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The Holiday Shopping Trail is a fun way to shop local and win prizes. It’s also a great way to explore the region and discover new shops, restaurants and downtown destinations.

We have mapped out routes for a fun and full day of holiday shopping, with treats for you to enjoy along the way. Don’t forget your passport as you…

Eastern Connecticut is filled with downtowns to discover and towns to traverse. Take a trip up Windham Way and into Tolland county to enjoy the beauty of the region while finding unique treasures for giving with many stores specializing in handcrafted items and antiques.

Begin your morning in Willimantic at Thread City Diner for a hearty breakfast of plate sized omelets or The Original Big Willie with all things breakfast stacked high. Visit the Mill Museum Gift Shop, Mackey’s for garden and gifts, and Dawn’s Designs for hair care gifts or a little pampering for yourself.

Head out of town toward Mansfield for a favorite shop that has been the gift buying go-to for decades. The Hoot displays fun and fashionable clothing, jewelry and accessories as well as favorite boutique brands of bath and body, garden items and toys. Across the street in the East Brook Mall, enjoy a tour through the artists’ collective The Emporium by Windham Arts. Support local artists and give the gift of fine art, artisan crafts or fair-trade items from around the world.

It’s time for a bite and out Storrs way, you’ll find the Red Barn Creamery & Stearns Farm Stand. Local pickles, jams, syrup and honey along with farm fresh pies and bread await you.

A trip over to Andover brings you to Over and Over Barntique, inviting you to discover the creative world of using things over and over can offer originality. Furniture, décor, accents and accessories for the home fill the shop. Continue your antiquing trip at Tolland Red & White, offering sweets and hometown gifts as well.

Artisans at Middle River is our northern most stop. The eclectic gallery brings together two dozen artisans offering a wide array of products.

As you head back south, Windham’s Plumgully Farm get close to the source of your gifts. The farm raises bees and sheep and sells honey, beeswax, soaps, wool and fiber products. South Windham’s Ladd’s Garden Center has your holiday tree and their Fairy Hop Gift Shop conjures garden visitors with delightful miniatures.


Learn more about the whole trail here.

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