Shopping by the Lake in Wolfeboro

Dreaming of Summer in Wolfeboro

Wolfeboro is as welcoming as ice-cold lemonade on a hot, sweaty summer afternoon and, while it doesn’t seem possible it would ever happen, the first buds of spring are arriving and warmer days are ahead.  Known as “The Oldest Summer Resort in America,” Wolfeboro merchants don’t keep a calendar — their doors are open year-round simply because what they offer is that good and, more importantly, they know the community deserves it.

La Boca Bakery, celebrating its second year in business, is fast becoming a dinner guest in homes around the lake. Everything here is made from scratch, from the starter for dough to the cream in the éclairs. The bread-baking schedule is posted each week and features more than a dozen different flavors. Pastries include cookies, cakes, tarts and other diet busters like bourbon praline bread pudding. Book now for a La Boca wedding cake; the slots are filling up.

Foodies love Butternuts Good Dishes, the one-stop shop for all you need for a beautifully appointed kitchen and entertaining. Look for colorful whisks, Earth-friendly cleaning products, glassware, Fiesta dinnerware and more. The pool-ball appetizer plates are adorable. You’ll find some specialty cheeses and spreads, and always at least two kinds of freshly made soups to go.

Got young ones? Stuck on a rainy day? Black’s Paper & Gift Shop is legendary for toys, candy (the bacon-flavored mints rock), books (all kinds), gifts and every distraction possible! You’ll find lotions, accessories, greeting cards and so much more. New this year is the home décor section on the second floor. This legendary store is two floors of pure fun with something for everyone and every budget.

Emma Taylor has sophisticated, casual clothing. photo by melissa boulanger

Another cocktail party invitation? Head to Emma Taylor, where you’ll find sophisticated, casual clothing that flatters. Look for the Tribal and Habitat label — their clothes are comfy, hip and flattering. This friendly and helpful boutique carries great brands, including Brighton, Goody Goody Slippers (Mother’s Day-$47) and my favorite, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans.

Warm up at Wolfeboro Casuals, where you’ll find hundreds of colorful, thick, zip-up lake-area-themed sweatshirts and the oh-so-comfy classic Woolrich brand for men and women. Check out the very latest from the popular Vera Bradley line. Jewelry, scarves, accessories and unusual gifts abound. Get in touch with your sexy feminine side at Made on Earth, where you’ll find colorful and playful clothing for flirty nights, vacation days and afternoons out with the girls. This store is eclectic, carrying gifts, spiritual materials, incense, oils, accessories and gorgeous sheets of wrapping paper.

If you are a chocoholic, the good news is that you are going to fall in love on Main Street. The bad news, you may max out your debit card. Winnipesaukee Chocolates calls Wolfeboro home and keeps a storefront open on Main Street. Here you will discover more than 21 different flavors of the famous chocolate bar, all crafted with local and Free Trade ingredients blended to launch your mouth on a wild safari. Try a snapping turtle made of dark chocolate, caramel, coriander and pecans. It is so ridiculous you’ll be writing love letters about me to the editor.

Black’s Paper and Gift Shop offerings. photo by melissa boulanger

Clean up your act with a little bit of beer soap! Beveridge Beer and Soap Co. is just what it says, a boutique of fine-crafted and local beers and an array of soap products made with at least one ounce of beer in the ingredients. Crazy, I know, but Smuttynose, Sam Adams, White Birch and Magic Hat can’t stock enough of owner Lisa Beveridge’s soap! Look for a great selection of great beer and be sure to check out the once-a-week beer tastings.

Stroll in to The Kalled Gallery and check your pulse. Jennifer Kalled designs one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, weaving precious stones, diamonds, opals, gold and silver into art. In addition is the work of other artists and their works in sculpture, clay, glass and more. The Christopher Poly rings are gorgeous and would make a perfect gift for Mother’s Day (hint). Coming this spring is a whole line of jewelry and accessories focused totally on brides.

Step through the doors of Gatherings by Stellaloona and put on your party hat. This is where you will find one-of-a-kind candles for cakes, gifts for weddings, home décor and food for the soul. Check out the sweets (cupcakes and more) and savories (goat cheese strudel, artichoke quiche and boneless fried chicken just like grandmother used to make).