoyed this store

A beautifully curated collection of wonderful pieces. Gorgeous shop to visit in the charming town…read moreof Woodbury. The owners are so friendly and informative and have proven to be authentic and professional. Their collection of museum quality antiques and antique garden decor is a must see. Quality and value in a fun place to shop!

ORIGIN: Bantam Tileworks was founded in 2005 by Darin…read moreRonning and Travis Messinger. LOCATION: The studio/shop is located on a corner of Bantam's main thoroughfare -- Route 202. CONCEPT: The studio/shop produces handmade, custom-glazed tiles and tableware. EXPERIENCE: Walking into the shop I was warmly greeted by one of the employees, who also encouraged me to visit the studio in the back where two co-workers were painting glaze on tiles while chatting. Photo-taking was approved. Custom tiles can be intimidating as the cost is much higher than Home Depot, however the support and guidance from employees deflates much of this worry. The process of glazing, and color variations that result, were patiently explained to me. I was encouraged to take tile color sample at home, with no need to return, in order to see how the colors would appear in the intended setting. Depending on budget, a single decorative tile to a room wrapped in tile is given the same levels of care and guidance. As I browsed another customer was selecting glaze for some tableware. Glazed mugs are an inexpensive way to bring the beautiful colors into a home, with a cost of $15 to $20 each. TIPS: Contact information for expert tile installers who have experience with Bantam Tileworks are provided.

The work from Bantam is excellent at very reasonable prices. Will definitely visit again!read more

This is an amazing store and the owner is also amazing. Great inventory of high quality items…read more Always walk out with something. Stop here every time I am anywhere near the area.

John has been great to deal with , always polite , and great to deal with. Every time we visit we…read morealways find a new treasure .

A cute little candy shop next to shops, restaurant, and a waterfall. We purchased a few goodies,…read morechocolate, lollipops, and even a lipstick shaped marzipan candy. The service was good and they had a good variety. I recommend a visit if you're in the area!

AAAAMAZING selections!! Samples are great to help make tough choices! Highly recommend, you won't…read morebe disappointed!!!

I've been meaning to write a review for this lovely boutique for over a month now. What a gem of a…read morestore! Such beautiful gifts for the home and gorgeous jewelry, scarves, clutches and sweet little things. I was also so impressed with the owner. I walked in a few days before Christmas looking for a gift for my sister. She was so kind and helpful. She and the other women there offered me cookies and champagne, I felt as if I had walked into a friends home! She was helpful without being pushy and was just delightful. I agree with what the other reviewer said, the owner is just a really nice person and incredibly welcoming. I can't wait to go back and get something for myself!

Very nice items can be found here. I have to give 5 stars to the lady who works here, who I think…read moreis the owner. I was at an event she hosted and she is truly the nicest shop keeper I've ever met and so gracious. Treating everyone there with the same respect- whether we were in sweats or dressed to the nine. Nice to see.