Things to do / Travel Guide
One of the great things about the coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island region is that even shopping can be a historical experience. Antique shops abound, as do art galleries that feature paintings and sculptures with a nautical theme.
Shopping around Boston, Massachusetts
Don't miss Boston's historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Bostonians have been shopping at Faneuil Hall, also known as Quincy Market, since 1742. This is where the doctrine of “no taxation without representation” was first established. After you've taken a few moments to enjoy the Federal period architecture, stroll inside and enjoy the mix of shops, restaurants and “street” entertainment. Although most of the shops are national chains, local artisans displaying their wares in pushcarts are on hand as well.
Less than a block away is Haymarket, Boston's outdoor food market. Open every Friday and Saturday roughly from dawn to dusk, this is the place to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, and seafood right off the boat. It's also the place to get a taste of Boston at its most chaotic and raucous, as sellers yell at you to buy whatever it is that they're selling.
For booklovers, there's Harvard Square in Cambridge, where some 25 booksellers offer everything from rare and out-of-print scholarly works to the latest comic books. If you're looking for a unique gift or work of art with a nautical theme while you're in the area of Newport, try the small shops and galleries located at Bowen's Wharf and Bannister's Wharf.
Cape Cod happens to be a great place to go antique hunting. To combine a scenic drive with shopping, head down the Old King's Highway, a picturesque lane that goes from Sandwich to Orleans and is dotted with antique shops all along the way. The town of Essex, located in Cape Ann, is another spot known for its high-quality antique shops.
Shopping in Rhode Island and Southeast Connecticut
In Providence, Rhode Island, you can visit the oldest enclosed shopping mall in the nation. Founded in 1828, Westminster Arcade was where teenage girls in the 1830s would gather to gossip about boys and shop for the newest in-style bonnets and dresses. Today the mall features a number of specialty shops and a food court.
Regarding the casinos in southeast Connecticut, if they're the largest casinos in the world you'd expect lots of shopping, right? Right. Splurge on last night's earnings, or buy yourself a consolation prize. At Mohegan Sun you can find everything you'll (ever) need at The Shops, and on the premises of Foxwoods you'll find 20,000 square feet of stores and stands.
In Mystic you can find a number of quality jewelry and crafts boutiques. The two main places in the town for shopping are on Main Street, East and West, and Old Mistick Village.
Shopping Malls in Boston, Cape Cod, Newport, Connecticut, Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Shopping
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