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Attraction: Shopping

  • Seaside Country Store – Fenwick Island, DE

    Seaside Country Store – Fenwick Island, DE

    Seaside Country Store

    Fenwick Island, DE

    seaside-country-store-fenwick-island-de
    The iconic Big Red Barn of Seaside Country Store in Fenwick Island, home to fudge, gifts, and coastal treasures. 📸 Seaside Country Store

    Biggs Museum of American Art
    • Address: 1208 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://www.seasidecountrystore.com/

    Overview
    Known as “The Most Unusual Store on the Shore,” Seaside Country Store has been delighting beachgoers in Fenwick Island for nearly 50 years. Housed in its iconic Big Red Barn, the store is part gourmet market, part gift shop, part boutique, and part holiday wonderland. Visitors can sample homemade cheese spreads and creamy fudge at the food counter, browse nautical décor and collectibles, or get lost in the upstairs Christmas Shoppe that’s open year-round. Family-run for three generations, the store combines old-fashioned hospitality with the joy of finding something unexpected.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    There’s no other shopping experience at the Delaware beaches quite like it. Whether you’re picking up sweets for the road, browsing flip-flop-themed décor, or hunting for unique gifts, Seaside Country Store feels like part of the local tradition.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Hours: Sunday–Friday 10 am–5 pm; Saturday 10 am–6 pm.
    • Fudge and cheese spreads are made fresh daily—ask for samples.
    • The Christmas Shoppe is open year-round, with seasonal sections for fall and Halloween too.
    • Be sure to check both levels; the upstairs is full of nautical gifts and collectibles.

    Fun Fact
    The store has been family-run for four generations, starting in 1969 when Bette and Dave Bates opened the doors. Today, it’s still managed with the same family spirit that made it famous. Sewell C. Biggs, once lived above his private collection; his passion for art inspired him to share it with the public in a dedicated museum.

  • The Little Treasure Shoppe – Newark, DE

    The Little Treasure Shoppe – Newark, DE

    The Little Treasure Shoppe

    Newark, DE

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    Every treasure shop needs a treasure dog—this four-legged greeter makes The Little Treasure Shoppe in Newark feel even more like home. 📸 The Little Treasure Shoppe

    Biggs Museum of American Art
    • Address: 406 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://www.thebiggsmuseum.org/

    Overview
    Established in 1993 by collector Sewell C. Biggs, the Biggs Museum of American Art is one of Delaware’s cultural gems. Its three floors of galleries trace American art from the 1700s to today, with an emphasis on the Mid-Atlantic region. The collection is both rich and varied—portraits by the Peale family, sculptures by Hiram Powers, silver and furniture crafted in Delaware, and illustrations by N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, and Frank E. Schoonover. Contemporary works by artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, Peter Sculthorpe, and Edward Loper Sr. connect the past to the present, making every visit feel like a conversation across centuries.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    The Biggs strikes a rare balance between history and modernity. Visitors can wander through period rooms filled with decorative arts, then turn a corner to find bold new works by living artists. Its rotating exhibitions and frequent new acquisitions mean there’s always something different to see, while its educational programs make art accessible for all ages.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
    • Thanks to a partnership with Dover Federal Credit Union, admission is free for all visitors.
    • Located in downtown Dover, near Legislative Hall and other historic sites.
    • Special exhibitions rotate throughout the year—check the website for current features.

    Fun Fact
    The museum’s founder, Sewell C. Biggs, once lived above his private collection; his passion for art inspired him to share it with the public in a dedicated museum.

  • Dutch Country Farmers Market – Middletown, DE

    Dutch Country Farmers Market – Middletown, DE

    Dutch Country Farmers Market

    Middletown, DE

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    Freshly baked pies are just one of the many homemade treats waiting at Dutch Country Farmers Market in Middletown. 📸 Dutch Country Farmers Market

    Dutch Country Farmers Market
    • Address: 701 North Broad Street, Middletown, DE 19709
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://delawarefarmersmarket.com/

    Overview
    Every Thursday through Saturday, Middletown’s Dutch Country Farmers Market brings the flavors and traditions of Amish country under one roof. Visitors will find stalls piled high with fresh produce, dairy, meats, and baked goods, alongside stands offering homestyle meals, hand-crafted furniture, and specialty gifts. It’s a bustling marketplace where the aroma of soft pretzels, sticky buns, and smoked meats fills the air.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    This market has something for everyone—stock up on weekly groceries, grab lunch at the sit-down restaurant, or browse handcrafted items to take home. It’s a gathering place where locals and travelers alike come for both quality and community.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Open Thursday & Friday, 8:30 am–6 pm; Saturday, 8 am–4 pm.
    • Located in the Middletown Square Shopping Mall.
    • Some vendors are cash-only, so bring both cash and card.
    • Arrive early on Saturday for the best selection.

    Fun Fact
    Beyond food, the market is also home to a small appliance repair shop—a quirky but beloved service that has been part of the community for years.

  • Olde Mistick Village – Mystic, CT

    Olde Mistick Village – Mystic, CT

    Olde Mistick Village

    Mystic, CT

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    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. 📷: 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.