I downloaded the TikTok app almost a year ago, when COVID had us quarantined for the first time. Since then, my friend and I have seen videos of some cool shops and places that we’ve been wanting to go and explore for ourselves. Most of these places are in different states and are around two or three hours away from where we live, but we think taking a mini road trip to get there would make the adventure that much more fun. I’m hoping we’ll be able to go to these four places soon, once COVID hopefully goes away. In the meantime, though, I thought it would be fun to share these places with others and see if they spark your interest as well!
1. The Book Barn in Niantic, Connecticut
This barn looks like heaven for those of us who are addicting to reading. The barn was converted into a bookstore and first opened for business back in 1988. The barn consists of three floors filled with various genres of books. If you go to their website, you can see what genres are on what floors. Throughout the floors there are little reading alcoves and various areas to sit and enjoy the books. There are also cats and goats that wander around for you to play with as well! Overall, the barn looks so calming and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. My friend and I are dying to go and experience it for ourselves!
2. OrchardWorks in Stafford Springs, Connecticut
Calling all Harry Potter fans! OrchardWorks in Stafford Springs is a magic wand shop! They offer hand carved wands made with over 140 different wood types. It’s almost like taking a step into Ollivanders. There are wands of every color, shape, and size with various engravings and designs. If you want an even more intimate experience, you can take a custom wand test and watch them make a wand specifically for you.
*If you don’t want to go into the actual shop, or if you live too far away, you can go to their website and order a wand or make your own custom wand and have it shipped to you!
3. Urban Renewals in Boston, Massachusetts
This place is supposed to be the best of the best in terms of thrift shops. It looks like it offers a large variety of unique clothes for crazy low prices. My friend and I have been into thrifting lately, and we are really looking forward to going to Urban Renewals soon to see if the hype about it and the selection they offer is true.
4. Village Silversmith in Salem, Massachusetts
I was drawn to this place because the TikTok I saw about it was raving about the rings that they have. I am a huge fan of rings, and I’m always looking for cool ones to add to my collection. I have seen the prices, and they do look a tad expensive because they are real silver and good quality. They seem to have a large selection. Some rings have gemstones of varying colors, some are bigger, while others are simpler. They sell other types of jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets, as well as crystals, pendants, and stones.They also have seven other locations throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire that may be more convenient for you!
*Again, if you are uncomfortable going to the actual store, or if you are too far away to go, they have an Etsy that you can order from as well!