I regret that I don't have any photos to add to this review. The day I went to Harbor Books, it was…read morepouring down rain. My date and I walked to the bookstore in the pouring rain, and not only did I not want to get my phone wet, I also didn't want to have to keep her waiting for me under the downpour any longer than was necessary. I guess I'm a nice guy...Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone! When I realized I would be meeting someone for a date in the area, I went online to see what Old Saybrook has to offer on a Sunday. I hadn't been to Old Saybrook in at least a couple years, and I'm not too up-to-date on the goings on in the area. My search turned up a small cafe nearby...and Harbor Books. After a small but pleasant lunch, we walked to Harbor Books in the rain. Upon first walking in, I noticed a $1.00 bin where all the books were on sale for, yep, a dollar. I noticed one title in there I decided I would pick up and purchase on the way out (I did), one of Mary Higgins Clark's older novels, hardcover, in excellent condition. Looking through Harbor Books, I quickly realized I would need much more time in there than I suspected my date was willing to spend. I guessed 5 hours. No joke. Not only do they have a great selection of titles, they also have a great selection of vintage and antique books. Many of which are in excellent shape and are marked with a great price. There are probably more antique books in this little bookstore than at the antique shop a couple towns away, that has a ton of books. Five hours is likely an understatement. While looking through the bookshelves, I happened upon a book by a local author whom I had met at least a couple times, now about 10 years ago. I picked up the book, and asked the store owner how long he had had that book in stock. He estimated 7-8 years. I put the book back on the shelf, stepped away, then immediately turned back and grabbed it. After bringing the book home, along with a couple others I purchased along with it, I looked up the author online, wondering what he might be up to these days. Turns out he's up to nothing. He's dead. He died about 4 years ago, while his book was sitting on the shelf of this little bookstore, waiting years for me to come and pick it up. I got to thinking: what are the odds? This book, which I am certain had a very small print run, sat on a shelf waiting 7 or 8 years for me to find it, authored by a man I had met 10 years ago, who is now dead. I took it as a sign that the copy of the book had always been mine, waiting there on that shelf until just the right circumstances led me into Harbor Books and to it. The thing is, I'm willing to bet Harbor Books is JUST the right kind of store for that sort of thing. And I think the next time I go in there, I'll likely find something else that was there waiting for me, somewhere in those tightly-packed shelves. What will I find when I go there next? And will it really take 5 hours? We shall see.

My husband and I were in Old Saybrook for an overnight stay. We stayed at a local B and B, had…read moredinner at Penny Lane Pub on Saturday night and attended a wonderful blues concert at The Kate. Sunday morning we had breakfast at Mirsina's which was delicious. We then took a walk on Main Street. We were talking about what a sweet town this is and the friendliness of all the people we interacted with. We enjoy book stores and decided to explore Harbor Books. When we walked in, we greeted the woman at the desk. She was the wife/ owner I believe. We made small talk and looked around for books we might want to buy. During this time, a male patron came in and was talking about a 20th century European history book he had read and asked for help finding 2 other out of print books by the same author. I was preparing to make a purchase of at least 1 or 2 hardcover novels and my husband was interested in local history. A conversation took place between the owner and patron and was pointedly opinionated political talk that was very disturbing and inappropriate. Needless to say, we abruptly left. I am sorry our wonderful overnight was marred by hateful this experience. I will never go there again.

A lovely and AMAZING bookshop! This is the gem of Madison. If you cannot find parking...this shop…read moreis where everyone is! I don't have the words to describe my experience here!!! Don't miss this shop - see for yourself! Delicious cafe too!!! Even very comfortable to eat alone!!!

I don't often, never, go into book stores. Had lunch at RJ Cafe & Bistro and popped in to find my…read moresisters newborn a Christmas gift of a book. I was very pleased with the service from the lady who worked upstairs. She was very helpful and knowledgeable with children books and even gave a lady and her newborn a quick story tell. She also gave me some insight on how to sell my mazes as they had a kids and an adult section for puzzles. Again, very pleased with this store and would recommend stopping in.

I treat myself to a book from this store regularly and enjoy the whole experience. The people that…read morework here are friendly, but not intrusive. I feel comfortable taking my time to browse the store thoroughly. It's a small store, but they have a little bit of everything. They have a small section of staff picks, which I always head to first. I never leave empty-handed.

Quaint bookstore located off the town square in Colchester. Provides a selection of adult, young…read moreadult and children's books along with a range of book themed gifts. Staff was polite and engaging and available for assistance as needed. A great independent and affordable bookstore. A great way to support local businesses.

This is a beautiful bookstore in Essex on the Main Street. Service was nice. There are really some…read morespecial books. They have new and used books and antique books. It's very peaceful and quiet inside. Prices seem low for the high quality!

If I could give them 5000000000 stars I would. This is one of the cutest bookshops I have ever been…read moreinside, and the fact that it is all romance books makes my heart flutter with glee. It is quaint. It is cute. Mr. Darcy would most definitely approve of it. I found myself a cute connect the dots book of leading literary men and a sparkly smut sticker for my laptop. I could basically just move in here and they'd never know because I'd be curled up in the corner just reading with a good book. It's just lovely and I love it here so much.

Connecticut's first romance bookstore is here! Montgomery and Taggert had their opening this…read moreweekend and it is a perfect addition to the cutest town, Chester. They are a small shop with a great selection. Books are organized into type like period drama, romantasy, etc. There are chairs throughout that make you want to curl up and read. The owner was lovely and so was the experience. I see a very bright future for them. Welcome!

Closed for the season but can't wait to go when they reopen. This place is epic vinyl, beer,…read morebooks, and live music !!! I'm IN

This place is so groovy and welcoming! Martha the owner is quite literally an earth angel! She…read moremakes a mean Bloody Mary and has such a great energy to her, and has cultivated that into her business! Great selection of vinyl, drinks and some snackies! There was live music playing and all of the musicians were really good. It was nice to see the little community come together! 10/10!!

A thousand stars!…read more My friend and I made the mistake of arriving just under two hours before they closed. I wish we had given ourselves more time, because you need it here! We started by visiting the bird and reptile sanctuary, which was both really sad but also really nice. The folks working there were friendly and informative. We also enjoyed visiting the goats outside. The book geodesic dome is very cool, and the tchotcke camper was fun to poke around in. Very sad we didn't have time for the Christmas airstream. Inside there is a case, which was closed by the time we got to it. Another reason we should have arrived earlier. It's next to an old books room, which I loved. I just want to sit in there and read. The mounted stuffed animal heads were a nice touch. The lower level also has a huge amount of stuff, but it's super well organized. I wish, when I was young and moved into my first apartment, I could have gone to a place like this to get all of my home furnishing and kitchen things. Upstairs is more like a traditional thrift store with clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, etc. Everything here is so inexpensive!! I bought five books, two shirts, a pair of earrings, and two greeting cards for $24. I would have bought waaaaaay more stuff if I had time to browse longer and more thoroughly. The only other warning I have aside from the amount of time this place needs in order to fully experience it is that it is rather dusty inside. When I go back--and I will--I will take an allergy pill or wear a mask. Can't recommend this amazing and unique place enough!

We love the entire atmosphere here at Pandemonium! They are a non-profit organization and all the…read moredonations benefit the animals on site! We knew we'd love it just from the aesthetic driving in. The gate is awesome along with signs and it just feels welcoming! There is a terrific selection of thrifted items from clothing, books, toys, housewares, cds, vinyl, and even bikes outside! The two cats warmly greeted me as well as all the front end workers. I didn't know it but the clothing was all 25% off and the prices are great to begin with. As the wonderful front end person told us their pricing is better than the local chain stores! I got 2 pairs of pants, 2 hoodies, and 4 fun graphic tshirts all for just $26! We loved the book center and goats, turtles and fish pond that are free to admire! The cafe is also awesome! I loved my warm chocolate chip cookie. My husband enjoyed his iced coffee, cinnamon roll and cheesecake brownie. You could spend a day here and I really recommend you do. There's something for everyone! 5 stars!

From the moment we walked in, I was absolutely impressed by the selection available and layout of…read morethe store. Not only are stamping supplies grouped by theme and manufacturer, but they have premade card samples of many sets available for inspiration. I found this store while visiting family. We don't have anything like this in Las Vegas, but thank goodness they ship!! What a jewel for crafters. The manager was friendly and helpful and provided so much help and guidance. And while we didn't have time to partake, they have an amazing crafting area in the shop. Prices are amazing and comparable to other online-only shops. They even offer a loyalty program. Overall impression - this shop is amazing and deserves more than 5 stars.

Tracie and her crew go above and beyond to get you on your way to card making, scrap booking,…read morejournaling, and so much more! Always there when you need some ideas and tips. The store is laid out beautifully, and if you can't find what you're looking for, her staff is right there to help. If your hobby is paper crafting , you've got to go to this store!