Knipschildt founder and chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt and Red Bee Honey founder and beekeeper Marina Marchese

Chocolate Festival with Gifts and More Sample a delectable assortment of chocolate delights also featuring

2011 Grammy Winner for Best Traditional Folk Album The Carolina Chocolate Drops are…revisiting, with

Saturday, February 26th, 6:30- 10:00 pm, at Heritage Hotel in Southbury. “Inspired

ANTIQUES: MODERN George Champion Modern Shop Woodbury, (203) 263-8442 (georgechampioncompany.com/modernshop) Drop in on Champion’s one-of-a-kind Woodbury shop, or log onto his website, and you’ll feel you’ve stepped into a museum rather than an antiques store. Arrayed here are all the wild, witty shapes and colors of the furniture, lighting and furnishings that informed the 20th century’s “modern” sensibility—Frank Gehry “hat trick” chairs, a Noguchi side table, an “Elvis” area rug by Andy Warhol, an Eames folding rosewood screen, eye-popping table and floor lamps. A visit seems like a trip back in time and into the future all at once. ANTIQUES: TRADITIONAL Country Loft Antiques Woodbury, (203) 266-4500 (countryloftantiques.com) For over 25 years, those looking for traditional 18th- and 19th-century European and American antiques have flocked to this Woodbury shop to find all sorts of treasures. Located in historic restored barns on 19 scenic acres in the Litchfield Hills, the Country Loft offers everything from period furniture and fine art to collector kitchen items and wine-related antiques. As with any quality antiques shop, the well-stocked inventory is always changing, so any visit may bring a new discovery to claim as your own. BOUTIQUE: HIP Flirt Hamden, (203) 287-0092 (flirtboutiquect.com) Located at the foot of Sleeping Giant in Hamden, cool and fashionable Flirt dedicates itself to providing one-on-one service to every customer while providing a wide selection for girls of all tastes, ages and figures—J Brand Jeans, Free People and Sweet Pea, to name a few. Since opening in 2007, Flirt has added more fashions and fitting rooms, and now even offers private parties after hours for 5 to 20 guests at no extra charge. BOUTIQUE: SHOES Shoe Inn Westport, (203) 227-9246 In business for over 30 years, Shoe Inn is one of the last family-owned shops on Westport’s Main Street, a throwback to a time when Ann Taylor and Gristede’s were the only chains there. But Shoe Inn’s no dated mom-and-pop—far from it—with shoes by Stuart Weitzman, Michael Kors and Kate Spade, to name a few; chic of-the-moment handbags and jewelry; and Tory Burch accessories. BOUTIQUE: TEENS Wish List Westport, (203) 221-7700, and other locations (shopwishlist.com) Let’s be honest: We have no idea what teenagers might next decide will be considered fashionable. The good news is that Wish List knows (as much as anyone can), and stocks the most recent gotta-haves in teenage fashion, including dresses, activewear and accessories. This fall sees the launch of “10 Easy Pieces,” its first collection with partner So Low, consisting of skirts, pants and tops that are all interchangeable—perfect for that fickle teen fashionista in your life. BOUTIQUE: WOMEN Helen Ainson Darien Darien, (203) 655-9841 (helenainson.com) This Darien fixture carries sophisticated sportswear by Yansi Fugel and Donna Deg­nan and knockout eveningwear by Marisa Baratelli and Teri Jon, as well as talented up-and-comers from all over. “Classic with an edge,” owner Erica Jensen calls her aesthetic—the shop covers the gamut from conservative to extravagant, with many ensembles accompanying their wearers to the Academy Awards and even the White House, says Jensen. Best of all is the one-on-one attention you get from the delightful staff, who have years of experience finding the perfect look for any event. CANDLE Liberty Candle Bolton, (860) 649-3822 Liberty offers a huge selection of scented candles—all made by hand—from votives, tapers and pillars to tarts, tea lights and floaters. Choose from 70 fragrances, including Pine Needle, Maple Sugar, Macintosh Apple and Chocolate Delight. CRAFTS GALLERY Artisan’s Marketplace Plainville, (860) 747-4121 (artisansmarketplacect.com) In the 1930s, film director Ernst Lubitsch celebrated the romance of that era’s Shop Around the Corner. We think of wee, charming Artisan’s as the contemporary Connecticut equivalent, probably because we’re sure you’ll fall in love at first sight with the fine American crafts showcased in this hand-built, family-run Plainville Victorian. Now in its 30th year, it’s long been the place to find premier fused glassware by Peggy Karr of New Jersey, Silver Seasons botanical jewelry (by Fairfield’s Michael Michaud) and durable, nature-inspired stoneware from Aldrich Valley Pottery in Missouri. Striking new finds include beaded, wire-worked fantasy jewelry by Starlight Glassworks of Texas and reversible handmade tapestry jackets by Winding River Clothing of Massachusetts. CONSIGNMENT SHOP DLC Westport, (203) 255-9099 Designer Label Consignment (DLC) is still wowing us with its well-edited selection of great “gently worn” designer clothing and accessories. Owner Mary O’Toole is “very picky” and accepts only items in impeccable condition—with names like Guc­ci, Tory Burch and Pucci, as well as midrange names like Tahari and Splendid, and a whole rack of designer jeans. What really sets DLC apart is the separate room of menswear. It’s long been a truism that you can’t sell men’s clothes on consignment because guys wear their clothes into the ground. But O’Toole has found some who don’t, who are partial to Zegna and Thomas Pink apparently. CUSTOM RINGS Peter Indorf Jewelers New Haven, (203) 776-4833, and Madison, (203) 245-5700 (peterindorf.com) Let’s say you have a special gem you want showcased in a ring, and need someone with the designer and jeweler skills to make it a reality. Enter Peter Indorf, a master craftsman who can create a custom ring that will make your hand the envy of all. Starting with a complimentary initial consultation, Indorf diligently works with customers to take jewelry designs from conception through design and creation to completion, no matter the complexity of the piece. Peter Indorf also makes other custom pieces and provides appraisal documentation. EVENING WEAR Seychelles New Haven, (203) 498-2626 (seychellesdresses.com) Whether you’re looking for a gown for a ball, a smoking-hot party frock or a sophisticated cocktail dress, this is the place to find it. Mother-and-daughter team Pansy and Keisha Blake stock the shop with top designers like Nicole Miller, Chloé, Yolanda Arce, Juan Carlos Piñera, Marc Bower, Betsey Johnson and Hervé Léger, as well as up-and-coming designers from all over the world. They also carry chic accessories—evening purses, wraps, scarves and long gloves—the perfect finishing touch. EYEGLASSES OptiCare Multiple locations, (800) CALL-EYE (eyecare4life.com) Want the latest in eyewear fashion? Look no further than your nearest OptiCare boutique At any of the 18 locations across the state you’ll find up-to-the-minute styles from a bevy of top designers—names like Kate Spade, Coach, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Oakley and Maui Jim. What’s great is that this is basically one-stop shopping for your eyes. There are both ophthalmologists and optometrists on-site, so you can have your annual eye exam here, have any problems attended to and, of course, get your glasses—and sunglasses—too. GIFT SHOP The Bowerbird Old Lyme, (860) 434-3562 (thebowerbird.com) You may not leave The Bowerbird with the exact gift you had in mind to honor that birthday/shower/wedding/holiday/blue moon. That’s the great thing about a store with an inventory 10,000 items strong—you can peruse the entire line of Vera Bradley accessories (it’s here), all the gourmet foods, designer jewelry, games and baby toys, home and garden accents and greeting cards from more than 60 companies, and still not make a decision. Our suggestion? Strap in and enjoy the ride. Whatever you do choose, it’s sure to have class. JEWELRY: CUTTING-EDGE Dovecote Westport, (203) 222-7500 (dovecote-westport.com) This sliver of a jewel shop is definitely a must-stop in Westport. Owner Sarah Kaplan, once a buyer for Neiman Marcus and Barneys, has a tastemaker’s eye for beautiful, unique things, and the jewelry here is truly exceptional. The Jewel Box offers a diverse collection of beautifully displayed original pieces, at a wide range of price points (literally from $20 to $20,000), by over 200 artists and vendors from across the country—names such as Me & Ro, Dana Kellin, Bounkit, Gerard Yosca, Kara Ross and Steven Vaubel—as well as Connecticut designers Ann Lightfoot, In 2 Designs and Asha. JEWELRY: ESTATE Peter Suchy Jewelers Stamford, (203) 327-0024 (petersuchyjewelers.com) Peter Suchy is the largest estate and antique jewelry dealer in Connecticut and, with over 28 years in the business, Suchy knows his stuff. His collection—over 10,000 pieces—includes exquisite rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and timepieces in gold, platinum, diamonds and colored gemstones. He’s got Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Retro, including many signed pieces from such luminaries as Tiffany, Van Cleef, Cartier, Patek, Rolex and Mikimoto. Check out the website for helpful info on buying diamonds, identifying the best-quality gemstones and so on. FABRIC STORE The Barn Bridgeport, (203) 334-3396 (thebarn-bridgeport.com) The Barn was the place to buy simple fabric 50 years ago and it’s still going strong in the old “Hollow” neighborhood where it began. It’s changed a bit over the years—now it’s the greatest place to find luxurious designer fabrics as well as ready-made and custom window treatments, bedding and pillows, and all at reasonable prices. The key to its success: good old-fashioned service provided by an incredibly pleasant and knowledgeable staff. LINGERIE Soleil Toile Westport, (203) 454-8688 (soleiltoile.com) This mother-daughter act is our go-to spot for sexy underthings and sophisticated nightwear. Marilynn Lipton and Stacey Schumer offer a handpicked selection of beautiful lingerie (Chantelle, La Perla, Wolford, Marie Jo, Eres), silken nighties and pjs (Hanro, Natori, Oscar de la Renta, Cosabella) and hosiery. The shop also has great swimwear by Eres, Letarte and Manuel Canovas, among others. Best of all is the one-on-one attention you get here from the attentive staff, who will help you get the perfect fit. MEN'S: CLOTHING Stackpole Moore Tryon Tuesday’s Hartford, (860) 522-0181 (stackpolemooretryon.com) Since 1909, Stackpole Moore Tryon has specialized in top-name clothing, working one-on-one with each customer and always providing a satisfying shopping experience. Their men’s clothing selection includes notable brands like Canali, Coppley, Hugo Boss and Joseph Abboud. They can meet the whole family’s needs, as they also carry shoes, accessories and women’s clothing. MEN'S: HATS DelMonico Hatter New Haven, (866) 470-HATS (delmonicohatter.com) In service since 1908 (it’s both a landmark brick-and-mortar business and a thriving Internet sales site), DelMonico offers an extensive inventory of name-brand chapeaux—from Borsalino and Stetson fedoras to Panamas, Kangols, Tilley Endurables and Indiana Joneses. (Those with heirloom hats, bring ’em here—there’s nowhere else in Connecticut—for cleaning and refurbishment.) This year, they’ve expanded their selection to feature Kangol caps, hats and berets for children and Betmar hats for women, including fedoras, berets and cloches. MEN'S: SHOES Footprints Newington, (860) 666-3100 (footprintsshoes.com) Footprints began in 1979 as a 420-square-foot shop specializing in hard-to-find women’s shoe sizes. Thirty years later, it’s a 30,000-square-foot super store offering 200 brands, with 120,000 pairs of shoes in stock. The men’s shoes range from size 6 to a remarkable size 22, with widths from AA to EEEEE. Shoes for men include brands like Allen Edmonds, Bostonian, Kenneth Cole, Rockport, Rieker, Chippewa, Kamik, Clarks, Ecco and Mephisto. Afraid you won’t find anyone to help you? Footprints has more than 70 associates out on its floor. MEN'S: TIES Vineyard Vines Greenwich, (203) 661-1803, and Westport, (203) 227-3400 (vineyardvines.com) We recall the day in 1998 when the late Stan Murray, a Greenwich resident and at that time an occasional writer for Connecticut Magazine, came into our offices bearing a couple of neckties and a story about the fledgling company his two sons, Ian and Shep, were starting up. We thought the ties were handsome, tasteful and fun, and we ran a story about the new venture, Vineyard Vines—but we weren’t entirely certain about its prospects. As it turns out, we were witnessing the launching of a small empire, one that has since expanded to include all sorts of signature men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. Nice work, boys. Dad would be proud. MOTHER OF THE BRIDE Tamar Old Saybrook, (860) 395-0722 The mother of the bride, mother of the groom, maid of honor and just about everyone else looking for a truly elegant ensemble know they can depend on Tamar. In business for 34 years, owner Kay Chiat knows her customer, and can outfit her from head to toe—dress, jewelry, evening bag, wrap, even undergarments. The well-stocked shop carries gorgeous gowns by Nicole Miller, Paule Vasseur and Marisa Baratelli, shoes and handbags by Stuart Weitzman and show-stopping jewelry by Alexis Bittar, among others, as well as stunning one-of-a-kind shawls. And alterations are free! SWIMSUITS Tahiti Street Greenwich, (203) 622-1878 (tahitistreet.com) Andrea Bisordi knows swimwear. In business for 21 years, her tony Greenwich boutique features bikinis, one-pieces and tankinis galore, by more than 30 cutting-edge designers—names like Eres, Manuel Canovas, Letarte, Karla Colletto, Robin Piccone and Tommy Bahama. There are mix-and-match two-pieces in B, C and D cups and lots of great cover-ups, accessories and a bigger-than-ever collection of adorable sun dresses. Best of all, Bisordi and her staff are truly expert at helping you get the best fit.

In the summer and fall of 2005, three young black musicians, Dom Flemons, Rhiannon Giddens

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Visit SM&NC on your vacation break and discover all of the sweet things we