We’re lucky to have plenty of intriguing shops in our towns and surrounding our greens, but there are a bunch that you won’t stumble across on Main Street. We’ve rounded up our hidden gems for you here.
Note: Be sure to check store hours before heading out. 

The Eyeglass Lass
You won’t find a more enthusiastic optician than Owner Siobhan Burns whose MO is to find you the perfect pair. Her outstanding selection of frames are handmade and run from kooky to classy. There is absolutely a pair to suit every face. 
27 Coogan Blvd, #1D, Mistick Village 
eyeglasslass.com

Little Station
I always stop at Beech Tree Cottages this time of year to see what Amanda has stocked in her adorable, seasonal shop, The Little Station. You’ll find a hip and beachy mix of cute cover-ups, straw hats, beach bags, on-trend jewelry, gifts, and greeting cards. 
1187 Boston Post Road, Madison
beechtreecottages.com/thelittlestation

Artemisia
Around back behind The Cooley Gallery in Old Lyme, you’ll find Artemisia, an interior design firm, home decor, and antique atelier. Owners Rosemarie Padovano and Marcello Marvelli  have a keen eye for everything home, whether you’re scouting a few pillows from their curated fabric collections, an antique lamp, modern artwork, or a full interior redesign, you’ll love the eclectic mix here. 
23 Lyme Street, Old Lyme
artemisiainc.com

Folklore Flower Co. 
Madison meets Malibu in this sunny shop. Owner Kate McNellis has brought her many years of floral design to a brick and mortar filled with blooms, dried flowers, and an original selection of giftable goodies. As you peruse the shelves of Cali-inspired products, Kate can whip you up a stunning bouquet or tie up a bunch of dried flowers. Event florals and fantastical installations, too. 
266 Boston Post Road, Madison
folkloreflowerco.com

Deep River Home
Do not pass by the black barn on Union Street in Deep River. Previously the Creative Director for Herman Miller, owner Jennie Maneri has a rigorous aesthetic and has sourced all of her favorite things for this chic shop. A modern take on a general store, you’ll find kitchen implements, art books, handmade brooms and brushes, hand-woven baskets from Maine, and an intriguing selection of stationery items. On my list are the delicate but hardy Borosilicate stackable glasses for tea or wine. I never knew I needed a leather fly swatter, but couldn’t leave without it.
11 Union Street (in the Barn), Deep River 
deepriverhome.com

21 C Designs
When I was ready to have my engagement ring redesigned, I hightailed it over to 21 C. This brilliant duo of jewelry designers will transform your old pieces gathering dust in your jewelry box into something you’ll wear every day. By appointment.
693 Boston Post Road in Madison (in the back, at the Red Door)  
21c-designs.com

Deux Bisous
Francophiles will have a high time at Deux Bisous, a French-inspired shop in Madison. Owner Kate Craw lived in France for 10 years, and after a storied career in design, including a stint as Creative Lead for Home Decor at Anthropologie, she brings her merchandising acumen to this delightful shop. The stock includes plenty of finds Francais: sweet French tees, lovely candles, fresh scents, witty woven bags, and giant straw hats, but her vision is global: Mexican mezcal glasses, hand-woven African baskets bedecked with shells, bright pillows, modern ceramics, delicate jewels, block-printed cotton sarongs and goodies stuffed in every nook and cranny. C’est fantastique. 
831 Boston Post Road, Madison
deuxbisous.com

Lille Shoppe
The goods here are sourced mainly in Europe, and you’ll find antique pine armoires and chests, French soaps and baskets, a sweet Danish line of floral printed tops and bottoms, lots of handmade ceramics, and unique vintage glassware. Add in linen tablecloths and gauze throws, as well as chic and well-priced framed art prints, and you could practically decorate your home from scratch here. Owner Abby Mattern’s background in design and styling, plus a love of travel and plenty of time spent across the pond, influences her solid picks.
Next to Hen & Heifer at 23 Water Street, Unit 5, Guilford
lilleshoppe.com

Etoile Lou
Fashionistas will be thrilled with the selection at Etoile Lou, a new designer resale shop in Deep River. Owner Heather Page, a recent NYC transplant, sources her collection in the city, and you’ll find an astonishing inventory of high-end brands like Vince, Diane Von Furstenberg, Theory, Ganni, Nili Lotan,  more. The denim rack is packed with the likes of Frame, Reformation, and Rag & Bone. Bottega Veneta slip-ons and Isabel Marant ballet slippers were among the shoes on display. New arrivals weekly. 
124 Main Street, Deep River
etoilelou.com

Ahmee Ceramics
I’ve always had a thing for pottery, and my heart was aflutter when we stumbled upon the tiny studio at the Velvet Mill. Longtime friends Amee Hussey (ceramicist) and Magaly Del Castillo (design and branding) joined forces for this creative collaboration. You can find matte vases with slender handles, ingenious oyster dishes (a great gift!), exquisite mugs, bowls, and pendant lights and Ahmee at the wheel. Visit the studio or shop online.
Outside the Velvet Mill, 22 Bayview Avenue, Stonington,
ahmeeceramics.com

Wm. Cole
When I’m in Stonington, I love to check out Wm. Cole in a sweet little building on Stonington Road. Owner Chelsea is a spot-on merchandiser, and this cozy shop is stocked with well-priced jewelry, whimsical stationery, handmade ceramics, and plenty of perfect summer hostess gifts.
862 Stonington Road, Stonington
facebook.com/wmcolestonington

Read the entire Summer Guide here.