Connecticut Vintage Shops

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out some of our favorite vintage shops in the state! Fill your space with style and history. You might even come across some of our member's items as many of these shops support their local makers and vintage curators as well. Make sure to use #nutmegcollective to show us your finds!

Blaze & Bloom

485 New Park Avenue
West Hartford, CT

English Building Markets

839 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT

Middlebury Consignments

1365 Whitemore Road
Middlebury, CT

Chairish

Online - shop local listings from the comfort of your couch!
Shop Spotlight: Montage of Norwalk, Connecticut 

Chalk Mercantile

891 Boston Post Road
Old Saybrook, CT

Vintanthromodern

938 State Street
New Haven, CT

MINE

16 Stonington Road
Mystic, CT

The Junk Shop

181 Albany Turnpike
Canton, CT

Hiden Galleries

47 John Street
Stamford, CT

Chic & Antique LLC

1357 Mountain Road
West Suffield, CT

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Happy Shopping!

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Written by Alonda Baird-Juhasz, owner of Designer Dwellings, who believes in adding color to life. An avid DIYer, sparkle-loving, all things fabulous addict, her shop features bright and fun home decor accessories and gifts. When not in the shop you can find her interior decorating or visual styling events and photo shoots.

Shop Spotlight: Quark Tees

Meet Hadria Beth of Quark Tees out of Manchester, Connecticut!

I am a fine artist with a passion for science, puns, and cartoons. Smash all those together and you get Quark tees! In addition to my t-shirt company, I also write a weekly webcomic called Microcosm. Microcosm explores our solar system with a unique blend of astronomy, science, and humor. So not only is it funny, it's quite educational as well! I have a BA in Fine Art and I am also a lover of fantasy so I create quite a bit of fantasy art as well.

I began making t-shirt designs for a small company back in 2007. While I only worked there a year, I really enjoyed the idea of people wearing my artwork. Years later, I began submitting my t-shirt designs to a website called Threadless, where they judge your designs and will print/sell them if they score well with the community. I had some success there, and one of my designs in particular went semi-viral. People were asking where to buy it on a shirt, but I had none.

Realizing that I really have a talent for t-shirt design, I decided to start my business. I used the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to get my business started and had an extremely successful Kickstarter campaign.

My process begins with a good nerdy design idea. I create my designs using Adobe Illustrator. Once complete, I send them to my screen printer, who prints them for me onto transfer sheets. Using a heat press, I am able to place my designs on all sorts of products - shirts, hoodies, bags, etc."

Find more of Hadria's products on her website

or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

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Would you like to be a featured in the Shop Spotlight?

Connecticut businesses fill out this form!

Market Night at Hello! Artisan Shop and Studio

Give the gift of a perpetual calendar in many pretty styles from Queenvanna Creations.

Hello! Artisan Shop and Studio is hosting a Market Night on Friday, April 15 from 6 to 9pm in their shop at 928 Hopmeadow Street, Suite #2, Simsbury, CT.

Headbands for women, teens and girls, in so many beautiful fabrics from Milo and Molly.

Three member shops of The Nutmeg Collective, Milo and Molly, Queenvanna Creations, and RiverDog Prints, joined together to create Hello!  They have been busy creating new products and designs this winter and want to celebrate spring with you. There will be a large selection of handmade gifts for Moms, teachers, friends, or yourself. Come enjoy shopping and some refreshments - they would love to see you there!

Wrap your Mother's Day gifts with RiverDog Prints Spring Flowers Petite Wrap.

Hello! Artisan Shop and Studio is located in the Simsbury Town Shops to the left of Rooster's, on top of Little City Pizza. Look for the door marked "Professional Offices" and come say Hello!

Shop Spotlight: Little Bee of Connecticut

Meet Scott Priore of Little Bee of Connecticut out of Southbury, Connecticut.

"My wife and I have resided in Southbury, CT with our 11 year old daughter since 2003. We love to go skiing, relaxing by a warm campfire, and traveling the world. When not beekeeping I work as a packaging engineer for a consumer goods company.

To be honest, the idea of starting a small business scared me. What did I know about starting a business? It's been 18 months since we launched and with support from friends and groups like the Nutmeg Collective, we continue to grow and look toward the future.

We like to describe our products as "Unique & Affordable Gifts From The Hive" and have selected items to produce such as hand rolled candles and solid perfumes that are not commonly found. Everything is handmade in small batches by our family and only include simple, minimal ingredients.

My journey to becoming a beekeeper started in 2012 with a trip to a Farmer’s Market in Rhinebeck, New York. My daughter and I approached an observation hive in one of the booths. While she was trying to find the queen bee, I had a conversation with the local beekeeper about how he got started. A few books on the subject, along with beekeeping classes taught through Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury, CT, and I was ready for my first two hives. Fast forward several years later and a simple hobby has spiraled into 10 hives and the creation of Little Bee of Connecticut.

The name “Little Bee” was a part of our family long before beekeeping was. It has been our daughter’s nickname since she was a toddler. Her Winnie the Pooh toy would say “Little Bee likes to go, go, go…” as she chased it across the floor. When our first hives were in place she took an immediate interest in the management of them and naming the business after her just seemed natural."

Find more of Scott's products on his website

or connect with him on Facebook and Instagram.

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Would you like to be a featured in the Shop Spotlight?

Connecticut businesses fill out this form!

Nutmeg Collective Gift Shop Field Trip: Chester and Colchester

Lark

Denise of The Burnt Shop came up with the idea for a member field trip to several gift shops in Connecticut. Over ten members participated and each shop received a basket of Nutmeg Collective samples. This is a look at the final stops in Chester and Colchester.

Lark

The shop in Chester was Lark, housing a beautiful collection of handmade gifts and accessories, curated by owner, Suzie.  She had prepared a delicious dip for each visitor, as well as a small gift to take home - such a welcoming host and shop!

Lark

From the site: "Nestled in the heart of the village of historic Chester, Lark is a charming shop with an ever-changing, wide variety of beautiful pieces. Unique items gathered in a way that brings a truly exceptional shopping experience. Suzie has “collected” artists, not only because they make beautiful things, but because they have beautiful stories and amazing spirits." Head to this whimsical and warm shop to see its lovely collection of artisan goods.

Rings and Things

The final stop on the whirlwind field trip was in Colchester at Rings and Things, a shop filled with jewelry, locally-made and American-made products, owned by Suzanne.

Rings and Things

From the site: "Whether shopping for a birthday, an anniversary or just something to add to your collection, we've got it. We also added some of our favorite local, handmade and made in the USA vendors to compliment our jewelry collection."  Rings and Things has recently expanded it's shop, so be sure to stop by and explore all the goodness inside!

Rings and Things

The Nutmeg Collective wants to thank all the shops on our trip for their generosity and warmth. It was truly a great experience for all involved.

Please support the lovely shops that hosted the group on the final legs of the field trip.

Lark, 4 Water Street, Chester, Connecticut

(860) 322-4047

Rings and Things, 44 Main Street, Colchester, Connecticut
(860) 537-0539

Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com

Who is in the Nutmeg Collective?

An easy way to see who is part of our Nutmeg Collective membership is to visit Our Members Page.  You'll be able to see each member, read a bit about who he or she is, and engage by clicking through to each members' website, shop, or social media.

In the coming weeks, we will be creating easier ways to find Connecticut made goods by our members through our site.  Whether your goal is to shop online or in person, our goal is to provide the information to enable you to proudly support local makers and shops.

If you have suggestions, please let us know in the comments below!


P.S.  You can stay current on most happenings by following the hashtag #nutmegcollective on Instagram.

Anything but basic. Utensils: @abdesigned Tote: @hartfordprints Seascape: @hockmanphoto Embellishments: @oscar_ollie #nutmegcollective

A photo posted by Queen Vanna (@queenvanna) on Mar 13, 2016 at 2:42pm PDT

Nutmeg Collective Gift Shop Field Trip: Middletown

Verse-A-Tile

Denise of The Burnt Shop came up with the idea for a member field trip to several gift shops in Connecticut. Over ten members participated and each shop received a basket of Nutmeg Collective samples. This is a look at the third stop in Middletown.

Verse-A-Tile

The first Middletown stop on the trip was Verse-A-Tile, a collection of artisan products from local makers, and beautiful art tiles, made by owner, Dorene.

Verse-A-Tile

From the site: "At Verse~A~Tile, we take what you desire to say, and put it into words on tile.  We will put your favorite verse, picture, quote, or saying on tile."  Stop by for a great collection of goods or a custom piece for the perfect gift.

A Pocketful of Posies

The next stop was A Pocketful of Posies, a gorgeous space filled with many lovely things,  run by Dottie and Jim.

A Pocketful of Posies

Until recently, the original shop was located in Essex, and a second shop was opened in Middletown. The original location is closed now.  The couple's daughter also has a shop in Lexington, Massachusetts, with the same name inspired by the original A Pocketful of Posies.

A Pocketful of Posies

The third stop on the trip was to Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery, run by  , with a great mix of fashion, jewelry, art and artisan goods.

Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery

From the site: "Our name Tesoro translates to "treasure" in two languages. It was a nickname given to the owner as a child and we couldn't think of a better name to signify the concept of the store."

Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery

The shop has been open since 2005 and is a landmark in its neighborhood,  There is also a resident puppy at the moment, so be sure to stop in to see the shop dog, as well as the beautiful collection of goods.

Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery

The next stop on the field trip took the members to Chester. Stay tuned for those trip details!


Please support the lovely shops that hosted the Nutmeg Collective on the third leg of the field trip.

Verse-A-Tile, 386 Main Street~Main St Market Mall, Middletown, Connecticut  

Phone: (860) 894-2880

A Pocketful of Posies, 386 Main Street~Main St Market Mall, Middletown, Connecticut
Phone: (860) 343-0123

Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery, 680 Main St., Middletown, Connecticut
Phone: (860) 704-0607

Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com

Nutmeg Collective Gift Shop Field Trip: Wethersfield

Old Wethersfield Country Store

Denise of The Burnt Shop came up with the idea for a member field trip to several gift shops in Connecticut. Over ten members participated and each shop received a basket of Nutmeg Collective samples. This is a look at the second stop in Wethersfield.

Old Wethersfield Country Store

First stop on the trip was Old Wethersfield Country Store, a mix of delicious local foods, products from local makers, and the famous wall of candy, run by Megan and John.

Old Wethersfield Country Store

From the site:  "We carry cupcakes, pies, fresh bread, gluten free/vegan items, prepared meals, grass-fed meat, yogurt, milk, eggs, fine grocery items, frozen foods, cheese, kombucha on tap, and gifts."  Every turn reveals something sumptuous and local - an amazing place that cannot be missed.

Heirloom Market

Our next stop was Heirloom Market, at the Historic Comstock Ferre Property, run by Spiro and Julia, a couple with many years in the local Hartford area restaurant scene.
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Heirloom Market

From the site: "The natural foods grocery store and café will take the 'farm to table' concept a step further and deeper into 'seed to plate'."  The market and café is filled with natural goods and the selection of seeds and garden supplies is incredible. A beautiful and historic place to visit.

Heirloom Market

The next stop on the field trip took the members to Middletown. Stay tuned for those trip details!

Please support the lovely shops that hosted the Nutmeg Collective on the second leg of the field trip.

Old Wethersfield Country Store, 221 Main St, Wethersfield, CT
Phone: (860) 436-3782

Heirloom Market, at the Historic Comstock Ferre, 263 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT

Phone: (860) 257-2790

Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com