A thousand stars! 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! read more

We love the entire atmosphere here at Pandemonium! They are a non-profit organization and all the donations 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! read more

Thrift Shop-Pandemonium Rainforest Project - Signs inside the cafe - Thrift Stores Near Me - Deep River, Connecticut

Finally was able to stop in after having this on my bucket list for years This thrift store connected to a non profit animal sanctuary is the best place to go for your thrift finds and to see rescued and rehabilitated wildlife on grounds. Once an old coal mine, this historic building holds more than just treasures. All the proceeds from the thrift sales go towards the animals care, wellbeing and enrichment. Donate $5 to see all of the animals rescued and cared for There are a TON of animals; parrots, reptiles, birds, tortoises, goats, cats, bees, peacocks as well as a geodome bookstore for a leisure reading area. read more

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They have it all! Went on a Saturday in the afternoon, and we checked out the animals first, you can tell they're loved! Everything was clean and the animals seemed happy :3 after we checked out the thrift store area, it was well organized and the prices seemed super fair! They had a little bit of everything. The staff we met all seemed nice and there was even some volunteers. I recommend taking a visit here! read more

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So happy I formally got to see this place! I have been meaning to come here for awhile and wow it's a Really cool thrift shop in Essex, Connecticut. They have a variety of live wildlife animals that you can see at the Pandemonium Rainforest Project Animal Sanctuary Rescue and Rehabilitation of Exotic. Animals It's a An education and discovery center. General Admission is $5.00 for non members. This thrift shop has basically anything and everything you can need. It's upstairs and downstairs fully loaded of thrifts! Prices are fair and staff is friendly / helpful. Definitely will be back in the future! read more

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This is such a great thrift store, we always find something that makes the trip worthwhile! Cats, goats, peacocks, and a turtle & goldfish pond are also on site and free to check out. They have stellar pricing and it goes back to support the reptile & bird rescue that's onsite. There is all kinds of clothing, physical media, a coffee shop, jewelry, and household items to be had here. read more

Thrift Shop-Pandemonium Rainforest Project - Cozy reading nook - Thrift Stores Near Me - Deep River, Connecticut

Very pleasant shop that is crowded with items. Lots of times you need to go thru and move things to truly see what is there. Especially the frames and pictures. They were stacked pretty full. But there is a lot of items both upstairs and downstairs. Location is right off of Route 2 and very easy to find. Staff are friendly and helpful. Make sure you take your time and look around, you will probably find something you are looking for. Afterwards enjoy the nature area by walking around. Again, very pleasant area to visit. read more

So they used to be really great... but now the prices have shot through the roof... $20 for a stained pair of pants, a jacket with a big burn through it $20, boots and shoes can be up to $30 and they aren't even new... shame on them!! they have a great selection but they are now at retail prices and I just find it awful that they get it for free and then get greedy!! Service is mostly good, and I'll still go once in a while just for the off chance I find a deal read more

I've never been happier to see an animal facility closed before. But don't take that in the wrong way - it shows that they truly do care for the animals they hold here. I was told in the past that this place had a number of rescued parrots and pets from previous owners. I was beyond excited to check it out - I have been attempting to visit all of the animal-holding facilities in New England, and this one was one of the more strange ones. A Café-Bookstore-Antique Store-Animal Rescue Facility Combination? It's like they took everything I love doing in my free time and put it all in one place. The thrift store and book store is very nice. It's a great place to find some knickknacks, books, and anything else you might need. Per the animal facility, bird flu unfortunately has hit CT and upon my visit at 10:00am, I had seen them put the sign out signifying that the facility was closed until further notice. Unfortunate as I had driven for a good two hours to reach here, but very happy to see them putting the needs of the animals first. I look forward to visiting again once avian influenza has subsided. read more

Thrift Shop-Pandemonium Rainforest Project - Thrift Stores Near Me - Deep River, Connecticut

This is a thrift shop with a twist. Wind your way around isles and piles of trash or treasure. Encounter a cat or two and if you are fortunate, an adorable dog. The most intriguing area for me is the library down stairs near the cafe. It's filled with books and comfy chairs. I'm not sure if it is intended to be a place you relax in, but it sure does feel that way. The BEST part of this trip was checking out the Rainforest Project and the animals out back. I made friends with a handsome white turkey. Be warned, that there is a fee to enter the PRP building. There is a cute tiny breakfast and lunch restaurant in the same town that is worth a visit after your visit here. ( cash only ) The Whistle Stop Cafe. read more

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The Pandemonium Rainforest Project is a place like no other! Located in Deep River, it combines a thrift shop, cafe, and animal sanctuary all into one! Here's the scoop on this place: The main building, which was once an ivory factory, houses a two-floor thrift shop with antiques, collectibles, clothing, and more. There's a "book nook" with stacks of used books, as well as a "media trailer" in back of the building that has CD's, DVD's, vinyl records, etc. In the lower rear of the building is a cozy reading room with tables and chairs where you can sit and relax. Next to the reading room is a small cafe, which serves coffee/tea, muffins, pastries, and some of the best grilled cheese I've ever had! They use a panini press and also mayonnaise instead of butter, and it just tastes delicious! The staff who took my order were very friendly. After exploring inside, head out behind the building where you'll find a pen with a few pygmy goats, as well as some chickens and turkeys roaming around. In a separate building, you'll find the animal sanctuary, which houses birds, turtles, snakes, lizards, and more, all of which have been rescued from throughout CT. Most of the cages have signs explaining a brief background on the animal, and many have been rescued from abusive/neglectful homes. Note that there is a fee to enter the sanctuary building ($10 for adults, $5 for 12 and under, and free for 2 and under). The admission fee, as well as the money you spend in the thrift shop, goes to benefit the animals. I've been to many thrift/antique stores throughout the state, but none like this one! It's definitely a trip worth making! read more

Thrift Shop-Pandemonium Rainforest Project - Thrift Stores Near Me - Deep River, Connecticut

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Since discovering this place this past summer, it's become one of my favorite places to go in the CT River Valley. I love bargains and animals and this place has both in spades. You can very easily waste a day here digging through the nooks and cranny's of the old ivory processing plant and the grounds surrounding it. The anchor of the property is the thrift shop itself. It takes up the bulk of the main factory building and is loosely organized into sections on two floors. While it is well organized, the stock moves in and out pretty frequently and you never know when you'll find a treasure in an unlikely spot. Next to the book room downstairs is a sort of library area with a great selection of antique books with cozy seating. There's often a friendly, long-haired cat just chilling in there. Next to THAT is a little cafe. They have coffee, tea, juices, soups, grilled cheese, and various delicious pastries. Prices are super reasonable and everything we've had there has been delicious. The newest and perhaps coolest part of property is the animal sanctuary. It's $10 for adult entry. Here you will find exotic reptiles and birds from all over. This is what the actual mission of the whole organization is - the rescue of these animals, and it's so nice to see them so well taken care of. read more

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I guess it all depends what you can find here. It's a very eclectic type of place. More like a giant tag sale. Items are very inexpensive, and they have just about everything and anything. Just remember that this stuff is VERY VERY used. I went there mostly to check out the books. Nothing that really interested me, and they do have a section with very old books, a nice sitting room, and small Cafe. This place does not seem to be heated, or they keep it very low, so bring a jacket. read more

Thrift Shop-Pandemonium Rainforest Project - Thrift Stores Near Me - Deep River, Connecticut

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Pandemonium is a wonderful place to take a day trip with friends or family. Their thrift selection is incredible and very reasonably priced. The staff is super friendly. The Rainforest Project is super charming and educational. You can tell all the animals are so well cared for. Can't wait until my next visit! read more

Thrift Shop-Pandemonium Rainforest Project - Thrift Stores Near Me - Deep River, Connecticut

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This is my favorite place to visit. They have a huge variety of vintage goods, clothing, books, housewares, etc. almost anything you can think of! All at extremely reasonable prices. There are resident cats that are adorable. Walk the grounds and see the animals that the money from the thrift shop supports and takes care of! Such a wonderful spot; with wonderful people! read more

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This place is such a beautiful and unexpected idea. It's a thrift shop but has a unique purpose to use the money they get to rescue and rehabilitate exotic animals. They even have some onsite! There's a peacock enclosure with a male and female, a turtle and koi pond area, and a goat enclosure. It was a pleasure to visit with all of the animals. Inside there are 2 floors of items of all sorts to shop as well as a mini camper outside that houses all the used DVDs, records and CDs. Through the book section you come across a coffeeshop that sells coffees and pastries. Unfortunately, it wasn't open during my visit. It doesn't say on the website, but the coffeeshop is only open Thursdays through Sundays. That part was rather disappointing. But I hope to come back and try it out in the future. I ended up buying a really nice painting that was in perfect shape, a couple of movies and a lamp. Best value for the money spent! This is truly a place to return to again and again to look through the items, have some treats and hang out with some cool animals. The staff were helpful and friendly. Thursdays are donation days. Happy hunting! read more

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I hate to give up my secrets, but Pandemonium is one that I have to share! The owner of Ashleigh's Garden opened a thrift store next door to her amazing floral shop. Proceeds from the sales go toward the Pandemonium Rainforest Project (see more info here: http://www.pandemoniumrainforestproject.org/ ). There are 10 rooms to explore, so come on a day when you can really take the time to poke around. I had my dad and son with me, so I spent half the time I would have without them. I snagged 12 pieces of milk glass for only $20! I also found an adorable Prince Frog plate and ceramic pot with a frog design. My son found Harry Potter on CD, a few toys & movies. I was too excited to take pics at the store, so you'll just have to trust me and take the drive to Deep River. read more

Thrift Shop-Pandemonium Rainforest Project - Found a Prince and a pot! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Deep River, Connecticut

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Amazing how there $ go to the rescue of exotic animals. Their friendliness & service is also incredible. The items they sell are not very expensive & a great selection. The café they have downstairs with yummy treats and delicious coffee. read more

Amazing place great big thrift store, lovely cafe and wonderful animal sanctuary. Very clean and organized the animals all looked very happy and healthy the staff were extremely knowledgeable and kind. read more

What an incredibly cool and unexpected place. Thrift shop with everything from clothes (maternity and baby too), shoes, children's and adult books, kitchen appliances, and art - and the list goes on. But there is also a cafe with coffee, cocoa, muffins, cookies, sandwiches, etc... and then in separate buildings a beautiful flower shop and a rainforest animal shelter !!!!! What ??? For $5 you get to tour this cool tiny shelter and get info on tortoises, quail, reptiles, amphibians, and tons of gorgeous birds. Looking for a cool place to go on a rainy or cold day? This is it. read more

The best thrift shop on earth!! HUGE! Plan to be there like 3 hours, soo much stuff & it's so fun to go thru and find all the treasures! The Staff is beyond friendly and they have cute cats and a dog that hangs out with the shoppers! I can't wait to go back! I live an hour away and it was SOOOO worth the drive! read more

Great place to browse and shop. The reading library is awesome. And the Rainforest exhibit is amazing!! Love all the birds and creatures

This place is amazing, not only for the great selection of vintage, but also clothing and please check out there Animal Sanctuary, Finn, Iris and Audrey will aww you with there knowledge, awesome employees, will definitely return read more

Super place. Tremendous selection all well organized. Very friendly staff. Fun to go to on a rainy day. You can get lost in the place. A great book area which invites you to sit down and read. Also a little café with drinks and snacks which has a lot of charm. Worth the drive Oh. And the prices are incredible! read more

I always find something I didn't know I needed. Eclectic and cool. Not your typical thrift store. Well organized and in a very cool old building. They also have a coffee shop with really good coffee and baked yummies. read more

This is a hidden gem. I always find something in this shop .Wonderful antiques, designer dresses as well as vintage things

Drove from Bristol yesterday to find that the new location was not open yet! Very Disappointing