Shopping at the Lake in Wolfeboro
Fun summer shopping at the “the oldest summer resort in America.”
If GPSs came with tails, mine would be wagging its tail all the way north along Rte. 28 until I reached Wolfeboro. Known as “the oldest summer resort in America,” it is a town that is warm and beckoning. The shops along Main Street are quaint and diverse. The restaurants all have their own personalities and the shores of the lake are irresistible.
If you want to look like a million dollars this summer, then skip in to Emma Taylor and let your wallet hang out. This boutique offers a rainbow of sophisticated casual wear that can be dressed up or down. Look for wider-legged pants and “mod” trench coats from Tribal that can be worn as a tunic or over a layer. You’ll also find sheer, funky tops, swinging skirts and accessories full of flair.
Back Bay Clothing is the new shop in town, and it is getting a lot of attention because the entire store is dedicated to men who can be a little hard to read at times (really?). When he’s fixing the car, he wants to get dirty and wear rugged wear from Carhartt, Timberland and Arborwear, and then when you turn around he’s flirty, wearing cologne and dressed in khakis and an Oxford shirt. Don’t try to figure it out. Whatever your guy needs, he’ll find it here.
It’s 3 a.m. — do you know where the best baker in Wolfeboro is? La Boca Bakery is where you’ll find your morning toast, sandwich bread and dinner rolls. Each day features a “bread of the day” with a big demand for the sourdough, which is being made with a four-year-old starter. The herb crisps crackers are new and the flavored butters (black truffle, honey orange and garlic-parsley) are a giggle for a foodie. The sweets are endless. Look for triple ginger biscotti, lemon curd cake, lemon mousse, anything mousse, coconut rum cakes and more. The croissants are so buttery and flaky they’ll leave you with a French accent.
Fire up the grill, Mill Street Meat Market is the hottest place in town for amazing meats, fresh fish and even a little celebrity watching. Summer brings in slow-cooked brisket, savory pulled pork and a vacationing late-night television host (Jimmy Fallon) who happens to love hamburgers. This is a one-stop shop; you’ll find fresh veggies, cold beer, a nice selection of wines and a super-pumped staff.
It’s just not summer without a long bike ride, and the journey begins right on Main Street at Nordic Skier Sports. This is where everyone comes to get their bikes, gear, tune-ups, helmets, bike accessories and even baskets for handlebars. Look for top brands, including the “Specialized” for road and touring. Check out the new rage — fat bikes with wide tires that take you everywhere.
Want a shop that knocks your socks off? In the same space as Nordic Skier Sports is the WinnipeSOCKee Sock Company, where you’ll find an assortment of laugh-out-loud socks for the whole family. If it can be printed on a pair of socks, you’re likely to find it here. Look for popcorn, mustaches, French fries, hamburgers, dinosaurs and more. Stand by, we’re sure they’ll have bacon socks shortly.
Get your beach chair, shades, cooler and pop into The Country Bookseller and pick up a steamy romance novel or something more thought-provoking on the indie seller’s book list. The staff picks are always a great place to start. The shop features a comfy children’s section and the ever-so-popular Book Nook Café serving up iced coffees, smoothies, gelato and locally made sweets. You never know what local authors might be mulling around the shop. Keep your eyes peeled.
Butternuts Good Dishes is as welcoming as a grandmother’s kitchen. There’s always at least two soups in the kettle as well as freshly prepared food for takeout. You’ll also find some specialty food items, gourmet foods, cheeses and anything your little heart desires for your kitchen. The cooking selection of spices and rubs would have Emeril doing somersaults.
The Kalled Gallery is where Wolfeboro sparkles and, while there are plenty of gems and diamonds and stones, there are also jewelry cases full of brass and aluminum (do-not-tarnish) pieces that are imaginative, playful and affordable. New this year is a line of wedding rings that are called “alternative,” which cater to the bride who embraces the unique. Also inside the shop you’ll find some bold and beautiful travel jackets. These stunning pieces fold into a ball for travel and are very flattering. Take your time in here; this is truly an art gallery.
There is nothing like a bargain and, if you’re patient, you will find one at ReThreads. This consignment shop is filled to the brim. If you dig deep, you will find many items still with tags or at least hardly worn. The Cole Haan all-leather bag for just $75 should have found its way home with me. The $20 Stuart Weitzman pumps, size 8, are a steal. The shop also carries menswear.
