Talented artists and crafters of Connecticut turn out unique gifts

The shopping at The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village is as much fun as encountering those life-sized dinosaurs! More than 90 antiques and collectibles dealers offer their wares at The PAST Antiques Marketplace, and the Absolute Bead Shop is the largest beading supplies shop in New England. The kids will flip over the selections in the Ageless Toy Shop and at the massive prehistoric dino skeletons in the Ancient Fossil Shop, where you can also buy fossils from every corner of the globe. Check out crystals and minerals, and the Fluorescent Mineral Gallery, at the A to Z Mineral Shop, one-of-a-kind jewelry at the Artistic Jewelry Shop, and unique home decor and gift items at the Artful Gift Shop. There really is something for everyone!

There’s a surprise in every shop as you stroll the seaside streets of Stonington Borough. Interested in antiques? Art? Meander through fascinating galleries and antiques shops with items from Roman coins to vintage furniture and paintings. At the Velvet Mill, each studio features something unique from local artists and artisans. How about clothing and jewelry? Stonington’s stores feature chic shoes, handprinted fabrics, cutting-edge fashion and hand-crafted jewelry from sterling silver to pieces with coastal flair. Home decor, fabrics, gifts and collectibles can also be found. And if you’re looking to score some fresh produce, a jar of honey, fresh-baked bread or homemade crafts, check out Saturday’s Farmers Market, one of the borough’s favorite shopping traditions.