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Brewster Book Store This delightful little shop is filled to the brim with hardcover and paperback books with a strong local-author and local-interest section and a terrific children's section. It also sells unusual cards and stationery. The shop holds regular book signings, especially with local authors, and offers a story time for little ones on Tuesday mornings. It's open daily. Brewster General Store Erected as a Unitarian church in 1852, The Brewster General Store is a landmark and a tradition. Revered by locals and visitors alike, it's a friendly, take-your-time kind of place where you grab a cup of coffee, a doughnut, and a newspaper and sit out on the porch on one of the benches (actually old church pews) and watch the world go by. You can also buy linens, mugs, teapots, cookbooks, jams, and T-shirts, among a great assortment of items. Children love coming in to pick out penny candy and put dimes in the turn-of-the-century player piano that gives the place a rollicking ragtime sound. On Sunday mornings the store fills up with folks getting their papers, and the coffee flows. Upstairs you'll find antique linens, old milk bottles, sheet music, books, artwork, and other unique items. In summer, the shed in the back of the store opens as The Brewster Scoop, serving up the finest in ice cream and low-fat yogurt. The shop is open daily. The Cook Shop This store has enough cooking implements, gourmet foods, gadgets, and decorative items to keep you browsing for hours. You'll find top-of-the-line cookware, coffee makers, waffle irons, gourmet foods, and everything you need to impress your friends in the kitchen. Don't miss the second floor, which is packed with dinnerware, cutlery, containers, baskets, and linens. The shop is open daily. The Great Cape Cod Herb, Spice
& Tea Company Proprietor Stephan Brown runs the Cape's only all-natural herbal apothecary in a rambling old stable. Here, more than 170 Western and Chinese herbs are stored in glass containers on rough-hewn shelves. You'll also find books on herbs and natural healing. Brown grows many of the herbs himself and uses them in his unique holistic teas, which, he claims, might cure such ailments as urinary tract problems, ulcers, sinusitis, and sleep disorders. Brown also offers classes in natural healthcare and plant and weed identification walks around his property. The shop is open daily. Handcraft House One of our favorites, Handcraft House (which really is in a former residence) serves as a showcase for owner Eileen Smith's beautiful watercolors, many of them Cape landscapes. But it also carries a variety of fine, handcrafted items largely by New England craftspeople. You'll find colorful hand-woven scarves, iron-forged candlesticks, wood marquetry boxes, glass suncatchers and jewelry, among many other items. The shop is open daily in season, on weekends in late fall and is closed from January to mid-April. Hopkins House You may have a hard time distinguishing between the old and the new in this shop, located in a historic home and filled with a blend of antiques, reproductions, and folk art by owner Mary Beth Baxter, who has a knack for creating paintings that look as if they've been waiting a century for you to discover them. Her delightful designs turn up on wood, furniture, Christmas ornaments, cards, and even T-shirts. The attached bakery, run by Baxter's daughter, sells irresistible scones, muffins, sticky buns, and breads. Check out the themed herb and flower gardens out front--one planted specifically to attract butterflies--and the Potting Shed out back for plants. The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday through Christmas, and closed January to mid-May. La Bodega This shop not only has lovely and unusual women's clothing, but a wide array of beautiful imported jewelry and gifts. In fact, it began with more of an emphasis on jewelry and gifts, but has gradually shifted its focus to clothing and accessories. Owners Nancy and Foster Phillips, who launched the shop in 1982 (its first location was in Dennis), travel extensively and bring back treasures to sell in the shop, mostly from Mexico and South America. The shop is open year-round. Lemon Tree Pottery Opened in 1965, this shop has over the years, blossomed into a showcase of pottery, ceramics, jewelry, and other beautiful things. One specialty is very evident outside the shop and throughout the Lemon Tree complex of shops: lawn ornaments--everything from fountains to rabbits and cats. The shop also sells terra cotta herb markers, dream catchers, wonderful jewelry, ceramics, and hand-dipped tapers. The shop is open daily. Linda's Originals The Yankee Craftsmen Perched side-by-side on a hill, these two stores have been delighting collectors for a decade. Linda's Originals carries a wide range of hand-painted clothing and handcrafted items and the largest selection of afghans on the Cape. The store is also home to the Cats Meow, a captivating collection of miniature handcrafted buildings. (This is the only place in the country where you can buy items from the Cats Meow Cape Cod Collection, such as the Cape Playhouse, Scargo Tower, and the Chatham Lighthouse.) The Yankee Craftsmen truly lives up to its name: The rooms abound with collectible items made by crafters from the Cape and worldwide. It also has one of the largest collections of Byers Choice Carolers in the country as well as Harbour Lights lighthouses. In the summer, be sure to visit the lavish, award-winning flower gardens. The shops are open daily. Punkhorn Books At first glance, you may think you've walked into a library. Owner David Luebke keeps his antiquarian books arranged in neat rows, according to the Dewey Decimal System. The Luebkes run the bookstore out of the ground floor of their house, and they specialize in fine arts, biographies, natural history, and the history of Cape Cod. They also have a fine selection of rare prints and maps. From June through October the bookshop is open daily except Monday. In the off-season it's open by appointment only. The Strawberry Patch This red-shuttered old horse barn is the exclusive home of Hand-tiques, the name owner Mary Anne Boyd coined for her unique array of gifts. Many of the goods are displayed in antique display cases: a cast-iron stove holds cookie cutters and old post office boxes cradle candles. In business more than 25 years, the shop carries lovely U.S.-made cotton throws, pillows, and tablecloths, along with kitchenware, dolls, gifts, candy, and Christmas decorations. Befitting a former equine home, the shop features several selling stalls, including the Teacher Stall (everything for a teacher or classroom) and the Fabric Stall (fabrics and other sewing necessities, including a wide array of threads stored in 1800s thread cases). A separate sale barn offers first-quality goodies at discounts of up to 50 percent. The Strawberry Patch is open daily. Sydenstricker Galleries The colors are bold and bright, the designs sharp and striking. The glass made here is so dazzling that several American embassies serve dessert to their guests on Sydenstricker plates, inspired by the art of ancient Egypt. Two sheets of glass are fitted into a terra cotta mold; the first sheet is decorated by sifting powdered glass through a stencil. A five-hour fusing locks in the color. Choose from dishes in various sizes (some with a signature rippled edge), complete place settings, rectangular serving plates, candy dishes, even ashtrays. Two showcases are filled with glass paperweights. You can watch the glass being made Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 2:30 PM. The shop is open daily. Allen Harbor Nautical Gifts Even landlubbers will enjoy the incredible selection of items found here. There are jigsaw puzzles and calendars commemorating various Cape Cod landmarks, T-shirts, watches and jewelry (including an unusual charm bracelet that spells out "I love you" in colorful cloisonné ship flags), doormats, and decorative household treats. Allen Harbor also sells a great selection of tide clocks and wind and weather instruments. The shop, which also does mail order, is closed weekends during the off-season except at Christmastime.
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Cape Cod Bonsai
Studio Owner Michael Novik has planted his love and
knowledge of gardening in Harwich, and the results are growing beyond
belief. On this studio's sparkling clean shelves are an abundance of
bonsai trees--dwarf juniper, elm, boxwood, and Japanese cherry--and
tropical plants for sale in individual ceramic planters or in meticulously
arranged groupings. You can also purchase accessories, including training
wire, traditional ceramic planters, and selected pieces of suiseki, stone
forms resembling mountains that are also used as planters. The prices are
reasonable, and Novik's helpful advice will allay any fears non-green
thumbers may have. He also offers courses and workshops in bonsai care and
training. It's open by appointment in the off-season. Cape Cod Cooperage The Cooperage is a step back in time and a must-see
for anyone who wants a glimpse of living Cape Cod history. This big old
barn is the only place where cranberry barrels and rough-sawed fish boxes
(both used today by people as storage containers) are made by hand, just
as they were more than 100 years ago. The store also offers an incredible
selection of hand-painted furniture and staves, every conceivable
arts-and-crafts notion, bevies of birdhouses, and old-fashioned kids'
toys, such as pull-along ducks and rabbits and hobbyhorses. Adjoining is a
genuine blacksmith shop where, every Saturday afternoon in July and
August, you can watch blacksmith Robert Jordan making fences and kitchen
tools. During season, you can also buy fresh-picked cranberries. It's open
daily all year. Cinnamon Stick Cinnamon Stick--also known as Andrea's Cinnamon
Stick for proprietor Andrea Evangelista-- still has the same homespun,
cozy atmosphere it's had for more than a decade, but lots more of it! The
shop offers a huge selection of bears, both stuffed and resin, including
Boyds Bears, North American Bear's Muffy Bear, and the locally created
Marsh Bears. You'll also find prints, cards, calendars, books, pottery,
scrimshaw, and Christmas ornaments, along with collectibles such as Nelson
Stock villages. The shop is open year-round, daily in summer and Wednesday
through Sunday in winter. Honeycomb Hollow If you love candles, you shouldn't miss this shop,
where owner Judy Bissonette makes beeswax candles by hand. You'll find not
only rolled tapers but also handmade scented beeswax jar candles and
votive candles. Other beeswax and honey products, including skin care
products, hand-dipped chocolates and honey bears, line the shelves. The
shop is located in the Khorikian Plaza not far from the Dennis line. It's
open daily all year. Monahan and Company The oldest family-owned jewelry store in the
country, Monahan still carries on the tradition started by founder
Jeremiah Monahan in 1815: quality jewelry at fair prices. Monahan and Co.
designs and manufactures hundreds of styles of Nautical and Seashore
related jewelry. They also custom design nautical pieces in 14K and 18K
gold and platinum. Monahan and Co. is open daily May through October and
weekends in the off-season. The Potted Geranium Every room of older Cape Cod house is filled with
wonderful home accessories, folk art, crafts, and gifts. It's the kind of
shop that puts you in a good mood the moment you walk in the door. You'll
find such items as pewter bookmarks made in Chatham, locally produced
weathervane Christmas ornaments, hand-painted mirrors, baskets, ceramics,
linens, and even paper jewelry. If a new mom or baby is on your gift list,
visit the baby room for blankets, layettes, clothes, and wooden toys. The
former kitchen makes a fitting home for flavored teas and coffees, kitchen
utensils and linens, and a sampling of jellies and jams from the Chatham
Jam and Jelly Shop. Open daily in season, the shop is closed during the
month of March and Wednesdays in the off-season. Sea Street Books This shop may be small, but it's got enough
material for hours of browsing. We love the notes you'll find in selected
books with comments and anecdotes that make deciding on a book much
easier. It's also nice that the shop discounts books currently on the New
York Times Bestseller List (25 percent off hardcovers, 10 percent off
paperbacks). And, it has a great children's section, complete with a small
table and chairs, a basket of crayons, and paper for little ones to draw
on. That explains the many children's drawings hanging throughout the
store. You'll also find tapes and compact discs of classical and jazz
music. It's open daily 10 AM to 5 PM. Wychmere Book and Coffee This lovely shop, opened in 1997, is roomy and
organized and provides a cozy sitting area with self-serve coffee and
cookies--refreshments are on the honor system, just leave your money in
the teapot! Curl up in one of the inviting window seats if the resident
cat hasn't claimed them. Along with a great assortment of bestsellers, and
new and classic books, the shop sells cards and gifts and hosts regular
author appearances and book discussions. It's open daily in summer and
closed Tuesdays in the off-season. Yankee Doodle Shop For more than 45 years, this has been one Yankee
Doodle Dandy of a shop! Room after room of finished and unfinished quality
country furniture, all made right on the premises, are offered at prices
so low you'll question the price tag. The front porch, for instance, is
home to at least 12 kinds of rockers, with prices averaging $75. Yankee
Doodle markets a wide selection of cast-iron doorstops and reproduction
mechanical banks, hard-to-find wooden cupolas, folk art--even authentic
spinning wheels! In the off-season it's open Friday and Saturday only. Amazing Lace In 1989 Donna Burns gave her store a proper name:
It is amazing, and it is full of lace. And so much more. Vintage clothing
fans will have a field day here. We also loved the collection of
turn-of-the-century folding fans--a steal at $75 each! The shop also
offers a nice selection of 1930s tablecloths and chenille bedspreads, just
like the ones Grandma used to have. In January and February it's open
weekends only or by appointment. Ben Franklin This is one of an increasingly rare breed of retail
shop: an old-fashioned five-and-dime store. It carries a wide variety of
merchandise, from art supplies and toys to greeting cards, mugs, and
T-shirts. We love to come here because it looks, feels, and even smells
like the stationery-variety store we remember from childhood. Kids
gravitate to this shop because it sells baseball cards, model kits, and
basics such as Play-Doh and Silly Putty, and adults like it because it
sells grown-up basics such as desk blotters, calendars, and magazines. The
shop is closed Sunday in the off-season. Cabbages & Kings Books What a delightful shop! It has one of the largest
children's sections we've come across in any bookstore and sells toys as
well. We always have a tough time getting our little ones out of this
store. Adults will appreciate not only the nice selection of quality books
but also the unique greeting cards and stationery. The store will even
gift wrap. It's open daily year-round. |
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Chatham
Candy Manor People from all over the world have visited Chatham
Candy Manor for the caloric concoctions that they make in small batches
then hand-dip every day in the same tradition started 54 years ago by the
store's founder, Naomi Turner. The selection is endless: chocolate-dipped
fruits (including apricots, strawberries, and pineapples in dark or milk
chocolate), hazelnut puree and chocolate treats shaped like scallops, and
our favorite: cranberry cordials (fresh fruit melded with bonbon creme and
liqueur, then covered with pure chocolate). Even the barley lollipops are
kettle-cooked and poured by hand. When holiday season comes around, watch
for demonstrations of candy-cane making. Mail order is available; call for
a brochure and price list. The shop is open daily. Chatham Cookware Serious cooks will find everything they need, from
wooden soup bowls to fancy potholders, along with pretty accessories to
brighten their kitchens. There are hand-painted ceramic bowls and mugs,
bright dish towels, napkins and tablecloths, and top-of-the-line cookware,
among a wide assortment of other items. The store also houses a small
bakery in the front where you can get scones, muffins, cookies, and other
goodies, all made on the premises. In the rear of the store is a small
cafe where you can feast on an ever-changing array of soups and sandwiches
on delicious home-baked breads. Open nearly all year, the shop is open
daily right through Christmas, usually closes for part of January, and may
be closed on Tuesdays in February. Chatham Jam and Jelly Shop You can't leave Cape Cod without a jar of beach
plum jam, and this is just the place to get it. The shop, in a residential
area just off Mass. Rt. 28, sells more than 75 varieties of homemade
preserves, and several concoctions (wild beach plum, cranberry, and wild
blackberry) are from fruit handpicked on Cape Cod. The shop offers--even
encourages--taste sampling, so you can't go wrong. Gift sets and mail
order are available. It's open Monday through Friday. The Dead Zone Since 1990 The Dead Zone has been paying homage to
the legion of Deadheads--devout followers of the band The Grateful Dead.
Inside you'll find reminders of the '60s and '70s: tie-dyed clothes in
wild colors, irreverent bumper stickers, incense, and love beads. The shop
is open daily. Pentimento This shop has wonderful ambiance--maybe it's the
fact that it sells indulgent items such as luxurious sweaters and blouses,
pretty blank journals, fine stationery, scarves, and jewelry. It also
carries delightful children's books, whimsical picture frames, and home
accessories. It's closed January, February, and March. Scrimshaw by Marcy Animal activists need not worry: The scrimshaw sold
here is antique and was made long before any whale protection laws were
put into effect. There's a nice selection, including whales' teeth with
elaborate engravings and what are known as Sailor's
Valentines--octagon-shaped boxes with elaborately decorated shell lids
that natives on Barbados made and gave to sailors, who in turn gave them
to loved ones upon their return home. The "scrimshaw" bookmarks,
made from antique ivory piano keys, make unique gifts and are a great
bargain at $20; a catalog of designs is available. It's open Monday
through Saturday from May to Columbus Day, and by chance or appointment
the rest of the year. The Whale's Eye Housed in an old barn, The Whale's Eye has an array
of beautifully hand-painted furniture and mirrors. All the work is by
Suzanne and John Rocanello, who opened the shop in the barn adjacent to
their home in the late 1970s and soon after began marketing their
creations at craft shows all over the Cape (see our Annual Events
chapter). At the shop, you'll see chests, boxes, tables, and mirrors, many
painted with nautical scenes. The Rocanellos do a lot of custom work, and
if you bring in a fabric swatch or wallpaper strip, they'll be happy to
use colors that will work with your decor. The shop is open daily in
summer and a bit sporadically in spring and fall. "If the barn door
is open, we're here," says Suzanne, but it's best to call first. It's
open by appointment only in winter. Yankee Ingenuity Half gallery, half gift shop, Yankee Ingenuity
carries unusual items in a wide range of prices, making it an ideal place
to shop for a gift for any occasion. You'll find hand-carved animal
figurines with fishing poles in their paws and fish dangling from their
lines, unusual mirrors, clocks, and desk accessories, oversized stuffed
animals, even Tiffany-style lamps. The shop is filled with interesting and
beautiful things, from Impressionist-print umbrellas to jewelry, letter
openers, and desk chimes. It's open daily. Yellow Umbrella Books Yellow Umbrella has been offering locals and
tourists the latest in fiction and nonfiction bestsellers, used books, and
works by local authors since 1979. The store also has an extensive section
on books about Cape Cod. It carries rare and out-of-print books, used
hardcover and paperback books, and will do special orders. Be sure to
visit the outdoor bargain racks--any book is a buck. It's open daily
year-round. The Baseball Shop Score a home run every time if you're looking for
the latest in all things baseball. The store stocks more than 1,000
different baseball caps as well as trading cards, bumper stickers,
autographed material, and select clothing. It's open year-round, daily in
season and closed Tuesdays in winter. Beth Bishop Locals will tell you that Beth Bishop "is
always in style." Known for its service and wide selection of
fine-quality dresses, sportswear, beachwear, sleepwear, and outerwear,
it's been a favorite Cape-wide clothing store since 1985. At Beth Bishop
you can create a wardrobe of great pieces that work alone or together,
from weekday to weekend. The shop is open year-round. Bird Watchers' General Store This is a store for the birds--literally. Since
1983 owner Mike O'Connor's entire focus is on the needs of both birds and
bird watchers. This is the place to buy a bird feeder--the store carries
more than 100, not to mention tons of bird feed to fill them! You can't be
a bird watcher without binoculars, and Bird Watchers' carries some 40
types. It also stocks a comprehensive selection of bird books, T-shirts,
socks, door knockers, welcome mats, sun catchers, magnets, gift wrap, and
note cards--all centered around birds. Even if you aren't into our
feathered friends, you must stop here: Tell the super-friendly staff a
joke, and they'll give you a gift. Now that's something to crow about! The
shop is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Booksmith/Musicsmith This is a great place to shop if you're into books
and your other half is into music. You'll both be happy browsing here, as
half the store is devoted to hardcover and softcover books, and the other
half to compact discs and tapes. The store also sells calendars,
magazines, cassettes, and videos, and has a great children's corner in
back, complete with a small table and chairs where little ones can sit and
read. It's open daily year-round. Compass Rose Bookstore A roomy shop with a friendly, helpful staff,
Compass Rose features a great collection of books, along with cards,
stationery, date books, and neat items such as rubber stamps and magnetic
poetry. It's nicely arranged and even has a small sitting area. Compass
Rose holds frequent book signings and other events and is open daily. Crazy Horse Tack and Gift Shop Horse-crazy folks around here come galloping to
this shop, which sells all sorts of equine products, from saddles and
bridles to riding apparel, jewelry, and toys. There's a nice selection of
gift items such as coffee mugs, key chains, and books, so if you've got a
horse lover on your gift list, this is the place to go. The shop sells
both English and Western tack and apparel and also carries plenty of horse
care products. It's open year-round. |
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Focalpoint Studio For 26 years, Focalpoint has been specializing in
family portraits, which are often done at the beach. If you're vacationing
what better way to remember your stay here? Local photographer/owner Bob
Tucker has created traditional portraits for hundreds upon hundreds of
families and sparkling candids at more than 500 weddings. Focalpoint will
also produce photo images on T-shirts, mouse pads, and other items. They
offer framing services, color laser copies, and fax service. It's open
year-round. The Goose Hummock Shop Outdoor enthusiasts find The Goose Hummock Shop
ideal for one-stop shopping. From bait and fishing equipment to camping
gear, firearms, clothing, canoes, kayaks, and bicycles, it's all sold and
serviced by a knowledgeable staff either here or in the store right behind
the main one. Don't need any sand eels today? Then stop in for a tides
chart and map--they're free! The shop is open daily. Kemp Pottery Here's your chance to see a potter at work, as this
is not only Steve Kemp's store but also his studio, and has been since
1978. His varied designs, often inspired by nature, include lamps, sinks,
tiles, bird feeders, fountains, and sculpture, and many of them are made
with Nauset Beach sand. Kemp also does unique bas relief signs, several of
which can be seen at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster.
His functional pieces, including dinnerware, are Kid & Kaboodle At last, a store that sells good children's
clothing at reasonable prices! Whether you need a gift for a baby shower,
play clothes for your toddler, or a christening gown for your grandchild,
this is the place to come. If you're shopping with little ones, they can
play with the toys in the back room while you browse, but don't forget to
visit that room yourself, as it's filled with great bargains! Kid &
Kaboodle also carries maternity clothes and rents baby furniture. It's
open daily. Oceana If you love beautiful things, you'll want to browse
here. It's the kind of shop that inspires you to slow down and take your
time, so tranquil is the ambiance. Oceana carries lovely jewelry,
candlesticks, nature books and original art, wall hangings, rugs, and
hand-painted tables, along with many other items. One unique creation that
makes a great gift is an Oceana mussel shell wreath, either circular or
heart-shaped and available in several sizes. A children's corner is filled
with nature-oriented toys, rubber stamps, and wooden toys. Don't miss this
shop; it's open daily. Orleans Whole Foods Store This is a true health food store, where you can buy
grains and cereals in bulk, and purchase freshly ground peanut butter,
vitamins, and a wide variety of organic products, including produce. It's
also a great place to grab a quick lunch, as the store makes healthy
sandwiches, soups, and sometimes pizza--sit on the bench out front and
watch the world go by. But don't overlook its gift shop potential: this
good-for-you shop carries a nice selection of books, with an emphasis on
spiritual topics, self-help themes, and cooking; lovely, unusual greeting
cards; and Crabtree & Evelyn soaps and lotions--not to mention
calendars and T-shirts. It's open daily. XO Clothing Shop We confess: We didn't really want to tell you about
this shop, which sells quality women's clothing at fabulously low prices.
It's one of those shops you only tell your best friends about. But owner
Diane Smith does such a good job keeping up with her inventory that we
figure there must be room for a few more Insiders to discover her shop.
Not only are the prices great, but Diane and her staff are friendly and
helpful. The Chocolate Sparrow Anyone who appreciates really good chocolate will
love this shop--the aroma alone is heavenly. You'll find excellent fudge,
hand-dipped chocolates, and decadent truffles, all made here. If you come
at the right time, you can watch them being made. The Chocolate Sparrow
also has a Wellfleet location, (508) 349-1333, open only in summer, and a
coffee bar-chocolate shop in Orleans, The Hot Chocolate Sparrow (see our
Restaurants chapter). The shop is open daily. Collectors' World This is one of those shops where you'll find
yourself wandering around and losing all track of time. The shop carries
both antique and new collectibles, including dolls, gnomes, model cars,
lighthouses, and cottage figurines. It also sells quality jewelry and
unusual wooden toys for children. The shop is open year-round, but hours
are sporadic in winter. The Glass Eye We love browsing in this lovely shop on a sunny
day, when light gleams off all the colored glass. And when it's cloudy,
this shop will brighten your day. All the stained-glass work displayed in
the gallery is by owner John Knight, but the shop also carries blown
glass, handcrafted jewelry and gift items from a variety of other artists,
many of them local. In addition to glasswork, the gallery sells wonderful
handmade paper creations by co-owner Donna Knight, who often offers
papermaking demonstrations. Be sure to visit the working stained-glass
studio downstairs. Scrap glass is free for the asking, and you can even
take lessons in the off-season. The shop is open daily through Christmas,
and closed on Sundays from January to spring. Grandmother's Attic This children's bookshop sells wonderful children's
books and educational toys. New owner Susie Howard, who bought the shop in
May 1997, has broadened the selection of teachers' books and games, and
added a tutoring center upstairs. An illustrator and mother of five, Ms.
Howard knows what children like and stocks her shelves accordingly. The
shop also hosts free author appearances and professional storytellers two
evenings a week in summer and on Saturday afternoons in the off-season.
The shop is open Monday through Saturday in summer, and closed Mondays in
winter. Kristi Klein Originals Although this shop also carries jewelry and
accessories, the real attraction is Kristi Klein's Children of the World
tapestry design, featured in vests, jackets, luggage, pillows, and
Christmas stockings. It's a beautiful design, charming yet classy, and a
donation to children's charities is made on all sales. The shop is open
daily. Sunken Meadow Basketworks&
Pottery In an airy studio set among pine trees is a
collection of gorgeous handmade baskets created by owners Hugh and
Paulette Penney, who focus on form rather than function. Some are
functional as well, but that's secondary to the rich colors, patterns, and
textures they feature. Hugh Penney's unique basketry wall hangings are
beautiful, incorporating grape vines for a wild, natural look ideal for
giving any room a focal point with both color and texture. You'll also
find pinch pottery and handmade jewelry by Paulette at very reasonable
prices. The shop is open year-round, daily in spring, summer, and fall but
with more sporadic hours in winter, when you'll want to call first. The Eclectic Company This aptly named shop offers a diverse assortment
of unusual home accessories, clothing, and jewelry. You'll find darling
hand-painted furniture, colorful ceramics, linens, and unique accents for
your home, such as die-cut house numbers made from house-shaped pieces of
black steel. It's open daily in summer and on weekends in spring and fall;
the shop closes after Columbus Day and reopens again in May. Herridge Books The books here are in such great shape that many
customers cannot believe they are used. The store stocks the very best in
dozens of genres from architecture to zoology. Don't miss the lower level,
reached via a yellow stairway with an unusual handrail made from an oar;
you'll find some wonderful old volumes there. Bird lovers will relish the
limited-edition Audubon prints that are based on originals and sanctioned
by the Audubon Society. Don't forget to check out the small but delightful
collection of hand-colored postcards sitting at the front register.
Herridge Books is open daily in summer, weekends only in late fall, and
closed January to mid-April. |
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Jules Besch
Gallery Proprietor Michael Tuck's store bears testimony to
his belief that letter writing need not be a lost art. Glorious blank and
versed cards for everyday and special occasions line the walls of his
gallery, along with beautifully colored blank stationery sold by the
sheet. Wooden racks hold luxurious wrapping paper, also sold by the sheet.
The gallery also carries an array of inkwells and ink, and fountain and
quill pens. You'll also find handcrafted mirrors, framed with scraps of
driftwood, shards of broken Blue Delft china, lobster claws, skate egg
cases, and other seashore treasures. It's closed in January, open weekends
only from mid-February through mid-May, and keeps regular hours the rest
of the year. The Kite Gallery The sky's the limit in this festival of everything
fancy and high-flying. The pickings are far from slim: The shop has a huge
selection of professional stunt kites, single-line kites, and colorful
(and, in some cases, elaborate) windsocks and flags. The Kite Gallery is
closed in the off-season. Salt Marsh Pottery Katherine Stillman's wheel-thrown pottery has a
free and easy quality to it. Most of the plates and cups are designed with
free-form pears (a homage to the pear tree in front of her studio,
perhaps?) and abstract designs. All her wares are lead-free and can go
from oven to dishwasher. We also give Katherine credit for her open-door
policy: If you want to buy something and she's not there, simply leave
cash or fill out a charge slip. Her trust is as beautiful as her pottery. The Secret Garden It's not a secret any longer: This two-story garden
is overrun with charming garden art, folk art, twig love seats, garden
goodies, crushed-velvet hats, birdhouses, animal marionettes, and an
eclectic selection of jewelry. Kids go bonkers for the animal- and
fish-shaped change purses from Tibet. The Wellfleet Collection This gallery/shop is a delightful browse. Filled
with tastefully arranged artwork, quilts, pottery, folk art, linens,
jewelry, and antiques, the shop represents the works of largely New
England-based artists and craftspeople, including Cape artists. Open daily
Memorial Day to Columbus Day, it's open Saturdays in late fall through
Christmas and closed January to Easter, when it reopens for weekends. Wellfleet Flea Market This outdoor extravaganza and Cape Cod institution
since 1957 features up to 300 vendors selling everything from imported
dresses, leather bags, and fleece vests to used books, antiques, and
handmade furniture, all at great prices. Items we've found here include
old license plates, new sweatshirts, designer men's shirts, used paperback
books, great old prints, and shampoo! It's open from 8 AM to 4 PM on
Saturday and Sunday mid-April through October. During July and August the
Flea Market is open Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. It's also
open on holiday Mondays! Admission is $1 per carload and $2 per carload on
Saturdays and Sundays in season, June 27 to Sept 5. If you stay long
enough to get hungry, you can grab a bite at the snack bar. There are
restrooms for your convenience too. Many of the vendors accept credit
cards; many are also open to price haggling. West Main Books This small bookstore, in business since 1972, packs
a remarkable 14,000 volumes into two rooms. Because of the limited space,
owner Joanna Fabris carefully selects each book so that she has the best
of the best in each category. There is something for everyone from poetry
to travel to children's books. During the summer West Main Books hosts
book parties and readings. The shop is open year-round, daily in June,
July, and August, most every day in the off-season, and only on Friday and
Saturday in the winter. Atlantic Spice Company Trust us when we say we're going to send you
someplace spicy. This warehouse sells row after row of spices and herbs,
from allspice to vanilla beans and everything in between. You can buy in
bulk (1- or 5-pound packages), or if you're unsure of the potency of a
particular spice, you can buy a smaller sampler bag or ask for a taste.
Atlantic also sells a wide range of teas (loose and in tea bags), shelled
nuts, seeds, and baking items. The shop is open Monday through Saturday
all year. Susan Baker Memorial Museum Everyone has a right to his or her own
idiosyncrasies, and Susan Baker is no exception. Not wanting to wait until
she died to have her own memorial museum, she opened this pop palace in
1984. Once you spot Susan's work, you won't forget her startling and
brightly colored pieces that are sometimes three-dimensional, sometimes
satirical, sometimes in the form of printed booklets (her oh-so-cute but
crudely drawn cats and dogs are big sellers). Who says art can't be fun?
The shop is open daily in season and erratically off-season (ring the bell
at the side door if you'd like to see the collection in the off-season). The Whitman House Quilt Shop It would be easy to call this store, sitting next
to The Whitman House (see our Restaurants chapter), a class act: The
building is a former schoolhouse and the oldest structure in Truro. The
specialty here is Amish quilts, new and old, with prices that are more
than reasonable. The two floors also showcase modern-day cranberry glass,
teddy bears, a profusion of potpourri, brass beds, and dolls. It's closed
in the off-season. Adams Pharmacy Come to Provincetown's only drugstore to revel in
the charm of a small-town apothecary. Adams was founded in 1870, and
except for the products found on the shelves and the dates on the
newspapers in the rack, we bet little has changed (except, perhaps, the
prices of prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs). Adams even has one of
those long steel lunch counters you never see anymore. A great way to
learn about the town is to sit and order coffee early one morning, when
the old-timers gather to exchange stories (both real and exaggerated) of
days gone by. The store is open daily. Cabot's Candy Candy stores are a dime a dozen in Province-town,
but none comes close to Cabot's. The Cicero clan began making fudge and
saltwater taffy on the premises in 1969, and they are the only ones making
taffy this way on the Lower Cape. Stand inside or in front of the huge
picture window and watch as a massive spool of taffy is tamed into
individually wrapped bite-size pieces. (Ask for a free sample.) The
flavors sometimes change, but you can be sure of finding cranberry, grape,
chocolate, cherry, piña colada, peanut butter, licorice, and
orange-pineapple. Cabot's also sells sugar-free taffy. It's open only
holidays and weekends in the off-season. Exuma Fine Jewelry A fixture in Provincetown for 30 years, Exuma
specializes in custom jewelry, creating classic and modern designs in 14
and 18 karat gold and platinum. Rings are big here--gorgeous settings of
sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, to name just a few, glitter in
the cases. Jeweler and craftsman Gunter Hanlet, originally from Germany,
favors clean, uncomplicated designs that never go out of style. The
showroom, located diagonally across from Town Hall, is open year-round,
daily in summer, six days a week (closed Wednesdays) through Christmas and
on weekends only January through March. Galadriel's Mirror This store is truly a gem--or more accurately, a
lot of gems! You won't be able to resist running your fingers through the
bowls of polished stones and touching the jagged edges of brilliant
minerals. You'll find jade, rose quartz, topaz, and other stones along
with gold and silver jewelry. Take your time in here; there's a lot to
see, and browsing among such beautiful things will put you in a tranquil
mood. The shop, a fixture in Provincetown for 28 years, is open
year-round. Good Scents This small corner store is filled with all you need
to pamper yourself -(or someone else): lovely scented soaps, shampoos and
lotions, along with bath brushes, luxurious robes, and massage oils.
Choose from a variety of skin-care products, and have lotions, shampoos
and bath gels custom-scented with essential or perfume oils. Take them
home and you'll know why they call this shop Good Scents. The shop happily
makes up gift baskets and does mail order. It's open daily in season,
closes for the month of January, and has limited hours in the early
spring. Halcyon Gallery This isn't a gallery of art to look at, but a
gallery of art to wear. Owner Suzanne Larsen has for 11 years prided
herself in carrying unique clothing and jewelry. Don't shop here if you
want to look like everyone else; here you'll find clothes and jewelry with
true artistic flair and spirit, the kinds of things that put you in a good
mood the moment you put them on. Take a walk on the wild side and add
something fun to your wardrobe. Halcyon, which carries the work of both
local and regional artists, is open year-round. Mad Hatter Hats off to this ingenious store, a meld of the
whimsical and functional. Though Mad Hatter sells jackets, shirts, and
scarves, people head here for the crowning touch. Choose from zany
headgear, such as a multicolored beanie with a propeller, or more
traditional, classic designs. You can also get custom-made hats here. The
shop is open daily in season and weekends from the beginning of January
through mid-March. Northern Lights Hammocks Tootsies tired? Don't shop 'til you drop: Take a
break by sampling one of the many hammocks here. The friendly staff will
try to get you to sample the swinging, swaying set, whether it be one made
of rope, cotton, wood or canvas. (Your feet will thank you.) Some of the
hammocks here are true works of art. One Mexican import features a
polished wooden base that could harmonize with the décor of even the
chic-est home. The shop is open daily in season and weekends only
off-season. Now Voyagerand Cape & Dagger These two bookshops, side by side on Commercial
Street across from the Heritage Museum, are run by Diane Johnson and Nan
Cinnater, who first launched Now Voyager, named after a line from a Walt
Whitman poem and the Bette Davis classic. Best known for its collection of
gay and lesbian books, Now Voyager also has the latest in fiction and
nonfiction. It also specialized in mystery, until that genre grew to the
point where it seemed to warrant opening a whole new shop. Cape &
Dagger is now the Cape's only mystery bookstore, specializing in mystery
and suspense. Now Voyager also has a sampling of CDs, cassettes, and
videos as well as used books. The shops close for a winter break in the
month of January. Provincetown Bookshop Open since 1964, this year-round shop is filled
floor to ceiling with hardcover and paperback books, everything from
poetry and plays to bestsellers with a good selection of Cape Cod books.
Enter through the sliding wood door and you feel instantly at home. A
great shop for browsing, it's open daily. Recovering Hearts Bookstoreand
Gallery You don't have to be recovering to appreciate this
specialty bookstore, which carries the best in self-help titles along with
inspirational art and all sorts of things that help you feel better, such
as candles, soaps, and incense. It's closed in January. Small Pleasures If you love antique jewelry, this is a must-see
shop. The lovely glass-topped display cases are packed with vintage
treasures. You'll find rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and moonstones in
unique, original settings. The store also carries a selection of old
silver spoons, tongs, and other small items. The pleasure will be yours.
It's open May through October. Tailwaggers A full-service pet palace, Tailwaggers offers all
sorts of unusual dog and kitty treats, food by the can or bag, leashes and
collars, beds and brushes, combs, and other grooming aids. For pups that
get chilly in winter, Tailwaggers offers an extensive line of winterwear.
With such great toys for both felines and canines, the shop has been
called a toyshop for pets. The wall behind the cash register is devoted to
pictures of people with their satisfied pets. Tailwaggers is the only
store in town to offer thirsty critters their own water dish. Open daily
in season, Tailwaggers is closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
off-season. |
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