Found Around the Sound
Our special edition newsletter, Found Around the Sound, is back with February favorites and the best from our Shoreline neighbors…
The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook
SAY CHEESE | In Her Wheelhouse
Cheese enthusiasts flock to this fromagerie for all manner of fancy food and supplies. This little gem of a shop is situated on Centerbrook’s now bustling main drag (Cooked! Sayulita! Surfridge!). Sample from the extensive larder of wheels and wedges hailing from Vermont to Holland and everywhere in between. Owner Deana Simmons was no stranger to the Centerbrook Cheese Shop when she took the helm in 2023. She’d been working the shop for years prior to her purchase, honing her skills for fine food, and sharing knowledge gleaned from studies at the Academy of Cheese and Certified Wine Specialist courses. And the fun does not stop at cheese. You’ll find a carefully curated selection of tinned fish, caviar, cured meats and condiments lining the shelves. Coffee, fresh pies, and artisan loaves are always at the ready and a case full of truffles to top off your haul. Indulge in a classic cast iron fondue set (and all the necessary ingredients!) or try a Raclette grill for your next cozy winter gathering. Plans for hosting suppliers and cheese-makers in- store for tastings and education are on the immediate horizon. Mark your calendars for February 22 when Crazy Uncle Red’s hot pepper jellies will be in house for a visit!
33 Main Street, Centerbrook
Everthine Bride + Covet Bridal
BETROTHED+Beautiful | Noble Nuptials
If you (or is someone you love) are a bride-to-be with impeccable original style, there are two sister bridal boutiques on the Shoreline that are NOT to be missed. Everthine Bride was born in Madison in 2011 when founder Chelsea Tyler McNamara grappled with her own search for a gown that suited her distinct taste. Discouraged by ostentatious offerings in traditional bridal shops, she forged her own path and opened a boutique for fashion-forward women who prefer to reflect their personal style on their special day. Everthine offers a curated collection of made-to-order gowns from top international designers as well as their own private label, Theodora James. Brides seeking unique, high-end designs and dedicated service will find their dream dress at Everthine. On the edge of Essex Village, a sweet cottage that was once the Essex Library is now home to Covet, Everthine’s newer sister store. Covet offers a unique selection of timeless and traditional styles at a more accessible price point plus their own in-house label, Camden Tyler. Make a private appointment with Chelsea’s expert stylists for an individual, personalized, and intimate experience that will be remembered forever.
Everthine | 33 Wall Street, Madison – shopeverthine.com
Covet | 3 South Main Street, Essex – covetbridal.com
640 Health Therapies
Whole-Istic Health | Wellbeing in Westbrook
We’ve long been fans of 640 Health Therapies in the center of Westbrook. Since their expansion last year, there’s so much more to love. They’ve doubled in size to add several more treatment rooms, an event space for continuing education, workshops and classes and a slew of new services. 640 has recently introduced Photomedicine, which involves a THOR laser treatment to relieve muscle and joint pain and reduce stiffness wherever the beam is applied. Dr. K Bradley Lenz, trained in Classical Chinese Medicine, heads up the Acupuncture and there’s a Yoga Therapist on staff, available for individual (and private group) sessions to provide personalized tools used for physical postures, breath-work, sound and meditation. Grab a turkish robe and relax in their spacious Infrared Sauna for use in 15 minute increments (package deals, too!). Owner Tabatha Black and her team of highly skilled practitioners continue to offer all manner of Massage Therapy: from Cupping to Facial Gua Sha, and CBD massage to lymphatic drainage and so much more. Peruse the Apothecary for natural remedies, tinctures, essential oils, and wellness products to help you maintain health and vitality between visits. Their latest offering – an Advanced Reflexology session revolves around a Magnesium foot soak, hot stones, and energy work. Sign us up! 640 is focused on helping to reduce stress, alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and enhance mental clarity—ultimately empowering you to live a healthier and more vibrant life.
16 Westbrook Place, Westbrook
CT River Wine & Spirits
Sincere Sommelier | Vino & Vinyl
Alycia Boncimino knows a thing or two about wine. While studying Hospitality Management at Johnson & Wales in Providence, she began her journey to becoming a sommelier. Her fascination with wine led her to further her studies, land a job at a Long Island vineyard, running a tasting room and giving tours to VIPs. Eventually she landed here in Connecticut and works in wholesale distribution at Slocum & Sons, a fine wine and spirits wholesaler and importer in North Haven. Lucky for us, she and her jazz musician/teacher husband, Michael, have opened their own retail shop in the old Chester Bottle Shop (near Rustica) where Alycia graces us with her unique perspective on wine, beer and spirits. Here, in this meticulously arranged showroom, you’ll groove to deep cuts spinning on vinyl (from the couple’s extensive collection) while perusing the racks. You’re certain to find something fresh here and likely from small, family-owned properties. In addition to the classics, you’ll discover plenty of natural and low intervention wine plus various Sakes and CBD beverages (licensed to offer THC infused beverages – rare in these parts!) and they continue to expand their non-alcoholic options. Good to know: Alycia offers personal services for anyone looking to replenish their wine cellar (or help with creating one). She’ll handle private in-home/on-boat wine tastings or select a collection for your business (see Cooked’s in-store arrangement, selected by Alycia). This shop is an experience. Go see for yourself!
191 Middlesex Avenue, Chester
Ella, Where She Shops
Dreaming in DENIM | Just the Right Jeans
We believe you’d be hard pressed to ever leave Ella, Where She Shops empty-handed. For twenty years, this bustling boutique on the Guilford Green has been a one-stop-shop for wardrobe essentials. The experienced team of stylists here can help fit anyone from size 0-16. Their vast collection of affordable designer brands offers everything from leather pants, event dressing, wear-to-work, shapewear from Spanx, and Faherty’s responsibly-made, cozy and chic apparel for sun, waves and aprés ski. The crew at Ella tells us that their denim assortment continues to reign supreme both in-house and online. Their selection is second to none. Whether you’re looking for high-rise, mid-rise, wide, skinny or barrel, they’ve got a pair for you. Control top? French Terry (pictured!)? Raw edge? All in stock! Find the designer that suits you best – Oliver Logan, Loveret, Liverpool, Judy Blue and so much more. Shop Ella for cashmere, eyewear, hair accessories, too, plus big bargains in the basement in the Where She $ave$ section. 90 Broad Street, Guilford
Read the entire list here.
