This store is at the center of Essex. The owners select great clothing and accessories and they are…read moreso personable and helpful. They genuinely are interested in their customers and they are very active in the welfare of the village.

J Alden Clothiers is a small clothing boutique owned by husband and wife duo Jim and Amy. The store…read moreis located on Main Street in Essex. When I walked inside I was greeted by Amy, she was so kind and welcoming. The front of the store had the most adorable red and white merchandise with hearts, in preparation for Valentine's Day! The back of the store had the men's section. Here they will taylor shirts and trousers to your fit. I really liked a lot of the tops and small accessories in this finely catered boutique. Some of the items are a bit too costly. J Alden is a beautiful family owned boutique. There is something here for everyone.

I was surprised to discover how much I liked the clothes at Haystacks. My wife tried on several…read moredresses and the accessories that went with them. It's a smallish store but they use the space well and it's very upbeat, friendly and tasteful. Prices are in line with the rest of the street. You can find some deals but the normal pricing is within reach for most people. The selections really are fantastic. Whoever does the buying has a great eye and pretty much any shape or size or taste will find something here. I'm coming back for holiday shopping for sure!

This boutique is outstanding!!! Wendy will find the most…read morestunning clothes perfect for your body, age, look... Designers like Michael Stars, THML, 3 Dot... I spent 3 hours there... A MUST VISIT

This is a beautiful store with a lovely, local owner. Such a lovely spot for baby, kids, and…read morewomen's items. Not to be missed when in downtown Essex!!

From the owner: Grace & Haven is a purpose driven lifestyle boutique, created by a mama committed to finding…read moreproducts that make life better. We curate collections for Women's, Baby & Kids' and Home with love. We could all use a little grace and we hope you'll find a haven with us both in store and online. Shop online anytime - free shipping always!

indifferent customer service bordering on rude. Blank stare when asking for help. Finally, a…read moredisinterested woman got what I wanted.

Pretty large selection of plants & an even larger store with lots of gifts. There are a lot of…read morestaff around, but no one seems to ask if you need assistance or even say Hello. They just kind of stare. Gentleman at checkout was friendly. Prices are high. I spent about $65 til fill 2 window boxes & another $63 today for 2 deck plants. (Petunia & Geranium (nothing fancy)

**Review is for sandals/flip flops only.** I love my very…read morecute Eliza B flip flops/sandals, which are handmade in Essex, CT - yes, they truly are handmade in the USA! Main points: 1) Style: Classic and timeless... You usually find Eliza B's in small shops in resort areas or you can call the company or buy online. Online offers myriad choices, such as buying their designs or creating your own. Choices include flat or wedge flip flops with striped ribbons or motifs like crabs, whales or anchors. You can buy monogramed sandals, seersucker or gingham, or all-leather sandals in many colors. The belts are so so pretty too! (Look at their website.) 2) Value: LeatherMan/Eliza B makes quality products and fully stands behind them. My Eliza B's are still pretty and comfy after 3 or 4 years of heavy use when I lived in Carolina, but then, they are NOT made of plastic, nylon and cheap rubber! I last ordered in spring of last year and paid $48 plus shipping. 3) Size: the sandals run SMALL so you often need to size up one full size. Yet I'm a size 7.5 and wear a size 8 in Eliza Bs. Sooo, try on a pair at a store that sells them or measure your foot and call the company for sizing help. One thing: the sandal straps grip the sides of your feet - they're not loose at all - and they won't fly off your feet at a pool or get wedged under a gas pedal. 4) Customer service: I didn't give this company 5 stars because of "phone attitude." We've given them plenty of business over many years, but some of the employees are abrupt, unfriendly and rude. That's unfortunate because most customers are loyal. (Also, the shipping is a few dollars too high, $9 or 10) That aside, you place an order and often wait a few weeks to receive it, which seems reasonable considering you're receiving a handmade product. Go USA!!

Only a brief comment. I just received a belt from Austin Jeffers and it's perfect!…read more You can read more about their products on blogs like The Daily Prep and forums like Styleforum.

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