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Executive Gift Guide - Part I
Southern Connecticut's most distinctive shops for the discriminating consumer
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Business New Haven
12/9/2002
By: BNH
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For all those busy people are overwhelmed by their holiday gift list and don't know where to start, BNH provides a list of just a few of the many quality shops in New Haven and eastern Fairfield counties.
APPAREL
Furs by Prezioso
Furs by Prezioso Ltd. specializes in furs, leathers and shearlings. Mink coats or jackets, sheared minks, beaver and sheared beaver and raccoon are just a few of the possibilities. If you're shopping for your significant other and aren't sure what to buy, the Prezioso staff will explain the different styles and furs to you. Leather coats lined with fur or elegant full-length fur coats - there's plenty to choose from. The shop also does remodeling and repairs and sells some pre-owned coats, including mink and fox.
Furs by Prezioso Ltd., 2989 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (203-230-4847). Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, Thurs to 6 p.m., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, noon-4 p.m. Sun until Christmas.
J. Press
The J. Press label is recognizable everywhere. With stores in New York, Cambridge, Washington and, of course, New Haven, J. Press sells timeless men's clothing from suits to jackets to trousers in styles and fabrics that never have and never will go out of style - tweed, wool, cotton, flannel. The York Street fixture also carries a line of accessories, from braces to neckties, to rival that of much larger stores. On-premises tailoring makes the J. Press man's suit look like it was made for him.
J. Press, 262 York Street, New Haven (203-772-1310). Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Sun.
Tamar
Tamar (which means palm tree in Hebrew) carries a full range of American and European designers that you won't find at department stores, in sizes from 4 to 18. It stocks everything from clothes for a luncheon to beaded ball gowns to traditional, elegant black sheaths. Of course, you can't step out in that finery without the necessary accessories. Tamar has a display case filled with sparkling earrings, rhinestone necklaces and hair clips, beaded necklaces and bracelets. There's also a collection of evening purses in velvets and beads, silks and satins. The silk, velvet, satin and beaded shawls and capes are exquisite. Don't forget the Stuart Weitzman shoes to make your wardrobe complete. The store also offers free alterations.
Tamar, 43 Elm Street, Old Saybrook (860-395-0722). Open 10 to 5:30 p.m. daily except Sun.
Reichbind Furs
Reichbind Furs is the place to go if leather or fur coats are on that Christmas list. In addition to coats for men and women, the shop carries muffs, scarves and an extensive selection of hard-to-find fur hats. Some leather coats are fur-trimmed - how about a fur-lined raincoat? Shearling coats are a popular item. Something very new is woven fur, which feels a lot like a baby's blanket - extra soft. Reichbind does a great deal of custom work, so don't throw that old fur coat away - it might be the perfect lining for a new leather coat. Reichbind has an extensive inventory and full-service on-site cold storage.
Reichbind Furs, 1770 Boston Post Road, Milford (203-874-0100). Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, until 8 p.m. Thurs-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
DelMonico Hatter
DelMonico Hatter has a history nearly as rich as the city it calls home. The business was founded in 1908, and in the ensuing 94 years has made hats for seemingly nearly every well-appointed gentleman in Connecticut and beyond. DelMonico carries almost every style and brand name of men's hats available. Its owner is famed as the oldest hat retailer in the state, and the only one left in New Haven. Shoppers will marvel at the history and quality workmanship of an old-world craftsman.
DelMonico Hatter, 47 Elm Street, New Haven (203-787-4086). www.delmonicohatter.com. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
Harper's of Fairfield
For 60 years Harper's of Fairfield has met the fashion needs of discerning women. Family-owned and -operated, Harpers features a complete and extensive collection of furs, shearlings, specialty outerwear, men's and women's leathers, better sportswear, mother-of-the-bridge, evening wear, special occasion and accessories. Brands include Louis Feraud, Gian Franco Ferre, Vito Nacci, Sinclair Pelle, Gregg Ruth, Judith Jack, Daymor and Chris Kole. Diamonds, 14- and 18K rings, necklaces and bracelets, pearls, precious stones and sterling silver are displayed in the jewelry department.
Harper's of Fairfield, 2246 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield (203-333-7700) and 236 Boston Post Road, Orange (203-795-3077), www.harpersoffairfield.com. Open 10 a.m. a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon-Sat, until 8 p.m. Thurs. for holidays only, Sun noon-4. (10a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri week before Christmas.)
Andrea Ward Clothier, Ltd.
A lot more than a women's clothing shop, Andrea Ward Clothier is a life style store. Clothing lines have the professional women in mind with lots of tops, slacks and jackets, all sold as separates. A new line is savvy evening wear, such as Harrari. Accessories include hand-painted scarves by Jennawear, jewelry by Steve Vaubel, beaded bags and hats imported from Germany. You'll also find a variety of gift items, everything from whimsical glass paperweights to Rockledge aluminum fruit trays and coasters made from horn.
Andrea Ward Clothier, Ltd. 47-49 Orange Street, New Haven (203-497-8561). Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. through December.
ART
Merwin's Art Shop
Merwin's Art Shop offers museum-quality framing for the rare or special work of art that needs not only a dazzling visual context, but also protection to preserve it for future generations. Acid-free mats and backings are used for museum framing along with a selection of other framing options. An extensive selection of framing molding is available. For those looking for artwork as a gift, Merwin's specializes in antique Japanese wood-block prints and offers a number of Japanese triptychs. Unusual prints of older New Haven and Yale views are hard-to-find specialties, as well as modern posters and prints.
Merwin's Art Shop, 286 York Street, New Haven (203-865-3721). Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed &Thurs, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
BOOKS, MUSIC, VIDEO
R.J. Julia Booksellers
R.J. Julia Booksellers is a warm and comfortable place to take your time picking out the perfect book for a gift. If you don't know what you want, the highly literate staff is up to the challenge. Plan to spend time and take a break in the shop's café. For grandparents, the shop offers the perfect solution: R.J. Julia will pick a book each month and send it off to your grandchild for you (it will also do the same thing for adult readers). Another specialty is helping businesses pick appropriate corporate gifts: Business books are an R.J. Julia specialty. And the shop's newsletter keeps clients appraised regarding current selections.
R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison (203-245-3959, www.rjjulia.com). Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
Clinton's Pianos
Giving a loved one a gleaming new six-foot baby grand piano makes a statement quite unlike any other. And Clinton's Pianos, a fixture of lower Whitney Avenue, has been helping clients make such musical statements since 1894. Not only is Clinton's a factory-authorized dealer for Baldwin, Young Chang, Yamaha, Kohler & Campbell, Chickering, Wurlizter, Schimmel and Schulze Pollman pianos; it also carries Disklavier, Kurzwell, Van Koevering and Clavinova digital keyboards - to say nothing of restored Steinways. The family-owned and -operated business has endured for more than a century by forging lasting relationships with customers and their instruments. Second-generation craftsmen specialize in restorations, rebuilding and refinishing. They move pianos, too.
Clinton's Pianos, 60 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, (203-562-2166). www.clintopianos.com. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. a.m.-5:30 p.m., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tues, Thurs; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. & Sat. (Also has locations in Danbury, Rocky Hill and Stamford.)
Cutler's Record's, Tapes & CD'S
Right up at the top of the endangered-species list is the independent record store. Now that all CD retail outlets look like interglactic fueling stations, first-time explorers of Cutler's will feel they've passed through a time warp into the 1950s. Cutler's hires real music mavens - the kind who can find it if you can hum it. And they've got a terrific classical section, too.
Cutler's Records & Tapes, 27 Broadway, New Haven (203-777-6271). Open 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.
CHILDREN'S MERCHANDISE
Evan's Toys, Jesse's Toys
If you are overwhelmed by the number of toys on the market and could use some personal service, these twin stores, named after the owner's sons, are the place to go. The small shops are crammed with educational and creative toys and the help will spend whatever time is needed to answer questions and make thoughtful suggestions. The shops carry a complete line of the popular Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, including many engines and a variety of tracks. Also, you'll find the Carnegie Institute dinosaur collection by Safari, string and hand puppets, creative games, books and tapes. The shops also have an extensive collection of costumes. The Rokenbok System, compatible with Lego, comes with high-tech radio-controlled vehicles - a great toy for children to share with envious parents.
Evan's Toys, 1647 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (203-230-2840) and Jesse's Toys, 185 Boston Post Road, Orange (203-799-1301), www.jessestoys.com. Holiday hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, until 5:30 Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
A Star Is Born
If you have a little girl on your shopping list - whether she be two months or 12 years old - you must visit A Star Is Born. This place can help make every little girl's dress-up fantasy come true. The atmosphere of the store is evoked perfectly by the shelf full of cone-shaped birthday party hats that greet customers as they walk through the door. The hats are pastel-colored, with fur trim, and on them are the words "Birthday Princess." Every nook and cranny of A Star Is Born is full to bursting with party dresses and accessories in all size ranges. There is rack after rack of tulle and organza full-skirted frocks in white, pink and holiday colors. Mary Janes are available in red, silver or iridescent white glitter. Dozens of different styles of ruffled anklets (trimmed with lace, pearls, ribbon, and more) accessorize the shoes on display. Hair ornaments, hats and purses are also in an abundant supply. While the store specializes in special-occasion clothes for girls, there is also a small selection of dolls, everyday girls' clothes, and dress clothes for boys.
A Star Is Born, 4133 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (203-248-9472). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 1-5 p.m. Sun.
ELECTRONIC & PHOTO EQUIPMENT
Milford Camera Shop
Founded in 1952, Milford Camera Shop sells a full line of cameras and camera equipment with most major brands available and plenty of advice to go along with the equipment. The ever-expanding computer industry has made Milford Camera Shop's high-end digital cameras a popular item. If a new camera isn't in the budget, the shop carries good quality second-hand cameras, all serviced before being sold. The shop carries camera bags, tripods and other camera equipment. And don't forget the frames and scrapbooks or specialty cards with your own picture inserted.
Milford Camera Shop, 9 River Street, Milford (203-878-0156), www.milfordcamera.com Holiday hours: Mon -Wed 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Thurs & Fri until 7 p.m., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.
FLOWERS & GARDEN
Glen Terrace
Founded in 1915, Glen Terrace specializes in green and flowering plants, which include basket gardens and elegant orchids. The biggest part of Glen Terrace's business is flower arrangements. To get you in the holiday spirit, one entire room is filled with poinsettias in all sizes and colors. Holiday wreaths and hundreds of ornaments displayed on trees throughout the shop are a seasonal favorite. If live plants and flowers aren't your thing, the shop carries silk centerpieces. A wide array of gift items range from crystal vases to candlesticks, picture frames and Colonial candles. The gift shop also carries paper goods by Caspari and has just started carrying Boyd's Bears.
Glen Terrace, 1960 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (203-288-3511). Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Sun.
Sullivan's Flower Shop
With more than 65 years of experience in the Bridgeport area, Sullivan's always has a large selection of traditional and unusual varieties of cut flowers. With distinctive designs, the shop specializes in custom dried and silk arrangements, unique European basket gardens and fruit and gourmet baskets. Sign up for Sullivan's mailing list and the staff will keep track of your important dates for you.
Sullivan's Flower Shop Ltd., 25 South Benson Road, Fairfield (800-339-7888), www.sullivansflowershopltd.com. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.
FOOD
Corey's Gift Baskets
Family-owned and -operated since 1914, Corey's carries fruit baskets laden with delectable fruits in and out of season. Many selections come with gourmet treats, imported chocolates, cheese, preserves, coffee, tea, cookies, biscuits, jams, scones mix and other goodies.
Corey's Gift Baskets, 77 Field Street, Waterbury (800-233-7848, www.coreysgifts.com). Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat.
H. Mangels Confectioners
If you have a sweet tooth, H. Mangels Confectioners is the place to go. Specializing in truffles, they are hand-made from start to finish with no preservatives and no artificial flavors. And speaking of flavors, choices range from peppermint schnapps to champagne.
H. Mangels Confectioners, 58 River Street, Milford (203-783-9770, www.hmangels.com). 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon-Sat, Thurs until 7:30 p.m. Call for holiday hours.
Creative Fruits & Baskets
Owned by Creative Flower Shop, gift baskets are a specialty. They carry everything from get well bed trays, to gourmet food baskets to a junk food basket. If you can think it up they can put it together.
Creative Fruits & Baskets, 208 Main Street, East Haven (203-469-9365, www.creative gifts.com). 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Sat.
FURNISHINGS
Kebabian's Oriental Rugs
Kebabian's Oriental Rugs is not only New Haven's oldest Oriental rug dealer - it's one of the city's oldest extant stores, period. Opened in 1882, the showroom houses an extensive collection of all-natural, vegetable-dyed, handmade rugs. Shoppers will find an endless selection of colors and styles of Persian, Indian, Chinese, Pakistani, Turkish, Caucasian, ibetan and Turkman rugs. Whether you are looking for a traditional style or a more contemporary and colorful look, the experts at Kebabian's can suggest the perfect foundation for any décor scheme. Kebabian's not only sells fine rugs, but also provides cleaning and restoration service to keep heirlooms looking like new. The store also will buy old Orientals. Kebabian's even offers free validated parking at the Connecticut Financial Center Garage and at the Elm and Orange street lots.
Kebabian's Oriental Rugs, 73 Elm Street, New Haven (800-865-7847). Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Sun.
Farm River Antiques
Since 1983 a restored firehouse has served as home to this extensive collection of original, unaltered 19th-century American furniture of the highest quality. Whether you seek an individual investment piece, decorative accessories or complete room furnishing, the knowledgeable Farm River staff is there to help. The main showrooms are spacious, allowing customers to inspect the furniture from all sides.
Farm River Antiques, 26 Broadway, North Haven (203-239-2434, www.farmriver.com). Open by appointment or chance.
Saybrook Country Barn
Here you'll find room after room of traditional and country furniture, curtains, reproduction hardware and lighting displayed in this captain's house, built in 1799. Wander through the old keeping room and up the narrow staircase to the bath shop. History combined with exquisitely decorated rooms offer a classic New England shopping experience. Don't forget to check out the Christmas section.
Saybrook Country Barn, 2 Main Street, Old Saybrook (860-388-0891, www.saybrookcountrybarn.com). Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues-Sat, until 8 p.m. Fri, noon-5:30 p.m. Sun.
GIFTS
The Connecticut Store
"Made in Connecticut" is the theme of this shop. Weather vanes, Bovano sculptures, Woodbury pewter, Waterbury buttons, Wiffle Balls, Pez candy, Liberty candles and Alynn neckwear are just a few of the Connecticut products found at the Connecticut Store.
The Connecticut Store, 120-140 Bank Street, Waterbury (800-474-6728, www.theconnecticutstore.com). Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues -Sat.
East of West
Ten years ago Bonita Stringari drove across the country looking for new and unusual work by artists and craftspeople. The result of her journey was this distinctive gift shop on the Post Road in downtown Fairfield, devoted primarily to the work of American artisans. She also carries works by some South American artists. East of West has many items made by Native American artists, including dream catchers, drums, pottery and exquisite silver jewelry. The shop also has a wide range of items made by other American crafters and artists. There is a collection of collector dolls, vases, tree ornaments, bangle bracelets - as well as carved wood items such as boxes and game boards and other items.
East of West, 1603 Boston Post Road Fairfield (203-256-8298). Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Fri until 8 p.m., closed Sun. Call for extended holiday hours.
Yale Center for British Art Museum Shop
The Yale Center for British Art museum shop carries items made, of course, in Great Britain. Cards and postcards are reproductions of artworks in the museum collection. Numerous prints as well as reproductions from the collection of works by artists such as George Stubbs and Turner & Constable can be purchased framed, and make a very elegant gift. A number of prints reflect British sporting art (tally ho!). Toys, from the classic Paddington Bear or Beatrix Potter to the more contemporary Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker and the new Wallace & Gromit, occupy a corner of the shop also stocked with handmade toys made in England. Many items in the shop are reasonably priced - from the unusual sporting art mouse pads to the more elegant picnic baskets for four. The shop also carries leather goods, burl wood frames and clocks and jewelry. Contemporary handmade glass and pottery is another shop specialty along with books that reflect the museum's collections.
Yale Center for British Art Museum Shop, 1080 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-432-2828, www.yale.edu/ycba/shop/index.htm). Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues-Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Guilford Handcraft Center
The Guilford Handcraft Center is holding its annual Artistry 2001 holiday sale, featuring works by more than 350 craft artisans from across the country, with a particular emphasis on Connecticut artists. This not-to-be-missed exhibition of some of the best artists to be found anywhere provides an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind items. Work in both functional and sculptural glass, pottery including raku, wood, fiber, quilts, jewelry and wood makes shopping a delightful challenge. For the little ones on your list, the shop carries handmade children's hats and fleece pullovers. Hand-painted scarves are the perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for. Jewelry comes in silver and gold, set with both precious and semi-precious stones, with a large quantity of high-end 14K gold.
Guilford Handcraft Center, Route 77, Guilford (203-453-5947, www.handcraftcenter.org). Holiday hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Sat in December, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Celebration of American Crafts at the Creative Arts Workshop
The 33rd annual Celebration of American Crafts is a spectacular exhibition and sale of contemporary fine crafts by more than 400 artisans from all over the U.S. The six-week event transforms New Haven's Creative Arts Workshop into an elegant, spacious display area showcasing handcrafted items, from classic to the cutting edge, priced from less than $5 to $5,000 and up. From one-of-a-kind bowls to jewelry to jackets, fiber to furniture, pottery to playthings, the Celebration of American Crafts can rightly boast to having something for every taste and budget.
Celebration of American Crafts at the Creative Arts Workshop, 80 Audubon Street, New Haven (203-562-4927, www.creativeartsworkshop.org). Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Sat, 1-5 p.m. Sun through Dec. 24.
Coynes at the Red Barn
Coynes at the Red Barn prides itself on being one-stop shopping, offering a wide selection of children's items, gifts, Christmas items, party goods, cards and hard-to-find music boxes and clothing A new addition is jewelry and fashion accessories as well as Dale of Norway sweaters for men and women. The Christmas Shop, open year-round, offers decorations such as Christopher Radko ornaments and Byers Choice Carolers. Elegant tree skirts are another specialty, along with creative and educational children's toys. Upstairs offers a wide selection of children's books. The store also creates gift baskets with gourmet foods and gourmet candy, including Joseph Schmidt chocolate from California.
Coynes at the Red Barn, 378 Amity Road, Woodbridge (203-389-2910). Open 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.
J.C. Glassworks
Traveling to the back roads from coast to coast is one way J.C. Glassworks stocks items that are out of the ordinary. Handcrafted items include mouth blown glass and ornaments. Over 70 artists are represented in the shop's handcrafted jewelry line. Wood, clocks, mechanical games, wind chimes, lots of oil lamps, thermometers, kaleidoscopes, mirrors, mobiles, candles, garden accessories - the list goes on and on. If you're looking for some wild reading glasses, J.C. Glassworks is the place to go. The shop also carries clothing, sweaters, scarves and other accessories.
J.C. Glassworks, 1098 Main Street, Branford (203-488-6615). Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily (Thurs to 7 p.m.), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, noon-4 p.m. Sun.
London Limited
Come and discover gifts for the holidays and everyday at this cozy shop. Handmade quilts are made on the premises and can be ordered to the customer's specifications. Handmade fabric creations such as hats, scarves, handbags, designer jewelry, chocolates, pottery, candles and soaps are in a wide variety at reasonable prices. Many Christmas ornaments, including hand-blown glass ornaments, make this shop a fun trip.
London Limited, 1209 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-787-4496). Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, noon-4 p.m. Sun.
Ten Thousand Villages, Gifts
Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit trading organization that provides fair income to Third Worlders by selling their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. TTV works with an estimated 50,000 artisans worldwide who would otherwise be un- or under-employed. TTV stores throughout North America are typically low-overhead affairs staffed by volunteers. TTV sells handcrafted folk art from cultures around the world. The artists draw inspiration from the natural world around them - religion, village life, family and the cycles of birth and death. Styles may range from realistic Kenyan woodcarvings of giraffes and zebras to more abstract Haitian papier-mâché and cut-metal sculptures. In Peru, TTV has helped to preserve culture by creating a market for weaving and ceramics dating back 2,000 years. Carvers of soapstone and shesham wood in India earn a livelihood while continuing ancient art traditions. In Cameroon, the instruments sold by TTV help keep real musicians alive. But the best reason to visit TTV is for the eye-popping array of folk art not to be found under one roof elsewhere.
Ten Thousand Villages, 1054 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-776-0854, www.tenthousandvillages.com). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Wed, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs-Sat, 1-5 p.m. Sun.
Wave Gallery
Wave features handmade items by some of the finest craftspeople in North America. The assortment of gift items include many one-of-a-kind pieces such as handblown bowls, vases and goblets and boldly painted furniture. Other objets de fun include jewelry, a variety of wood carved items, candlesticks, perfume bottles, specialty books and an extensive collection of candles.
Wave, 1046 Chapel Street and 9 Whitney Avenue, New Haven (888-928-3462, www.wavegallery.com). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun-Wed, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs-Sat.
Engraver's World
For the shopper looking for a personalized gift, Engraver's World offers a variety of items that can be engraved or have a plaque mounted, everything from picture frames, candle sticks, pewter bowls, crystal and wooden boxes to music boxes.
Engraver's World, 1555 Post Road, Fairfield (203-255-4432). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Sat.
JEWELRY
Sorella's
Sorella's features one-of-a-kind jewelry that is anything but common. Connecticut artist Amy Kahn Russell creates exceptional limited-edition pieces such as pins and pendants. The Wilton artist employs exotic stones in most of her pieces. Sorella's carries a little bit of everything, from exotic designer-oriented pieces to some diamond and contemporary gold and silver. The shop does some custom-designed pieces and carries beads that can be combined with the pendants and pins. Shop owner Mary Jane Panebianco likes to show people how to be creative with jewelry and how to have fun with it. She favors classic design and versatility. Other lines include pieces by Haggai from New York in 14K and 18K with colored gemstones. With the emphasis on quality, well-made pieces, you're not likely to see a Sorella piece everywhere you go.
Sorella's, 55 Main Street, Essex (860-767-0287). Open 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun. (Call for extended hours for holidays.)
Peter Indorf Jeweler
Known as a specialty jewelry designer, Peter Indorf has spent three decades creating one-of-a-kind jewelry, primarily in 18K gold and platinum. His shop carries a broad selection of rings set with diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls, all with that contemporary Indorf look. And if you are looking for a new setting for that antique piece buried in your jewelry box, Indorf has a predilection for designing pieces that fit the client. If a diamond ring isn't in the budget, the shop carries sterling silver pins and earrings, pearls and other contemporary jewelry. Indorf has many of his pieces pictured on his award-winning Web site, along with other information useful to jewelry-lovers.
Peter Indorf Jeweler, 1022 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-776-4833, 800-597-0503), 703 Boston Post Road, Madison (203-245-3320), www.peterindorf.com. Open in New Haven 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues, Wed, Fri, until 8 p.m. Thurs, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun. Madison open until &30.p.m. Fri.
SPORTING GOODS
Trailblazer
For the sports-minded, Trailblazer caters to outdoors and running enthusiasts. It carries everything from backpacks and travel bags to running shoes. If you are into spending nights under the stars, Trailblazer can fix you up with a tent and camping accessories. The store carries variety of outdoor clothing as well as equipment for the snow enthusiasts. Shopping for the sports enthusiast is easy at Trailblazer, with hundreds of items such as sunglasses, long underwear, slippers, flashlights, Swiss Army knives and other outdoor equipment. For the hard-to-fit person, Trailblazer carries Nike, New Balance, Brooks, Asics and other leading brands of running shoes and hiking boots.
Trailblazer, 296 Elm Street, New Haven (203-865-6244), 102 Broad Street, Guilford (203-458-2267) and Compo Shopping Center, 385 Post Road East, Westport (203-454-3666). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, until 8 p.m. Thurs, noon-6 p.m. Sun.
Horse Country
From the finest English leather saddles and boots to equine-themed jewelry and gifts, Horse Country has it all. Housed in a century-old store that once sold feed and grain, Horse Country has been serving the equestrian set for the past 25 years. But you won't find any Western riding stuff here; Horse Country is for hard core English-style riders. There are riding clothes for men, women and children, crops, dressage whips, cross-country equipment and a special selection of Hunter jumper equipment. There's clothing for the horse, too - blankets, sheets, rain sheets and quarter rugs. If you know your horse stuff, this is the place to find it (treats for Whinny, too). Horse Country also offers on-the-premises repairs to all leather goods including saddles and bridles, bits and whips, and custom fitting of all saddles and hardware to your steed. Oh yes, there's a fine collection of horse- and non-horse-related antiques, too. Horse Country, 150 Boston Post Road, Madison (203-245-1668). Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Tues-Sat.
Woodbridge Running Co.
This store caters to all levels and runners and fitness walkers. The staff of experienced runners offers customers a free foot and gait analysis to insure a proper fit from more than 100 styles of running and walking shoes. Customers can even "test drive" the sneakers around the parking lot before purchasing them. The staff also works with podiatrists for the proper fitting of orthotics.
Woodbridge Running Co., 7 Landin St., Woodbridge (203-387-8704). Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun.
North Cove Outfitters
This two-story, 22,000-square-foot store has been an adventure outfitter in southern New England since 1988. It features equipment and apparel for backpacking, camping, fly-fishing, hiking, canoeing and kayaking and shooting sports. There is also a wide selection of sportswear, swimwear, skiwear, footwear, books, gifts and videos.
North Cove Outfitters, 75 Main Street, Old Saybrook (860-388-6585, www.northcove.com). Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun, holidays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Baybrook Bicycles
All types of bicycles for all types of people. If your interest is mountain biking, road racing, BMX, freestyle, touring, or tandem, Baybrook's staff will find the perfect cycle and all the necessary accessories for you. With a lifetime warranty on frames, forks and parts as well as lifetime free service, there will be no excuse for your Cannondale or Giant bicycle to be idle.
Baybrook Bicycles, 243 Captain Thomas Boulevard, West Haven (203-933-4576) and 252 College Street, New Haven (203-865-2724), www.baybrookbicycles.com. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues -Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
Golfer's Warehouse
Golfer's never have enough equipment and Golfer's Warehouse carries it all, from clubs to accessories to clothing to novelties. It's one-stop shopping for everything needed to improve your game.
Golfer's Warehouse, 196 Boston Post Rd, Orange (203-799-3606, www.golferswarehouse.com). Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m, -4 p.m. Sun.
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