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“I can always can fine a gift for someone or a gift for me. Also, my husband always gets his favorite chocoates thet3 too. We always stop in when we go bu. Love this shop.”
“I absolutely love this store! Wayfinder Society is one of those rare places that instantly feels special the moment you step inside. The owners curate the most incredible art and treasures and every corner of the store feels like a tiny adventure.
What makes it even more magical is the owners! Shelby and Chris are genuinely the loveliest people, and you can feel how much heart, intention, and love they pour into this small, hand-curated business. That warmth you experiece when popping in for a visit stays with you long after you leave.
My personal favourite pieces are the tiny “Whispers” Shelby makes herself, they are joyful, whimsical, and full of personality. Such a delight.
If you’re visiting Chester, you have to pop into Wayfinder Society and experience the joy, curiosity, and soul of this beautiful store. It’s a gem!”
“Shop owner and her son were lovely! The store itself was a charming treasure trove of locally made and thoughtfully curated housewares, gifts, jewelry, art, and more. Absolutely worthy of more than one visit!”
“Great store, definitely will be going back and highly recommend! I’ve lived 20 mins away from here for 4 years and just went in for the first time today and the only thing I regret is not going in sooner!”
“The Handmade Hub is one of my favorite spots in Middletown. It’s filled with meaningful, handmade items and has such a genuine, community-driven feel. I love strolling through the store with a coffee and picking out a little item for my house or a one of a kind gift. Always worth a visit!”
11AM - 5PM
45 Main St, Essex
Gift Shops
“Very nice shop tucked on Main Street.The sho you will find something for everyone. The owner takes care and pride in her shop Well worth the effort to get there”
“What a wonderful shop! Beautiful variety and quality, truly the perfect place to find a gift whether you know someone well or hardly at all, you’ll find something nice here!”
11AM - 5PM
43 Main St, Essex
Gift Shops
“Sweet little gift shop next to the toy store (same owner). They have lots of unique items and Essex made items like nautical belts. They also had pet items, music boxes, Christmas items and more.”
“Our Own Dina Varano Collection
Among the many things influencing our 2014 move to Chester, CT, was its thriving cultural scene. Home to abstract expressionist Sol Lewitt, Broadway impresario Michael Price, landscape artists Richard Ziemann, Deborah Quinn Munson and Leif Nilsson and renowned graphic designer Peter Good, countless musicians, writers, artists and photographers, Chester has earned its reputation as a New England cultural jewel.
But since moving to town, Gail and I have been particularly taken by another founding member of Chester’s art scene, sculptor, jewelry-maker and business owner — Dina Varano. As you’ll see from the variety of pieces in our photos, we can’t get enough of Dina and her magical main street shop.
Dina’s original designs are rooted in nature, her style is joyful and free, and her pieces as different from each other as they are from those of any other artist. Her creative sense is reflected as well in the work of the other makers found in her eclectic shop. Every time we’ve gifted or displayed something from Dina, the reaction has been pure wonder and delight.
For Gail and me, Dina Varano epitomizes the energy and cooperative spirit driving the arts culture here in our adopted hometown. Check it out.”
11AM - 5PM
47 Main St, Essex
Gift Shops
“I have visited the store on several occasions and I'm always amazed at all the things they have. Everyone there is extremely helpful. I have spoken with Jackie on several occasions while there and every time I get an education about the Inn and there history as well as other homes and the families in the area. The shop next door has absolutely the best chocolate chip cookies!”
“I always get the best service at the Middletown, CT location. They are so accommodating — even when I make last-minute decisions — and they’re consistently kind and friendly. I truly appreciate how well they take care of me. Thank you!”
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“Wow what a great collection of gems and fossils! This shop was very cool and had lots of wonderful gifts from rocks to gems to jewelry, fossils, and more.
Jeff the owner was super nice and seemed very passionate about his business.
Prices were reasonable and found some very unique stones I haven't seen before. The fossils and butterflies were awesome to see as well
Will be back again to grab more!”