7 Towns in New England With Thriving Local Businesses
New England is a prominent region in the Northeast corner of the United States, lavish with exotic cultures, natural splendor, history, and bustling local and international businesses. From Maine to Connecticut and New Hampshire to Massachusetts, big cities and small towns occupy the region, beckoning tourists to indulge their charms. However, there is always something special about the small towns of this region. They are particularly inviting for their laid-back vibes and local businesses where warmth and customer satisfaction are hallmarks. With multiple options to choose from, shopping and dining in these towns can be mind-blowing experiences in their own right.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is one of the finest coastal towns in the island state, where shopping and dining are as sensational as watersports. Whether one decides to begin with watersports adventures or commercial endeavors, every moment spent in Newport is always worthwhile. One of its most scenic and unique businesses is Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar, where meals can be savored with charming views of Narragansett Bay in an outdoor setting. Jo’s American Bistro is also worth visiting for tasty burgers, grills, steak, and authentic American fares. Immerse in the charms of inspiring artworks and paintings at Mariner Gallery, while Spring Bull Gallery offers a similar experience but is more jaw-dropping.
For shopping, the town hosts Newport Marketplace and Antiques Store - one of the best spots in Rhode Island for purchasing vintage and gift items, alongside antiques for souvenirs. Meanwhile, Leeside Antiques is always a pleasant alternative for all things antiques, thrift, gift items, crafts, and used goods.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Stockbridge is a fine small town nestled at the foot of the Berkshire Mountains, famed for its Naumkeag Gardens and Norman Rockwell Museum. But there is more to the town, especially on the business side of things. Here, visitors are invited to enjoy exciting shopping experiences starting from the BerkCHEERS Boutique, where an array of clothing, souvenirs, and even chocolates await. Next, Sidetracks is a great gift shop where you can grab keepsakes and souvenirs for the trip at affordable rates. For a more relaxing experience, head to the Main Street Café, which offers breakfast and lunch. Lunch is also exotic at the bistro-style Once Upon A Table restaurant. Afterward, visit Schantz Galleries to check out contemporary glass art.
Bath, Maine
Bath is the acclaimed City of Ships with over 400 years of history behind it. Alongside these draws to the iconic town, locally owned shops, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and cafes make Bath a lovely destination. Start the day here with breakfast at Mae’s Cafe & Bakery in a historic setting, then top it up with pizza for lunch at Burano’s Wood-fired Pizzeria. Step into the world of the past at J’adore Consignments while shopping for local antiques, clothing, furniture, and vintage items. For bookworms, Bath hosts plenty of bookshops worth patronizing, including Mockingbird Bookshop, The Pattern Free Library, and The Corner Bookshop. For weekend visitors, head to the Bath Farmer’s Market to shop for everything from food to arts and flowers. Art lovers can visit Center Street Arts Gallery afterward to immerse in a fascinating world of paintings and sculptures.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is a charming historic town in Windsor County, comprising the villages of Woodstock, Taftsville, West, and South Woodstock. As a result, it has a massive and bustling business settling, with each constituent village flaunting unique offers. Once here, hunger pangs will become history at some cozy restaurants like the Worthy Kitchen, offering stunning farm-to-table meals alongside craft beer. Soulfully Good Café is another fantastic option for breakfast and lunch in a serene setting. For lovers of vintage items and antiques, check out the collection of ancient items at Wigren-Barlow Arts and Antiques, one of the best art dealers in the region. Proceed to explore some of the region’s finest artworks and paintings at Focus -A Vermont Gallery, or head to Collective The Art of Craft for handcrafted items.
For more shopping experiences, the Woodstock Village Market opens every day and presents local groceries, beer, wine, and baked products. Meanwhile, the Woodstock Farmer’s Market is an alternate and more social marketplace for shopping for local produce, baked goods, and more.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport is a scenic town surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on all sides. While the town is best known as a hub for adventures, visitors are invited to its main street to shop, wine, dine, and relax. The choices are endless, but one can start with a meal at Heath’s Tea Room Restaurant, Lobster Pool Restaurant, or Lattof Farmhouse Kitchen. Proceed to shop for antiques, collectibles, and handcrafted items at the Pewters Shop and use them as souvenirs.
Notably, arts is a mainstream industry in Rockport, hence it hosts many amazing galleries for exploration. Some of the top galleries in town include the Art Nook Gallery, Sidoti Gallery of Fine Arts, and John Caggiano Gallery, all of which are lavish with sensational paintings and sculptures. For Avid readers, Susie’s Stores offers a variety of books for all ages, while Tuck’s Candy Factory is a gift and candy shop that fits the bill for a shopping fun fare with the kids.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a magnificent mountain town renowned for its array of recreational options and natural scenery. Yet, on the business end, the town is also loaded with establishments that will have visitors exploring all day. While here, enjoy great American delicacies at the Doc Ponds or savor cakes at Stowe Bee Bakery and Café. For incredible handcrafted items, artworks, jewelry, and gifts, visit Remarkable Things at Stowe Craft or go to the Stowe Mercantile to shop for souvenirs. Art lovers can browse through impressive artworks at Front Four Gallery or go to Northwood Gallery for more creative works. For weekend visitors, Stowe Farmers Market is open every Sunday from May to October, and it offers the town’s finest locally grown products in a fun communal atmosphere.
Belfast Maine
The waterfront town of Belfast is a charming destination that courts attention with its seaside allure and impressive architecture. While in this town, it’s impossible to ignore its downtown and string of local businesses that share the spotlight with its architecture and natural beauty. Start with a taste of Thailand at Fon’s Kitchen, or enjoy authentic American favorites and great outdoor views at Harborwalk Restaurant. Take things a step further by visiting Waterfall Arts Gallery to explore stunning artworks, or head to Susan Tobey White Fine Arts to see colorful and enthusiastic paintings. For the ultimate shopping experience in this town, go to the United Farmer’s Market on Saturday to browse through a wide range of goods, from fresh food to artwork, baked goods, and more.
These small towns in New England remain some of the most vibrant destinations in America thanks to their downtowns filled with thriving businesses, which evoke a special feeling of hospitality and warmth. While visiting their host towns, be sure to take a break from the adventures and become a patron at some of these establishments for a more wholesome experience. Don’t forget to purchase some souvenirs and take beautiful photos to flaunt on Instagram.
