While we share the enthusiasm for Small Business Saturday, in Willimantic's Downtown it's Small Business Every Day.
After you start your day with breakfast at Thread City Diner it'll be time to start shopping!
Begin at Kerri Art Studio and Gallery (861 Main Street). In addition to an ever-changing gallery display, this studio is home to Kerri Quirk, an artist with autism who is deaf. Her art is truly her voice. While you're there, pick up one of Kerri's shopping bags – you'll fill it before your tour is through.
Head down Main Street and turn left onto North Street. Pop in to Zok's Homebrewing & Winemaking Supplies to pick up the perfect something for the homebrewer in your life.
Not far up the street from Zok's is the Lily Pad Art Supplies and Framing. Now in its 37th year, the Lily Pad is your source for art supplies and custom framing. While you're there, be sure to see what artist they have on exhibit in their gallery.
From the Lily Pad, walk a bit further up Church Street to Valley Street. No shopping trip in Willimantic is complete without a stop at the Willimantic Food Co-op. Get local and healthy at one of the oldest food co-ops in the state. They carry a full line of grocery items, produce, cheese, juices, grains, spices, etc., as well as gift items and prepared food and hot coffee.
Speaking of prepared food, you may want to grab a bite to eat while you're here. It's almost time for lunch.
Head back to Main Street via Church Street, take a left and stop in to Jewels Verne Jewelers. Treat yourself to an experience that will delight your senses when you come in and view their selection of one-of-a-kind pieces and the hottest new designs.
From Jewels Verne, cross Main Street and head to Local Music LLC, your one-stop shop for musical instrument purchase, repair and lessons.
Cut through the alley down to Riverside Drive and visit Willimantic Records, a used record store that sells vinyl, shellac, tapes, CDs, books and instruments. While you're there, ask what in-store performances they have lined up.
Back up the alley to one of Willimanic's hidden gems – Rajean's. Rajean's features a unique assortment of gifts and is the perfect place to pick up a Willimantic souvenir like a Romantic Willimantic t-shirt and some local postcards. Rajean's is a consignment shop to boot!
Take a right out of Rajean's and head back up Main Street. Stop in at The Skate Shop, where you'll find everything you need for the skateboarder in your life (and on another trip, be sure to visit Willimantic's Skate Park, located in Lauter Park).
From The Skate Shop it's on to one of downtown Willimantic's oldest merchants – BENCH SHOP (786 Main Street). Now in their 45th year, the BENCH SHOP provides the most sought-after merchandise from greeting cards, sunglasses, incense, sterling silver jewelry and black light posters to their selction of smoking accessories. You will always find that special gift for someone or for yourself.
Walk up to see our friends at Swift Waters Artisans' Cooperative, the last stop on our tour. Swift Waters is a gift shop and gallery offering local and handcrafted wares – pottery, jewelry, prints, cards, candles, art-glass, wood items, and much more – cooperatively maintained by nearly 30 local artisans.
After so much shopping you may want to stop by Cafémantic for an afternoon snack or the Willimantic Brewing Company for a hand-crafted beer.
Happy Shopping!
