Hillsborough Treasures: Shopping in Hillsborough Center

Don’t fall victim to the bypass through Hillsborough. The town and its historic Hillsborough Center deserve a place on your fall foliage tour and quest for shopping. Featured Shop: Central Square EmporiumBegin your day with a Schnecken from German John’s Bakery, 5 West Main St., and then head next door to Central Square Emporium for some “around the world” shopping featuring items from Asia, Russia, Turkey, India, Egypt, Africa and more. From floor (Oriental carpets) to ceiling (paintings by local artist Sieglanide “Sissi” Shattuck), you can’t help but marvel at what owners Kim and Jack Wells have brought together from their around-the-world travels. Check out the old-fashioned ice cream shop next door, too. For more information call (603) 464-3812.What’s NewAntiques and BoutiquesWindsor Cottage Antiques, 289 Second NH Tnpk. (478-0930), is where to plunk down for an afternoon of strolling room to room through this old home full of antiques. Exquisite Wedgwood Queen Ware, milk glass, old irons and more. Don’t miss the vintage clothing selection where you’ll find lots of dresses from the 1960s ($10 to $20).Don’t forget the growing young ones in your life. Look for gently used snow pants, winter jackets and sweaters along with adult clothing at the newly opened Bullfrogs & Butterflys Boutique, 158 W. Main St.The UniqueStumped finding a great gift for someone who has everything? How about a wall-mounted ’50s-style wall Wurlitzer 200-play juke box? Sneak in to PIEXX, 13 Main St., and check out what’s hanging around this working electronics fix-it store. Collectors come for fixed-up old antique radios, refurbished Slave clocks from the 1930s and other electronics.The Artist-iqueDon’t miss Historic Hillsborough Center, three miles north of downtown Hillsboro. Gibson Pewter, 18 E. Washington Rd., is where you’ll find second-generation pewterer Jonathon Gibson creating art (his work is in the Boston Museum of Fine Art and the Smithsonian!). Once you see what’s involved in this specialized craft, the price won’t matter.Pop over to Gallery at Well Sweep, 584 Center Rd., and stroll through this inviting barn overflowing with the work of Hillsborough Area Artisans including Jane Pinel and Bob Lint. Glenn Vilppu, internationally known draftsman and instructor in drawing and painting, will hold A Life Drawing Workshop Sept. 24-28. For information call (603) 464-6585.More photos from this month’s featured shop