City: Mystic, CT

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (860) 536-3795

Address: 53 W. Main St.

Description: On the corner across from Mystic Pizza is one of Connecticut’s great independent book stores. In fact, owner Annie Philbreck calls it “fiercely independent” and handpicks many of the selections. The painted whale out front has become a mascot of sorts, and heralds the great selection of boating and local books. The children’s section is the biggest, and there are also games and crosswords, maps and cards. The staff picks are legendary, and everyone who works there is knowledgeable and helpful. If you love books, walk up the hill past Mystic Pizza and the huge Baptist church, turning right on Library Street to see the gorgeous brick masterpiece of a library, built in the 1800s. There are other good shops to visit here, like the Company of Craftsmen (with American-made arts and crafts) and Peppergrass and Tulip (a women’s clothing boutique).