Pop-up marketplace draws big crowd

GOSHEN — Just a few hours into the second day of the Pop-Up Market at Sunset Meadow Vineyard, owner Judy Motel was already planning when to have a second market, since the two-day event was a rousing success with a large, sprawling crowd at picnic tables, the outdoor bistro and sitting on the grass under shade trees that dot the property.

“The two perfect, sunny, but low humidity days certainly helped,” she said. She also credited the diversity of vendors offering shopping options for clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, handcrafted items, books and pet products.

“One of the most popular vendors — Thistle + Reed Mobile Boutique — has been appearing at our Ladies’ Nights for two years.”

Thistle + Reed co-owners Marisa O’Brien and Shannon Pecorelli described their jewelry and clothing lines as “Modern Bohemian.” Marisa said, “We try to choose clothing that is versatile, wearable and figure-flattering.” The jewelry from Connecticut artisan Handmade By Linndian features affordably priced unique designs with natural stones such as jasper and agate. Their soy candles are made by Seven Hens of Chester.

Both women, who have a background as retail buyers in Connecticut, decided to put their business on the road with a large ice-blue bus. In 2017, their business won the Best Overall Boutique award from The Boutique Hub.

The duo has brought their mobile boutique to wineries in Stonington, Clinton and Northford, as well as yoga studios, and will be appearing at the Connecticut Wine Festival.

Comfortably seated on the front porch, Caran Merolli and her mother, Laverne Merolli, both of Bristol, were enjoying their wine slushies with a lunch salad from the food truck Chris & Roy’s Brotherly Grub. Caran said they come a few times a year to the vineyard, but appreciated the added enticement of shopping to their day’s outing.

Seated further down on the porch, a woman who declined to be identified praised the goat cheese cannoli she had ordered from the food truck. “It’s not as sweet as ricotta filling, but has an interesting texture and I love that it’s served on a plate with green and red grapes.”

The majority of vendors under the big tent were well pleased with the turnout, including Katrina with Usborne children’s books, who said she also stocks fiction books by Kane Miller from California for ages up to high school, and offers more than books. “My company has matching grants to donate free books, and I also do home book parties that could be a fundraiser,” she said.

The line in the tasting room and gift shop was out the door in the middle of the first day, and nearly the same by noon of the second day.

The Vineyard’s popular wines are sold by the bottle or the glass. Its Cayuga White, described as crisp and refreshing with tones of grapefruit, melon, and peach, was recognized by Connecticut Magazine as Best Wine of 2013.

Jo Ann Jaacks Lines were long inside the tasting room where wine was also offered by the glass.