Your Summer Shopping Guide to New London

New London delivers giggles and class

A blend of old and new at From House Too Home

Get out your Rolodex (Google it if you don’t know what it is) and circle all the friends who have “lake houses.” This Fourth of July, give yourself permission to visit all of your special friends on the water (you know who you are), just don’t arrive empty-handed. Pick up a savory sauce, a toss pillow, a piece of wall art or the one snack that everyone is talking about, “Trailer Trash.” New London shopkeepers are full of class and a sense of humor.

Serendipity Boutique sizzles with temptation. Release your wallet and take advantage of the locally hand-painted signs from recycled barns or pick up a few laugh-out-loud magnets, perfect for a simple house gift. If you’re spending the day dockside, by all means get outfitted in a classy, comfy outfit that will allow you to sit by the fire pit for hours. Show your sense of humor and pick up a box of pickle-flavored mints; surely you’ve been looking for them.

Larks & Nightingales keeps getting better. Already known for its exquisite and tasteful lingerie, the boutique has expanded to include some of the top names in women’s wear including: Tribal, Comfy USA, Clara Sunwoo and Desigual (now out with bias-cut, sexy dresses). From slimming jeans to artsy tops, you can create a look that fits your personality. (However, if you are staying in any B&B in the area, you might want to linger in the lingerie area, IMHO.)

Book the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, The Lemon Twist Shop has everything you’ll need to dress like the rich and famous. Shoot for anything from Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, rain slickers from Hatley, and Joules clothing for land and sea (terrific mariners shirts that are thick enough for a nice sail or hanging out at a fire pit). This shop has many rooms including a markdown room, so roam about.

Sometimes getting something already worn, already broken in and washed can be a lifesaver. Wave your magic wand and discover the magic of Switchback Consignment. Here is where you’ll find some gently worn clothing, featuring clothes for every member of the family. Here’s a tip: If a town has a college and if the town is upscale, chances are you will find excellent bargains on gently worn items. You’ll find Kate Spade, Fendi and Isabella Fiore handbags.

Some say you can’t tell a book from its cover and that is the case with From House Too Home. Here is where you will find room after room with a blend of antique and popular collectables along with new items. The waist-high Betty Boop figurine, popular in the 1930s, is a steal for those who follow this animated character (1.6 million likes on Facebook). 

Gourmet Garden, an independently owned store attached to Peter Christian’s Tavern, is the place to go if you want to pick up something handmade and unique that represents all that is charming about New Hampshire and the area. Look for chocolates, herbal dips (don’t forget those potluck invites), handmade soaps, luscious candles, delightful art and more. 

Walk in to Allioops! Flowers and Gifts and you’ll want to do a cannonball into a pool. This place is full of splash and drama. The flowers stand at attention, reek with fragrance and trigger immediate smiles, oohs and ahhs.  More than anything, you can afford the fresh European bouquets, which are breathtaking, petite and priced at $15, which is less than a respectable wine. The pottery from local artist Anne Boisvert is “happy,” functional, desirable and perfect for a wedding gift.  Look for the personal care line from Bee Line and dip into the testers. Thank me later; you can’t leave without a jar of the body cream.

Pillows from Jensen & Yurich Home

Artisan’s should have a “Danger” sign posted on its door. Here is where you will find everything you didn’t know you needed. The “Trailer Trash” snack mix jumped into my basket, as did the one-serving cake mix (only add water). The wrap-around skirts (reversible) with expandable snaps for a waistline by Moshiki are fashionable, affordable and a must for anyone who has younger knees. Look for art, jewelry, accessories, bar ware, personal care products, handbags and gift ware. Artisan’s alone is worth the drive.

While Jensen & Yurich Home is a high-end home décor, event planning and florist shop that is fast making a name for itself in the New London area. This is where you’ll find Simon Pearce and all that comes with putting together a beautiful home. The shop is actually two rooms, both full of décor, with the second room also used for local functions, wine tastings, and intimate gatherings.

Are you looking for a little summer romance? The safest place to look would be along the shelves at Morgan Hill Bookstore. This independent gem is now owned by Anna and Chris Miner, and they know their books. Just tell them what you have read and they will point you to something in the same genre. The store caters to all ages and interests.