Must-see shopping in Massachusetts

  • Nuggets

    Kenmore Square & Fenway

    Nuggets is a little slice of 'old' Kenmore Sq. With a constantly shifting collection of vinyl, CDs and DVDs, it's a great place to browse. Many a Red Sox…

  • Geoclassics

    Boston

    Geoclassics sells minerals, fossils and gemstones in jewelry and other decorative settings. The natural beauty of the stones is enhanced by their artistic…

  • Games People Play

    Cambridge

    A lovely little store run by folks who are passionate about playing games. The well-curated selection includes many unique toys and games that are…

  • Artists Row

    Massachusetts

    This little alleyway is lined with seasonal shacks where local artists create, display and sell their wares. The streets and sidewalks are painted and the…

  • Creekville Antiques

    Martha's Vineyard

    If you're looking to take home a real piece of Martha's Vineyard history, this is the place. The shop is small, but every item is a treasure, especially…

  • Design Menagerie

    The Berkshires

    This design store carries a range of gorgeous artisan products by independent designers from around the world: items such as feather earrings, South…

  • Womencrafts

    Provincetown

    The name says it all: jewelry, pottery, books and music by female artists from across America. It's the perfect place for an intriuging hand-sculpted bowl…

  • Curiouser & Curiouser

    Cape Cod

    While nautical themed homewares and gifts may not seem too surprising on the Cape, the taste level of the selection at Curiouser & Curiouser sets it apart…

  • SoWa Vintage Market

    South End & Chinatown

    Boston's year-round destination for cool old stuff, the SoWa Vintage Market is like an indoor flea market, with dozens of vendors selling clothes,…

  • Polcari’s Coffee

    Boston

    Since 1932, this corner shop is where North Enders have stocked up on their beans. Look for 40-some kinds of imported coffee, over 150 spices, and an…

  • Molly Cantor Pottery

    Pioneer Valley

    This studio and gallery carries pottery and sculptures by local artist Molly Cantor, whose work features distinctive block print designs, as well as…

  • Room 68

    Provincetown

    Design fans will appreciate Room 68, which features unique contemporary design and fine art from around the world, from stunning throw rugs to cool…

  • Dogtown Books

    Massachusetts

    A crowded store with narrow aisles and shelves packed with new and used books. There's lots of local history here. There are also a lot of rules: watch…

  • Lucy's League

    Boston

    At Lucy's League, sports fans will find supercute styles, flattering shirts, jackets and other gear designed for women, all sporting the local team's…

  • Nejaime's Wine Cellar

    The Berkshires

    You can order a Tanglewood picnic basket here, or just pick up a few bottles of wine and some gourmet cheeses to get started on your own creation.

  • Bookstore of Gloucester

    Massachusetts

    Gloucester's literary gathering place often hosts author talks and other events. This is where you can pick up a Dogtown map.

  • Garment District

    Cambridge

    If your memories of bygone fashion eras have faded like an old pair of jeans, this store will bring it all back. The upstairs is organized by decade and…

  • Customs House

    Cape Cod

    Fine leather journals, handmade greeting cards from local artists and imported stationary sets line the shelves of Customs House, an impressive shop just…

  • Helen’s Leather

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    You probably didn’t realize that you would need your cowboy boots in Boston. Never fear, you can pick up a slick pair right here on Beacon Hill. (Indeed,…

  • Copley Place

    Back Bay

    Half the fun of Back Bay shopping is hitting the unique boutiques and local shops that line Newbury St. The other half is perusing the super-swank…

  • Lekker Home

    South End & Chinatown

    If you are into Scandinavian design, get into Lekker. The showroom features furniture and decor with crisp, clean lines, wood and monochrome patterns, and…

  • Antiques by the Bay

    Cape Cod

    While many of the antique shops on Brewster's Main St are well curated and cater to those looking to spend some money, Antiques by the Bay is a…

  • Fairy Shop

    Back Bay

    If you believe in fairies, don't miss stopping in here for pixie dust, pet unicorns, magical trinkets and the like. A labor of love for owner Michael…

  • Prudential Center

    Back Bay

    One of Boston's most distinctive landmarks, the Prudential Center has something for everyone: shops, restaurants, a hotel, a chapel and an amazing 360…

  • Out of Town News

    Cambridge

    Dating to 1955, Out of Town News is a national historic landmark. This quintessential newsstand sells magazines from all over the world, plus a diverse…

  • In Your Ear

    Cambridge

    In an out-of-the-way spot on the edge of Harvard Square, this underground (literally) record shop is everything it should be. Crammed with LPs and 45s, it…

  • Local Charm

    Boston

    Here's something to make you cynical: Local Charm is a chain store, with outlets in five states. Once you clear up that misunderstanding, you can…

  • Wellfleet Flea Market

    Cape Cod

    One time-honored throwback in this town is the Wellfleet Flea Market, held in summer at the drive-in. This is the largest flea market on the Cape, with…

  • Dickson Bros

    Cambridge

    Locals know that you can find just about anything you need for your home at this old-timer hardware store. From house paint to cleaning supplies, from…

  • Haymarket

    Boston

    Touch the produce at Haymarket and you risk the wrath of the vendors, but nowhere in the city matches these prices on ripe-and-ready fruits and vegetables…

  • Black Ink

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    Black Ink started as a shop for stationery and rubber stamps (thus, the name), but it has developed into something so much more fun. The tagline – …

  • LIT Boutique

    Boston

    One more sharp, fashion-forward boutique on Hanover St, this one crowded with sexy city-wear. The clothing here is eclectic, featuring lace, leather and…

  • Shop Therapy

    Provincetown

    Downstairs, it's patchouli, tie-dyed clothing and X-rated bumper stickers. But everyone gravitates to the upstairs level, where the sex toys are wild…

  • Marine Specialties

    Provincetown

    This quirky, cavernous shop (known more commonly as the 'army navy store') sells kitsch and also really cool stuff: flip-flops, swimsuits, beach and surf…

  • The Garage

    Cambridge

    The Garage (formerly a parking garage) is a gritty mini-mall that houses an eclectic mix of upstairs shops and downstairs eats. Chill out with ice cream…

  • Thornes Marketplace

    Pioneer Valley

    This behemoth with the green awnings takes up a large chunk of Main St between Pleasant St and Old South St in the town center. The historic building…

  • Kestrel

    Pioneer Valley

    Handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, textiles and home wares produced by artisan designers are sold at this stylish store. The place has a botanical bent, with…

  • Upstairs Downstairs Antiques

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    There's no longer an 'upstairs' to this long-standing antique shop, but there are still five rooms of art, antiques and vintage home decor. The selection…

  • Lanesville Package Store

    Massachusetts

    Rockport and the surrounding villages are 'dry,' which means that alcohol is not sold in stores or served in most restaurants. Some restaurants do allow…

  • Boston Costume

    Cambridge

    Boston Costume can dress you up like your favorite superhero, sports mascot, literary character or historical figure. Rent or buy. Unsurprisingly, this…

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