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…
The day begins in Norwich with brunch at Café Otis. The perfect fuel for traveling the trail is a the Belgian “Waffle Lotta Love” with spiced apple or blueberry compote and fresh whipped cream or the “Winner Winner” half rotisserie chicken dinner. Speed up your steps with a cappuccino or latte or set a relaxed pace with a crafted cocktail. You can put in an order for your holiday dinner, sides or desserts while you’re there.
The shopping spree begins at the café with its Nine Mile Market, filled with goods from local artisans. A trip to Small Potatoes in Norwich features even more handcrafted items: soap, toys, teas, pottery, jewelry, home goods, wood wares, honey, syrup and many more items in many styles.
Take in some culture while you tick off your list when you shop at the Slater Museum, where creative and beautiful gifts in the shop support the art museum.
Travel up Route 12 to pop into Enchanted Jewelry, a fine jewelry store that’s a family tradition. You are sure to find a special something for a special someone. Place an order for some flowers to go with that gift at Lilium Florist in Danielson or visit their store in Putnam, the next destination on this northeast Trail.
In downtown Putnam, park your car and meander through small stores that line the Main Street of a traditional downtown. Antiques Marketplace offers more than a gift, it’s a piece of history you can wrap with a bow. Gifts to beautify the home are available at Flying Carpet Studio, Arts and Framing, The Windows Art Gallery, and August & March Home. Gifts to appeal to the palette are at Ben’s Beans Coffee Roasters and K’s Sweet Spot. You’ll have no trouble gathering stickers for your passport!
By now, it’s way past time for lunch. A bite at the Courthouse Grill or Victoria Station offer delicious food and a sticker in your passport.
By the time you have popped into all the storefronts in Putnam, the skies will be dark and the holiday lights will be shining.
Whether you’re up for more shopping or its time for relaxing, Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard is your next stop. It’s a short ride down I395 to Tanger Outlets and world-class entertainment and dining. Scorpion Bar, Red Lantern or Guy Fieri’s Kitchen offer unique dining experiences, or plan to meet up with friends for a few frames at High Rollers Luxury Lanes, where you can eat, bowl and enjoy as you gear up for your next day Traveling the Trail.