City: Waterbury, CT

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (800) 474-6728

Address: 116 Bank St.

Description: This unassuming storefront in Waterbury is in a class of its own, an unclassifiable and unique place to visit. Once the old Howland Hughes Department Store, it is now just called the Connecticut Store, and is located in a smaller, more manageable area of the old building (the larger part has been turned into a gallery). When Howland Hughes, the last downtown department store in New England, turned 108 years old, they did not abandon the building but stayed as caretakers and generated income by specializing in local products. In fact, they do most of their business online, but display some of the merchandise here for you to come and see. In the rambling store, you’ll find local jams, relishes, and honeys; Pez candy; real Christmas tree ornaments made from recycled Christmas trees; pressed flower creations; and locally made jewelry. You’ll find Woodbury pewter, Bovano enameled creations from Cheshire, brass buttons from Waterbury, Liberty Candles from Bolton, and wiffleball sets from Shelton, which the store ships to 53 countries, including Antarctica. Talk to the owner, Hank, who will tell you the stories of old Connecticut. Maybe you’ll even come away with a little piece of future history.