The Holidays are upon us...now it is time to well shop somewhere else and avoid those Malls and Big Boxes.

1. Mystic Village, Mystic, Connecticut- more than 20 specialty shops located right off I95 in Mystic, Connecticut. Holiday decorations and interesting shops from Bestemors (Scandinavian) to American Indian and other shops incl. a general store!
2. Downtown Mystic, Mystic, Connecticut- dozens of shops, restaurants and scenic views. A boardwalk to enjoy the warm cocoa and everything from baby clothes to trinkets and art at The Emporium.
   
3. Downtown New London-Bank Street, New London, Connecticut- A handful of shops located from the Tilley Street area toward State Street. Nice dining spots (Brie & Bleu) and some interesting products and art at the vintage Peacock Feathers store and other small galleries.
   
4. Essex, Connecticut- One of the most scenic places in America... historical, a dozen shops including a traditional toy store, book store and a nice coffee house. Great sandwiches and space to roam. An outstanding Xmas shop to boot!
5. Stonington Borough, Stonington, Connecticut- A growing number of shops surplanting those earlier "residences only" buildings. Fine French Porcelain and artwork to coffee and pastries, clothing and more in a historic seaside village.
   
6. Downtown Westerly, Rhode Island- While its Connecticut sister at Pawcatuck is still trying to re-invent itself Westerly has several areas to shop in the downtown area. Niche boutiques and galleries to furniture stores and jewlers.
   
7. Newport, Rhode Island- the entire colonial city comes alive giving it a classic New England Xmas feel. Shops of all types and ofcourse restaurants.
   
8. Old Saybrook, Connecticut- alot of builds and some fine shops on main street. For the higher end furniture collector and antique fanatic Saybrook has it for you. One can combine Saybrook and Essex into one day of outdoor shopping while heading to the Outlet Malls in nearby Westbrook and Clinton to finish the list.
9. New Haven, Connecticut- located seconds off I95 downtown New Haven has dozens of small shops and national chains. Great selection of clothing and figurines, jewelry and food! An entire day is needed here all while in a beautiful historical city setting.
10. Westport, Connecticut- along the waterfront is a great little shopping village ideal for the very difficult to buy for.
11. Guilford, Connecticut- The area around The Green offers excellent shopping and dining all around the historic New England Green of Guilford. 5 mins from I95!
    
12. Madison, Connecticut- Along route 1 lies a dozen or so shops and as many restaurants. All worthy of a walk through.
13. Nantucket, Massachusetts- Of course... Nantucket in the summer... but they really know how to do it in the winter! Decorated to the t's and almost "no" national chains to be found.
14. Plymouth, Massachusetts- More than the home of the Plymoth Plantation and Rock, downtown Plymouth offers shops and galleries as well as some nice eateries.
15. Boston, Massachusetts- Along Newberry Street and Harvard Square forget it... one has everything you need. Walk the freedom trail while stopping at shops and eateries along the way.
16. Portland, Maine- The Old Port (exchange) has several interesting shops and eateries. From a natural local food shop to an exclusive dealer of furniture. Kites and wooden toys and more all found in this old Port City.
    

1.  Old Lyme, Connecticut-Lyme, Street. Sparsley filled with shops but a nice walk around area.
2. Chester, Connecticut- Small and Quaint some interesting little shops and eateries.
3. Niantic, Connecticut- Filling up with boutiques and some "better dining". From the book barn on W.Main to Cottage Lane Gifts on Main.
   
4. Pawcatuck, Connecticut- Sister town to Westerly. Still a little behind but great potential.
5. Watch Hill, Rhode Island- Fine dining but too many trinket stores. Some interesting shops though and vintage toy store!
6. New Bedford, Massachusetts- Everything of interest found at the Whaling Museum and coffee shop across the street. Room for improvement but some neat stuff to be found.
7. Jamestown, Rhode Island- Across from Newport, some interesting niche shops and eateries.
8. Portsmouth, NH- Still growing and recovering from years of dependency on the US Navy... this old port town has some interesting places along Strawberry Banke and the Old town. Niche shops and eateries in one small area.