NEW ENGLAND: The BEST (and local) Souvenirs
- rebeccaf107
- Jul 23, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 7
The BEST (and local) New England Souvenirs
I am not a big shopper when traveling. I don’t care a lot for t-shirts or ball caps. As a kid, I collected hundreds of post cards when traveling. They provided an inexpensive and lightweight reminder of the places I visited. Today, I try to pick up an ornament, opting for those that don’t look super “Christmas-y” to hang on my year-round travel tree.
Some people I know collect spoons, bells, shot glasses, or magnets. What about you? Let me know in the comments below.
When I do select a souvenir, and as often as I can when selecting my ornaments, I like to embrace the area where I’m visiting and purchase local brands or products.
When chatting about New England, there are a ton of national brands that call the area home as well as state-specific, locally produced, and/or sourced products. Here’s a quick rundown of some options for the best and local New England Souvenirs.
Massachusetts
It’s “Title Town, USA,” so Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, or Pats gear is a no-brainer. For the non-sports fan, maybe some gear from the local colleges – Harvard is a big one, but BC is popular too.
If you’re a sneaker-wearer/lover/collector, you can visit the HQs for New Balance and Reebok. Both are in the Boston area and have flagship stores onsite.
And finally, if you’re a foodie, try to make a reservation at the Parker Restaurant at the historic Omni Parker Hotel. Its history is an interesting one and it is the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie (the official dessert of Massachusetts) and Park House Rolls. Enjoy a meal and a slice of "pie", or they can ship a frozen one to your home.
If you enjoy adult beverages, be sure to have a Sam Adams. You’ll find the main SA home in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston.
Tip: Not souvenir related but, if you have time, I highly recommend the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and you can certainly pick up a souvenir in the gift shop.
Maine
LL. Bean’s campus and flagship are in Freeport and GH Bass, founded in Maine in 1876, has an outlet in Kittery. LL Bean is great for outdoorsy apparel and equipment (frequently worn in Maine) and a pair of Bass loafers will never go out of style.
If your travels take you to Portland, stop in at the Sea Bags flagship store where the bags are made from recycling or repurposing sails. Planning a group trip or a milestone celebration trip? You can even have a bag custom made for a truly unique gift or souvenir. The only problem is picking which one you want from all the amazing styles and designs.
Foodies, your turn. If there’s one recommendation we’d make, it’d be anything from Stonewall
Kitchen. The specialty food brand has a company store and HQ in York and is a popular stop! Check out their wild blueberry jams and syrups (among other things)!
New Hampshire
Timberland, the boot and apparel company, was founded in Boston, but global HQ is in Stratham. A factory store is in Stratham as well and other retail locations are found Merrimack and North Conway.
More of a bath and body type? Badger Balm is a very popular, organic skincare company located in Gilsum. At certain times, factory tours and special events are held, and there is a company store on site. Adventure travelers may want to stock up on mineral sunscreen and coconut after sun balm. Just remember TSA limits if you are flying and ask about having the products shipped to your home.
Vermont
Your first thoughts for Vermont are likely maple syrup, Ben and Jerry’s, and Cabot Creamery. All good picks for sure. . .
But nothing beats a lovable bear to hug. Vermont Teddy Bear Company is in Shelburne. You can tour their factory where the bears are made by hand, go shopping (you can build your own), and even visit Bear Hospital, where repairs are done by a Bear Doctor. Awww ...
Two of my personal favorites are Danforth Pewter in Middlebury and Simon Pearce in Quechee.
Danforth has beautiful ornaments and handcrafted gifts. I have 2 of their oil lamps and collect the ornaments each year for my Christmas tree.
Simon Pearce has lovely glassware – truly something for everyone - as well as a restaurant on-site.
Rhode Island
Since it’s the Ocean State, we’ll make a related recommendation – sea glass jewelry. You’re likely to find it at many boutiques across the state, but more so along the coast (Narragansett or Newport).
Calling all coffee lovers, make a stop at one of the many Dave’s Coffee locations around the state. Grab a cup and a bottle of ... coffee syrup! Take it home, grab some milk and make Rhody’s official drink – coffee milk.
Connecticut
A couple of random things here. If you’re a silver or pewter collector or need a trophy, award or gift, check out Oldani Brothers in Meriden. They have a 70+ year history and have created pieces for Tiffany’s and Cartier!
If apparel or handbags are more your thing, two brands are based in Connecticut.
The apparel company Vineyard Vines was founded in Martha’s Vineyard but is now based in Stamford.
Dooney and Bourke, if you’re a handbag or accessory person, is in Norwalk.
Neither has a company store on campus, but there are plenty of places in the area (and elsewhere) where you can find both.
So, there you have it, the best and local New England Souvenirs
Of course, you can purchase some of these things online (think of this blog or your visit to the area if you choose to do so).
Or you can wait, plan your trip, and purchase in the product’s home state!
If you’re of the wait, plan, and purchase in person philosophy, reach out to Milestones & Mondays for the plan part :)
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Milestones & Mondays Travel is a boutique travel planning studio specializing in immersive, smaller-scale travel experiences including expedition cruises, small premium and luxury cruises, river cruises, and small group active adventures. Planning focuses on thoughtful pacing, meaningful experiences, and getting away from the crowds and deeper into the destination.
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Rebecca Fitzpatrick-Yancey Founder, Milestones & Mondays Travel
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