Must-see shopping in New England

  • Archipelago Fine Arts

    Midcoast Maine

    This wonderful gallery-store sells jewelry, paintings and arts and crafts by artists living on Maine's islands and coast. It works in partnership with the…

  • 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…

  • Renys

    Portland

    If you're heading into the outdoors – you're in Maine, so we're guessing you are – Renys is a good spot to grab gear and clothes. That said, this is a…

  • Tanger Outlet Mall

    Southeastern Connecticut

    Within the Foxwoods Casino complex, this outlet mall has something for everyone, featuring a huge selection of brand-name fashions, accessories 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…

  • Owl & Turtle Bookshop

    Midcoast Maine

    This pleasant independent bookstore has a nice rack of regional titles and an overwhelming selection of most other titles under the sun. Holds readings…

  • 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…

  • Eventide Foods

    Midcoast Maine

    A crust of bread, some cheese and oil, and thou? Seems like a good way to celebrate a good day on the midcoast, and to this end we recommend popping into…

  • Connecticut River Artisans

    Connecticut

    The Connecticut River Artisans is a coop featuring one-of-a-kind art and craft pieces, including clothing, folk art, furniture, jewelry, paintings,…

  • 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…

  • Simon Pearce Glass

    Vermont

    At this flagship store of the Simon Pearce glass empire, visitors can browse the vast collection of distinctive dinnerware upstairs, but the real fun is…

  • Little

    Portland

    Tea Collection, Go Gently, Nico Nico and other posh kid-focused brands are on offer at this tasteful children's boutique, where the only thing fancier…

  • 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…

  • Small Wonder

    Midcoast Maine

    There are a thousand galleries in Camden (OK, we're exaggerating, but only just). Small Wonder stands out for its excellent curation and knowledgeable…

  • 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…

  • Flavours of Life

    Southeastern Connecticut

    Ellen Cummings has brought a further glimmer of hope to optimistically upward Bank St with this fair-trade store featuring crafts from around the world,…

  • Sandwich Auction House

    Cape Cod

    This homespun auction house handles estate sales, where you might find anything from antique Sandwich glass to old Elvis albums. Auctions are held two to…

  • Four Winds Craft Guild

    Nantucket

    Head here for the island's largest selection of Nantucket lightship baskets. Highly prized, they command a premium, with the smallest baskets beginning at…

  • Bridgton Antiques

    Western Maine

    A worthwhile stop while strolling Main St, Bridgton Antiques is packed with treasures from the past. You'll find all manner of vintage housewares, kitchen…

  • Red Wagon

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    The Red Wagon carries adorable, unusual outfits for small tykes, as well as books and toys for kids up to age seven. Upstairs, you'll find sweet and sassy…

  • Eldred's

    Cape Cod

    The high roller on the antique auction scene, Eldred's specializes in fine arts and appraised antiques. Five-figure bids here barely raise an eyebrow. It…

  • Liquor Locker

    Massachusetts

    You can't purchase alcohol in Rockport or in the surrounding villages, as they are 'dry.' Many restaurants allow you to bring your own, so you can stock…

  • Yo Momma's

    Midcoast Maine

    This cheeky gift shop is a cut above the average Maine seaside souvenir store (you can tell by the name alone). Handmade rugs, local jewelry and artsy…

  • Domar Antiques

    Cape Cod

    This place is small but worth visiting, especially for those with an interest in antique Asian prints and ceramics, 19th-century paintings and Native…

  • Jet Set

    Kenmore Square & Fenway

    Here's a stylish little spot, selling all-natural products for beauty and self-care. Most importantly, the healthy products are available in travel size,…

  • Maine Potters Market

    Portland

    Need a special kind of vase for that perfect Portland souvenir? Head to this cooperatively owned gallery featuring the work of a dozen or so different…

  • Yankee Ingenuity

    Cape Cod

    Full of surprises, from Russian nesting dolls and quirky glass jewelry to elegant pottery and dramatic photos of the Cape. It stays open until 9pm on…

  • Left Bank Books

    New Hampshire

    Just off the Dartmouth green, this small 2nd-floor shop sells used books, from current fiction to memoirs to books about the local outdoors.

  • Gallery 302

    Western Maine

    This co-op with 60 member artists displays and sells art in all its forms. It offers art shows, events, lectures and classes, too.

  • North Tisbury Farm and Market

    Martha's Vineyard

    Stop by this well-stocked market for organic and specialty foods from around the world, with plenty from farms around the island.

  • Sherman's

    Mount Desert Island

    Inside Maine's oldest bookstore (established 1886) you'll find books, maps, magazines, toys and oodles of Maine-themed souvenirs.

  • Kittery Outlets

    Southern Maine Coast

    Kittery's mile-long stretch of US 1 is lined with several outlet malls containing hundreds of name-brand shops.

  • Mill Falls Marketplace

    New Hampshire

    Backed by the lake and a 40ft waterfall, this restored linen mill houses a dozen shops and restaurants.

  • Bridgton Books

    Western Maine

    This independent bookstore has helpful staff and a large inventory of new and used books.

  • Amy C Lund

    East Bay

    Specializes in handwoven Shaker-style rugs.

  • Isle au Haut General Store

    Down East

    Pick up essentials from this small grocery store located 400m from the town dock (when arriving by ferry, turn left at the main road, which will lead you…

  • Condom World

    Back Bay

    It doesn't quite live up to its name, but there's a decent selection of condoms in all sizes, colors and textures. And for the easily amused:…