10AM - 5PM
46 Halls Rd, Old Lyme
Gift Shops
10AM - 5:30PM
161 Main St, Deep River
Gift Shops
“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!”
“From the street, the shop seems too small to have much, BUT when you go in you'll see that the owner Kim has a real skill at curating unique treasures, one of a kind gifts, local balms, soaps, and oils, as well as jewelry at really good prices. Everything is displayed beautifully, and they have fun workshops to focus on improving your health and wellbeing. I've had the privilege of teaching in this facility too -- the workshop space is inviting, intimate with natural light. The vibe of the place is all about positivity around your mental wellness and everyone is welcome. Plus Chester is so cool!”
10:30AM - 5:30PM
45 Main St, Essex
Gift Shops
“Fantastic and somewhat eclectic variety of items but the real treasure here is the woman who was working there Sunday morning (7/30). In addition to being such a charming and pleasant person she was also just amazing in how helpful she was to people coming in the store. One poor woman was out of dog poop bags and the woman didn't hesitate to find her a couple small bags and give the dog a couple treats! We never got a chance to finish our shopping here but we'll be back in a few weeks. I see several xmas gifts with Emmy's name on them!”
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.”
10AM - 5:30PM
168 Main St, Old Saybrook
Gift Shops
“From the minute that I walked in I loved the atmosphere in this store..... Very laid back beechy..... Reminded me of my childhood days of going to block island every summer.... good quality items...... The clothing they had was amazingly priced.... I was able to buy 2 dresses and a shirt..that actually fit well.. They were very beautiful.... Pretty great shop!!!!
Totally worth a look if you are in Old Saybrook..”
“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.”
“Fun experience with great store owner. So many unique items, we found several items that we purchased for our home.
We will definitely be back.”
“It was unfortunate that they sent a different item (I was looking for an older version of the doll) than the one I was looking to purchase, but the team was responsive, friendly, and apologetic. They offered me a discount or a return label without issue. I’m pleased with the customer support service and will continue to support local businesses.”