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Attraction: Shopping

  • Olde Mistick Village – Mystic, CT

    Olde Mistick Village – Mystic, CT

    Olde Mistick Village

    Mystic, CT

    olde-mistick-village-mystic-ct
    Fudge, ducks, and old-school charm—Olde Mistick Village has it all. 📷: Olde Mistick Village

    Olde Mistick Village

    • Address: 27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.oldemistickvillage.com

    Overview:
    Part historic village, part open-air shopping center, Olde Mistick Village is full of charm. You’ll find over 40 small shops and eateries set in recreated 18th-century-style buildings, complete with duck ponds and cobblestone paths.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    It’s a little touristy, sure … but in the best way. You can grab a cone of homemade fudge, browse local crafts, stock up on funky socks or specialty teas, and visit the resident ducks. Whether you’re into snacks, soaps, or souvenirs, there’s something for every kind of browser.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Shops open daily, though hours vary by season.
    • Free parking and no admission to enter.
    • Right off I-95 and walking distance to the Mystic Aquarium.
    • Pet-friendly and stroller-friendly.

    Fun Fact:
    Built in the early 1970s, the village was designed to look like a Colonial New England town—right down to the old-timey signage and lamp posts.

  • Collinsville Antiques Co. – New Hartford, CT

    Collinsville Antiques Co. – New Hartford, CT

    Collinsville Antiques Co.

    New Hartford, CT

    collinsville-antiques-co-new hartford-ct
    From vintage finds to surprise oddities—there’s always something cool to uncover at Collinsville Antiques. 📷: Collinsville Antiques Co.

    Collinsville Antiques Co.

    • Address: 283 Main St, New Hartford, CT 06057
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.collinsvilleantiques.com

    Overview:
    With over 22,000 square feet of one-floor treasure hunting, Collinsville Antiques Co. is one of the largest multi-dealer antique shops in New England—and one of the most fun. From vintage finds to just plain weird stuff, this is more than an antiques store—it’s a full-on family-friendly experience.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    There’s something here for everyone: classic antiques, collectible toys, vintage signs, cool lighting, LPs, costume jewelry—you name it. But what makes this place really shine are the little surprises: a 1950s TV turned into a fish tank, a full-size movie ticket booth, giant LEGO figures, and a seriously impressive collection of toy trucks. It’s easy to spend a few hours here, even if you’re “just looking.”

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Open daily from 10am–5pm.
    • Fully accessible, with wide aisles and ramps.
    • Air-conditioned and all on one level.
    • Plenty of paved parking, snacks and drinks available.
    • All major cards accepted; layaway and delivery options offered.

    Fun Fact:
    What started in a small shipping building in 1989 is now a 100+ dealer destination with national recognition and a loyal local following. The current space—once a vacant factory—was completely transformed in 2005 and has been drawing visitors ever since.

  • The Book Barn – Niantic, CT

    The Book Barn – Niantic, CT

    The Book Barn

    Niantic, CT

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    Books, goats, and plenty of places to roam—The Book Barn keeps it interesting. 📷: The Book Barn

    The Book Barn

    • Address: 41 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.bookbarnniantic.com

    Overview:
    The Book Barn is what happens when a used bookstore meets a backyard, a goat pen, and a little bit of weirdness—in the best way. With more than 350,000 books across three locations in Niantic, it’s a great place to slow down, wander, and see what you find.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    There’s no rush here. Browse at your own pace, pet a cat, feed a goat (carrots are 25¢ a bag—one per person), or check out The Haunted Book Barn if you’re feeling brave. Whether you’re hunting for something specific or just killing time, it’s easy to get happily lost.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    • All three locations are in Niantic, and they’re close together.
    • The main location has goats, cats, and lots of outdoor space.
    • Wear comfy shoes—it’s more of a wander than a quick stop.

    Fun Fact:
    The Haunted Book Barn isn’t just a name—it’s an actual barn full of books that creak, lean, and feel just a little spooky (in the fun way).

  • Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel – Middlefield, CT

    Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel – Middlefield, CT

    Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel

    Middlefield, CT

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    Nothing beats fresh-picked raspberries at Lyman Orchards. đź“·: Lyman Orchards

    Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel

    • Address: 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.lymanorchards.com

    Overview:
    Whether you’re there for pie, pumpkins, or pick-your-own apples, Lyman Orchards is a classic Connecticut stop. The Apple Barrel store is stocked with local goods, fresh-baked treats, seasonal produce, and just the right amount of nostalgia.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    The pies are legendary, but that’s just the beginning. Depending on the season, you can pick apples, wander a corn maze, walk through fields of sunflowers, or just sip cider and browse shelves of jams, snacks, and local specialties. It’s one of those places that makes you slow down (and snack more).

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Open daily, year-round.
    • Pick-your-own fruit varies by season—check online before you go.
    • Gets busy on fall weekends—weekday visits are a little calmer.
    • Plenty of parking, picnic space, and outdoor areas to explore.

    Fun Fact:
    Lyman Orchards has been family-run since 1741—making it one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in the country.