One-Stop Shopping in Norwalk!
I went to SoNo Marketplace on Saturday, their second weekend in business, and the place was jamming. The "European-style Indoor market" is located in an old factory building in an industrial neighborhood a few blocks from Washington Street in Norwalk. But there’s lots of parking and, as soon as you enter, there’s a wide world of shopping and good eats and holiday cheer.
There are 50 different vendors in open, hewn-wood stalls in the cavernous space, and the fun is in the mix. There are several jewelry “shops,” mini art galleries, a Brazilian “intimate apparel” spot, a guy who makes gorgeous leather belts, a shop called All About Boomers, even a florist—and lots of food vendors, too. You can get a croissant at Wave Hill Breads, truffles at Chocopologie, awesomely fresh olive oils at Olivette, and a fresh barrel pickle from Horman’s Pickle Factory. Plus Italian pastries, fresh-fruit compotes, wine & beer, coffee beans and fish-and-chips!
The vendors I spoke with seemed almost dazed at the volume of business. They said, “It’s been amazing”; “We never expected so many people”; “I’m all out of business cards!” Some of the businesses are only there for December, others for the long haul. A couple of them were people trying out a new business idea, with gratifying results.
This is a great place to Christmas shop—and just an all-round good time. And yes, I put my money where my mouth is: I picked up an olive oil-and-balsamic combo at Olivette for one cousin, a wooden carrier with six beer glasses for another (and two adorable woolen-mouse ornaments for my nieces) at Tag.n.bundle, and a baguette at Wave Hill. I have my eye on a turquoise-silver bracelet at Turquoise Mountain for my husband. (But don’t tell—it’s a secret!)
You can even pick up a Christmas tree on your way out!
But don’t take my word for it—check it out for yourself.
SoNo Marketplace, 314 Wilson Ave., South Norwalk, 203/838-0719, sonomarketplace.com.
One-Stop Shopping in Norwalk!
