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.

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)

Great selection and variety. Prices are about the same as other area garden centers. The staff is…read morevery helpful

Very professional and attentive. They have many up-to-date furnishings for bath and kitchen. We…read moreresearched what we wanted by contacting local kitchen designers, contractors and online, walked into Winnelson and not only did they have everything, but Annmarie was knowledgeable and up-front with us. I like supporting local businesses, especially when they are working hard to meet my needs.

Excellent small town hardware store that seems to have everything I always need. The employees are…read morealways helpful with finding things or making suggestions to better your project. The owners are also very friendly. Great place for when you are in a pinch, or when you don't want to drive 25 mins to Lowes for the exact same thing.

Saved my 4th of July. Not only did they have the grill I was looking for, but they set it up and…read moredelivered it on the same day. They have earned a customer for life. Can't say enough!

Swanky's Cookout Supply is an absolute gem!! My husband wanted a new grill for his birthday and a…read morefriend recommended that we skip online shopping and sub-par box store offerings and go directly to Swanky's- it's across from the Witch Hazel factory in Essex-well worth the short ride!!! The shop is family owned and operated- and it is just lovely. They offer a variety of propane and natural gas grills, as well as pellet smokers and fire pits. There is something in every price range. Additionally, they offer beautiful and high quality outdoor furnishings, serving platters, grilling utensils, spices, sauces and rustic decor. Mason was there to help- never hover. He asked all the right questions and helped us to make an informed decision regarding our purchase. I will definitely be going back for my birthday!!! Thanks for a great experience- stay Swanky!!!

This is a BBQ'ers dream. The selection is great and very high end. It is expensive but most of…read morethe stock is american made and the highest quality. The staff is actually knowledgeable about what they are selling and can provide information beyond the single page sales brochure. It might be the best grill & outdoor cooking store in Connecticut and certainly a destination for a road trip.

Inaccurate descriptions of items. Item purchased also ended up being a fake after not disclosing…read morethey didn't know if it was real or not. Absolute scam.

A wonderful experience!! I provided an antique table and chairs that are beautiful. Sali was great…read moreto work with an so accommodating!

I am so pleased with the help I received from the ladies at Nautical Needles…read more Leonora and Sue have great design ideas. They helped me choose fabrics and trims for my project. Their assistants were helpful and efficient, as well. I recommend them highly and will use them again! Thank You! Laura B

Abysmal service. I gave them a large deposit to reupholster three items and they said they'd pick…read morethem up. After several weeks, they hadn't picked them up, they didn't call to explain or reschedule, and when I called to ask about what to expect, Sue screamed and yelled at me about how busy she is. I couldn't get in a word and when she was done with her tirade she hung up on me. Order cancelled. Stay away.

I loved this store in Essex! Went there last week to find a note on the door saying they moved to…read moreMystic in mid-November. Oh, ok. Today I came online to find out where they are located in Mystic. Website, social media, everything still says Essex. Nothing has been updated - 3 weeks after the move. Do they even want business? It's the 4 busiest shopping weeks of the year and they are still directing everyone to an empty storefront in Essex.

Rude salesperson Jo and the owner called me back and was equally as rude as if having to speak to a…read morecustomer was a burden.

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!

The employees at this store are fabulous. I've been watching a chair on Chairish for months, and it…read morewas finally reduced to a really excellent price. They held it for me until I could get there today. I guess I wasn't sure how big it is, but it's HUGE. It for sure didn't fit in the back of my SUV. so the employees managed to fit it in with a little overhang and bungee corded it very securely in my vehicle so I could make the seventy mile drive home with my new purchase. Thanks so much for the effort. I'm obsessed with my new purchase. Very happy customer!

We stopped in today and was pleasantly surprised. They have a great selection of antiques and the…read moreprices were very reasonable. Two gentlemen were working when we arrived and both were very friendly and helpful. We recommend you stop in if you're looking for some good quality pre-owned furniture or household items. The shop is packed with nice things and very clean.