Shop Local for the Holidays in Mystic Country

If you seek an outdoor shopping experience, visit the Olde Mistick Village in Mystic for a great variety of gift shops, restaurants, and the entertainment of their famous duck pond. Be sure to include visiting the Toy Soldier, the first store to open in the village back in 1973.

For the bookworms, Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop in Olde Mystic Village and the Book Barn in Niantic both have great selections of books, magazines, and more.

Downtown centers like Putnam, Mystic, and Stonington Borough allow for a great exploration of historic towns while a short walk gives you access to many locally-owned shops and restaurants. Visit the Stonington Village Farmers Market from 9 am to 12 pm year-round for a delicious selection of fresh, locally sourced foods. While in Stonington, also be sure to stop at Glaze Handmade for fun and functional pottery pieces. For a more contemporary shopping experience, visit Downtown Storrs in Mansfield. The shops in Storrs, just outside the University of Connecticut campus, are filled with your favorite local shops. From May through October, enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce, meat, dairy, and more at the Storrs Farmer’s Market. While supporting the beloved UConn Huskies, be sure to stop by the Stix n Stones Cafe & Floral Shop for a mouthwatering bakery treat and to supply all of your seasonal floral necessities.

For a more family-focused shopping experience, spend some time at Nature’s Art Village in Montville and check out their abundant selection of art, toy, and gift shops in addition to their fun family activities.