Six cute CT downtowns for shopping

Connecticut’s main streets are some of the most underrated shopping destinations. Are they like Rodeo Drive or SoHo? Maybe not. But can you buy an antique vase, grab some boba tea and visit a four-story Anthropologie on the same day? Yes.

Ridgefield

Ridgefield has a classic small-town New England vibe, with Colonial-style brick buildings and a mix of old and new stores. There are plenty of independent shops in Ridgefield’s downtown. Books on the Common is an independent bookstore that opened in 1984 and sells popular books and audio books for adults and children. Shops like Consign Envy and Zoe and Co. Sugarbeads focus on fashion. Consign Envy sells consigned clothes for women, children and equestrians and accepts brands like Kate Spade, Tory Burch, North Face and Gap.

Westport

Westport’s downtown stretch along Post Road has a large number of luxury stores, including BCBG, Brandy Melville, Madewell, Lululemon, Coach, Banana Republic, and a massive four-story Anthropologie. For those who need some pampering after a long day of curating a new closet, downtown Westport also has salons, yoga studios and coffee shops. For those who work up an appetite while shopping, there are all kinds of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, including Bartaco, Manna Toast and Basso Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Kent

Downtown Kent offers a simpler shopping experience around Main Street, with general stores and antique spots. Woodford’s General Store and the Covered Wagon Country Store sell locally made goods, from homeware to food and candy and gifts. Foreign Cargo sells clothes, jewelry and home goods inspired by the owner’s travels to Africa and Asia. House of Books, in a little brick-red building, hosts story-time events for children and discussions with authors of new releases.

Darien

In Darien, there are plenty of shopping options on Post Road. Coco and Lala is a pastel-lover’s dream, with clothing and accessories for women and children. Darien Running Co. sells running shoes and accessories, while Darien Sports Co. is a department store that offers all kinds of clothing for children and adults along with in-store ski rentals.

West Hartford

West Hartford Center runs along Farmington Avenue and LaSalle Road and hosts tons of retail and dining locations for a full day of shopping. Retail stores include Francesca’s, J. McLaughlin, Kimberly Boutique and Good Cause Gifts. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat after a shopping spree, like Hartford Baking Co., Tea Break, Max’s Oyster Bar and the breakast restaurant The Place 2 Be.

Greenwich

If there’s one thing to know about Greenwich, it’s that Vineyard Vines was founded by locals and a store is still on Greenwich Avenue. There are several luxury brands off Greenwich Avenue, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co. and J. Crew. There are also independent boutiques like Black Petunia and Out of the Box, which sell trendy clothing and accessories for women. For a quick bite to eat, check out The Granola Bar for a healthy brunch or Meli Melo for crepes all day.