Enjoy New England's many outlets and scenic and historic shopping destinations.

New England > All New England > Things to Do and See > Shopping

The ideal gift or vacation souvenir is waiting for shoppers at New England’s many boutique shops, factory outlets, specialty food stores, and fine craft stores. In New Hampshire, for instance, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen sells unique fine crafts in several retail locations. Country stores and general stores sell nostalgic toys, household goods, and old-fashioned treats. Outlets in every state offer national brands for clothing and household goods. Outdoor gear choices are extensive at Maine’s Kittery Outlets and L.L. Bean. Museum shops, as in Connecticut, are a wonderful source of artistic gifts. Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston invites shoppers to explore marvelous gifts and foods. Food gifts are delicious reminder of the local food culture.

Greater Merrimack Valley

61 Market Street, Unit 1C Lowell, MA, 01852 Phone: 978-459-6150

Extraordinary locations and out-of-the-ordinary items make for true one-of-a-kind shopping experiences

If shopping to you means seeking out items beyond the ordinary, then the artists and artisans of the Greater Merrimack Valley have several options for you to consider. At the Canal Street Antique Mall in Lawrence, 50-plus dealers offer unique furniture, collectibles, vintage clothing, hardware and more in an equally unique old mill building. At the Crafty Yankee in Lexington, choose from gorgeous Simon Pearce glassware, adorable baby clothing and other one-of-a-kind items. Visit the gift stores or online shops offering the finest handcrafted gifts and artwork at the New England Quilt Museum and the Brush Art Gallery & Studios. And mark your calendar for the Holiday Open Studios at the Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, this year on Dec. 3 and 10.

Historic Wethersfield

Time for some retail therapy? Turn to the unique shops along village Main Street

After soaking up the history and basking in the natural surroundings of Historic Wethersfield, you may want a little retail diversion. Happily, the town’s shops are here to help! Main Street’s unique shops in the historic district offer everything from artwork and antiques to handmade crafts, vintage clothing, gifts for special occasions and custom-made jewelry. There’s a country store, natural-foods market and art galleries. Whether you’re looking for a vinyl record from the ‘60s, hard-too-find old-time penny candy or a one-of-a-kind gold bracelet, you’ll discover it in these shops, as well as a variety of casual spots for casual dining. Big-box stores can also be found along the highways leading into the village.

The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village

1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) Oakdale, CT, 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367

Selection of gifts at this dino-centric village is huge, from toys to home decor, fossils, jewelry

The gift selection at The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village is, in a word, gigantic. Art glass and other home decor items can be found at the Artful Gift Shop, and all sorts of toys and games (including everything dino, of course) are on the Ageless Toy Shop’s shelves. The Absolute Bead Shop is the largest beading supplies shop in New England, and jewelry is one-of-a-kind at the Artistic Jewelry Shop. Seeking something really unique? Check out the A to Z Mineral Shop for crystals and minerals or the Ancient Fossil Shop for fossils from every corner of the globe. And don’t forget the PAST Antiques Marketplace, with an ever-changing inventory of antiques, collectibles and crafts on two floors.

WREN

2011 Main Street Bethlehem, NH, 03574 Phone: 603-869-9736

Shop one-of-a-kind items created by local artists and producers, and support a great cause

The Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) store and gallery located in Bethlehem, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, offers the work of over 120 local artists and producers. Their wares include pottery, glass, handmade cards, scarves, jewelry, hand-poured soy candles, edible items like maple syrup and handmade chocolates, skin care items that include all-natural ingredients, and artwork & photography for your walls. There's also a gallery featuring a rotation of works by local and regional artists, artist talks and other events. The mission of WREN is to support better lives and livelihoods through education, economic development and community engagement in the North Country. The shop is evidence of the unique arts and crafts creates by those entrepreneurs. WREN is the place to buy local! Stop in or shop online at WRENworks.org.

Kingston Collection

101 Kingston Collection Way Kingston, MA, 02364 Phone: 781-582-2445

This easily accessible mall means you can shop without the drop

Kingston Collection is anchored by some of the nation’s most popular brands for shopping and entertainment: Macy’s, Target and Regal Cinemas. You’ll find everything from clothing and accessories, footwear, cell phone services, electronics and even axe throwing! Bar Rustic and PiNZ offer sit down dining in addition to a food court. Specialty boutiques make the shopping fun: Victoria’s Secret, Hollister, American Eagle, Yankee Candle Company, Newbury Comics and Famous Footwear Outlet. Access is off Route 3 in Kingston and the commuter rail line between Boston and Cape Cod makes the travel even easier. Visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for a complete directory of stores, ongoing specials, promotions and a calendar of events.

Shopping in Central Vermont - Your Place in Vermont - Okemo Valley

Okemo Valley - Your Place in Vermont

There’s something – from antiques to artwork – for every shopper in valley towns

Visitors who flock to the Okemo Valley are seeking unique experiences, accommodations – and shopping! In between your trips up and down the slopes or across the lakes, you’ll want to take time out to explore the region’s many special shops and galleries. Seek out one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, fashions, and handcrafted local and regional artwork from paintings and photography to handblown glass and wood furniture. It’s Vermont, so you won’t want to leave without visiting a maple sugar house, a cheese shop or a craft beer brewery. Old-fashioned country stores offer must-have souvenirs and homemade fudge, and local farms sell fresh produce, meat and other products. From tea emporiums and antiques markets to Christmas shops, the Okemo Valley has something for every shopper.

Colony Place

174 Colony Place Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-746-7663

Plymouth Colony has its own special shopping place

Colony Place - located just minutes from downtown Plymouth and the many historic attractions - Colony Place is a beautiful outdoor shopping center with over 50 stores and restaurants. Fashion, sporting goods, home goods, pet needs, electronics, even groceries - make Colony Place the One Place for Everything! Easy in and easy out plus plenty of free parking.

Download the free app to enjoy great savings at over 25 stores and restaurants every time you shop or dine.

Ladies Shopping - Stonington Borough Merchants - Stonington, CT

Stonington Borough Connecticut

When you visit this special village, don’t forget to add shopping to your to-do list

When you visit scenic Stonington Borough, make sure you save some time for shopping. A variety of eclectic shops, boutiques and galleries offer everything from handbags and kids’ toys to table linens, local wines and beer and vintage furniture. Whether you’re looking for that special something to remind you of your trip, like jewelry with coastal flair, or something special like fabrics designed on-site and printed locally or handcrafted pottery, you’re sure to find something strolling the shops of Stonington. And you’ll want to check out the Velvet Mill, a creative community of artists and entrepreneurs selling unique crafts, artwork, artisanal baked goods, books, bikes and, in the late fall and winter, all the products of the bustling winter farmers’ market.

Publick House Historic Inn On the Common

277 Main Street - Route 131 Sturbridge, MA, 01566 Phone: 508-347-3313 Toll-Free: 800-782-5425

Bring home a gift they’ll really love, like items from an historic inn’s bake shop

This time, don’t bring home a T-shirt from your vacation: Bring a pie, a box of pecan sweet rolls or a dozen delicious raspberry-filled cookies. At the Publick House, the welcoming historic inn in Sturbridge, every day in the 18th century Bake Shoppe is baking day. Out of the Yankee ovens come irresistible pastries, breads and cakes. Other ideas for that special culinary gift: a selection of jams, relishes – and scrumptious apple butter. In addition to its to-go fridge, with take-home comfort food, the shop also has a selection of New England cookbooks and gifts. And don’t leave without giving yourself a little treat, like one of those sweet rolls and a perfect cup of coffee.

Shopping Bounty - Mt. Washington Valley Chamber - North Conway, NH

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

Something for every shopper in these hills, valleys and village main streets

The shopping in Mount Washington Valley is as eclectic as the region itself, ranging from one-of-a-kind boutiques selling unique handcrafted items to shop-til-you-drop outlet centers featuring the most popular name brands. Pick up some local art in Franconia, stroll in and out of intriguing emporiums in North Conway, visit the world’s longest candy counter in Lincoln, go antiquing in Bethlehem or pop into The Brick Store in Bath, the nation’s oldest continuously operated general store. Take home craft beer at the region’s many breweries or wine from local vineyards. From maple syrup (of course!) to fine arts and fashion, the region features great variety and down-home customer service in its many shops and stores. Click above to visit our website or call our friendly concierge at 800-337-3563 for more info on first class lodging and exciting events to plan your next adventure!

Enjoy New England's many outlets and scenic and historic shopping destinations.

Monthly Newsletter Subscription