Summer Shop Tours: Part 1

Stonington Borough is a charming enclave filled with eclectic shops and boutiques, each a universe unto itself, where timeless craftsmanship meets modern sensibility. Shop Tours, our two‑part video series, is your backstage pass. 

Discover Bare Bones Aesthetics, a haven of beauty and wellness, and the elevated interior sensibilities of Driscoll Design Shop + Studio; Glaze Handmade’s artisanal pottery, and the storied treasures of Grand & Water Antiques. Follow us into Indigo Bleu and Tucci Design, both stocked with the latest in women’s clothing and accessories, Ship Shape Shop with a selection of original artwork and novelty goods, and Maggie Lee Designs’ charming garden studio, specializing in heirloom-quality jewelry. Stille, the Borough’s latest addition, is THE destination for slow-living essentials, and your visit won’t be complete without a trip to The Velvet Mill — home to artists, shops, eateries, and a host of small businesses. 

With each storefront offering a unique vignette, our cameras capture not just products, but the people, passions, and personalities that make Stonington Borough’s retail scene so special. Stay tuned for Part Two, where more hidden gems await.

 


 

Bare Bones Aesthetics

We're excited to share our favorite spot for a spa day — Bare Bones Aesthetics is your sanctuary — expert beauty services, licensed esthetician. Amazing facials! Brows, lashes, spray tans and more!

14 Church St.
(323) 449-1621
www.barebonesct.com
Instagram: @barebonesaesthetics

 


 

Driscoll Design Shop + Studio

Say hello to Driscoll Design Shop + Studio from interior designer Leslie Driscoll. Curated home furnishings, regional artisans, vintage and modern.

158 Water St.
(860) 222-4113
www.LeslieDriscollDesign.com
Instagram: @lndriscolldesign

 


 

GLAZE Handmade

Glaze Handmade is functional hand-crafted pottery. Known as The Vegan Potter, owner and artist Lyndsay Dean offers a full range of home and tableware, workshops, artful evenings with guest artists, and more. Visit her website for delicious vegan recipes.

530 Stonington Rd.
(860) 415-9396
www.glazehandmade.com
Instagram: @glazehandmade

 


 

Grand & Water Antiques

Antiques with a modern twist. Staging, styling and home design services available with Grand & Water Re-design.

135 Water St.
(860) 535-2624
www.grandandwater.com
Instagram: @grandandwater

 


 

Indigo Bleu

 offers classic to cutting-edge fashion in a full range of sizes. Styles represent the best of NY and other fashion districts around the world. They’re stocked with so many pretty things for summer! Open every day, 10 am - 5 pm. Call to arrange an off-hours appointment.

134 Water St.
(860) 535-8256
www.indigobleustonington.com
Instagram: @indigobleustonington

 


 

Maggie Lee Designs

You may already know her, but have you visited her magical little studio? Off Water Street, head down Grand and you can’t miss her garden gate…that’s where Maggie Lee Designs heirloom-quality jewelry inspired by the sea. She does repairs and custom work too!

135 Water St. (Entrance on Grand St.)
(717) 569-6500
www.maggieleedesigns.com
Instagram: @maggieleedesigns

 


 

Ship Shape Shop

Ship Shape Shop, owned by Tim and Adrienne Pratt, is home to Porkchopstick Studios and Timothy Pratt Fine Art Appraisals.

Porkchopstick Studios offers original paintings, illustrations, design, and custom work. In addition, Adrienne has curated a selection of goods and must-haves by other artists and makers. Stop in and you may see Adrienne hard at work creating something new! Timothy Pratt Fine Art Appraisals provides written and verbal appraisals and assists with specific art sales.

119 Water St.
(860) 861-1153
www.porkchopstickstudios.com
Instagram: @shipsshapeshopct

 


 

Stille

Stille is a stunning space, that smells like heaven, offering restful goods and clothing that support slow living.

155 Water St.
Instagram: @stillespace

 


 

Tucci DESIGN

Tucci Design is a pop of color and everything that’s good and happy in this world. It's an eclectic collection of costume and vintage jewelry, clothing, gifts and a little bit of home decor.

120 Water St.
(860) 535-9100
Instagram: @tucci_design

 


 

The Velvet Mill

On a recent rainy Saturday, the Velvet Mill was a buzz of activity. Breakfast at Zest Fresh Pastry, live music echoing through the halls, shops and local vendors, and the Stonington Farmer’s Market in full swing. During the summer, you can find the farmer’s market outside. 

22 Bayview Ave.
www.thevelvetmill.com
Instagram: @the_velvetmill