Top Things to do in Connecticut
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Things to do in Connecticut, United States: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops
Connecticut is a study in attraction and contrast. In one small state, you’ll find miles of sandy oceanfront shoreline, acres of forested hiking trails, and world-class museums, art and theater. Here family-friendly adventure parks and aquariums are just minutes from dynamic casino resorts and quaint, historic small towns — offering experiences that range from culinary to cultural, luxurious to laid-back. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, all at the same time.
Restaurants in Connecticut
1. Diane's Books
2. RJ Julia Booksellers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 reviews
Located in the shoreline town of Madison, Connecticut, RJ Julia Booksellers has always been a place of inspiration, information, and excitement. RJ Julia opened 30 years ago as an independent bookstore whose mission was, and is, to be a place where words matter, where writer meets reader, where the ambiance and selection and merchandising of books creates an atmosphere that is welcoming and presents the opportunity for discovery. Ultimately we are fiercely committed to putting the right book in the right hand. We are extremely proud of having won several major awards nationally, statewide and locally, including in part: Publishers Weekly Bookseller of the Year, Lucile Pannell award for bookselling excellence, Connecticut Magazine Best Bookstore, Connecticut Retailers Award for Community Commitment, the Advocate's Best Bookstore and the New Haven Business Small Business Award.
Reviewed By Lizzybee201 - Stamford, United States
A wonderful bookstore with a great selection of books and gifts. Do check out the cafe. I really enjoyed the cupcake.
3. The Book Barn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 233 reviews
Reviewed By gerard170 - East Lyme, United States
We have lived in East Lyme for many years and have been going to the Book Barn since the 1980's.The new #3 has been expanded to include fiction,music CD's and great hard covered books on art,traveletc.Many are $1-great.
4. Fairfield Cheese Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By LAFAMILLEG11231 - Brooklyn, United States
Great stop for gifts or yummy snacks Many cheese choices as well as imported products Great service and friendly staff
5. Whitlock's Book Barn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Bob9403
This is the best secondhand bookshop in the region for breadth of topics and number of books in the collection. I have found some very unusual items at very reasonable prices over the years. It's also in a beautiful country area.
6. Capizzano Olive Oils & Vinegars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
We Complement What Your Palate Loves. Create something fabulous with Capizzano Olive Oils & Vinegars. We are your center for education with the art and science of the olive and grape. We offer culinary suggestions with pairing the food with the olive oils and vinegar. We are happy to be part of Yale University's Health, Nutrition Education core team with the new olive institute of the School of Public Health. This opportunity provides us with more continued research with the health benefits of high quality olive oil.
Reviewed By jonathanbA5718QA - Stonington, United States
We went in to get some Balsamic Vinegar and were very surprised to discover the many different flavors of Balsamic Vinegar. Also Olive oil choices were abundant. Sales people are very knowledgeable and friendly.
7. HIckory Stick Bookshop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By livelovewashingtonct - Washington Depot, United States
I have traveled the world. Been to small towns, no one has heard of. However, I have NEVER been to a book shop like this one. With its beyond friendly staff, and its loads of games for young ones, toys for teens and books for the older ones, there are so many options in that little shop, I wonder how you wouldn't want to go in. Even if you don't buy anything. Even if you just go in for the fun of looking around. IT WILL BE WORTH IT.
8. Fair Weather Acres
9. Old Mill Pond Village Shops
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By ragiansanti34 - Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Old Mill Pond Village Shops is a picturesque place for shopping and browsing. They have several different shops - outdoor décor, a large gift shop, and a Christmas store. If you like to look around you will need a half hour to an hour to just get through the gift shop. They have an excellent selection of vintage (brand) candy, candles, 1980s lip glosses (that I thought were no longer made), a large section for kitchen gadgets and cooking salts/rubs, decorations, and furniture upstairs. They are open right now with social distancing guidelines applying. It's a lovely place to stop by and spend an hour or so.
10. The Spice & Tea Exchange
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Come In and Smell the Spices! The Spice & Tea Exchange® offers food lovers, chefs, and tea enthusiasts a unique shopping experience filled with culinary delights. Explore your inner chef and shop over 140 fine spices, 75+ hand-mixed seasoning blends, sugars, salts, loose-leaf teas, and accessories. Create your own gourmet gift, or choose from a variety of gift boxes and recipe samplers!
Reviewed By AndrewBeach - West Haven, United States
Excited to see this store in downtown Mystic. This location has a lot more to offer an others in the chain. Helpful staff, tasting of several products. Can't wait to try out my spice mixes at home!
