Nostalgia, crafts, and culinary marvels: New England’s finest gift shops await your exploration

The candy counter at Zeb's General Store in downtown North Conway, N.H. (Zeb's)

They’re about more than an overpriced T-shirt. Gift shops offer not only nostalgia, but also an array of locally-crafted treasures and food items that capture the essence and spirit of the region. Here are five of the best in New England. 

Zeb’s General Store, North Conway, N.H. — A stop so popular that oftentimes there is a wait to get into the building. It’s worth it, as this North Conway favorite boasts not only an enormous candy counter, but a wealth of specialty foods, all made in New England.

You’ll find nostalgic items (have a Moxie!) in addition to local area souvenirs, some of the more than 5,000 items the store claims. And if the items don’t bring you back, the atmosphere — bringing to life a simpler time — certainly will. — www.zebs.com 

The Vermont Country Store, Weston and Rockingham, Vt. — You’ve likely passed one of the locations en route to Okemo. Step inside and you’ll find a whimsical assortment of Vermont products, from fresh maple candy to clothing and home furnishings. While nothing can come close to the immersion in store, the Vermont Country Store’s web presence is extensive, offering a variety of home products, personal care, and other fashion. Newsweek even recently named it one of the best online shops in 2023. Family-owned and run since 1946, this unique shopping destination is a one-stop shop for all things Green Mountains. — www.vermontcountrystore.com

Cool as a Moose, Bar Harbor, Maine –– If you’re looking for unique apparel and gifts with a moose theme, then you’ve found your spot. While its landmark store is in Bar Harbor, there are also Cool as a Moose locations in downtown Portland, Brunswick, Provincetown on Cape Cod, and at Whistler Resort in Canada. Most everything here is adorned with an image of a moose, which makes the place about as Maine as you can get. coolasamoose.com 

Stowe Mercantile, Stowe, Vt. — Perhaps the second-biggest reason to visit Stowe (other than that ski area at the top of Mountain Road) might be the mercantile located in the village, a must-stop for a sampling of Vermont specialty foods, as well as a healthy selection of Stowe-specific shirts and hoodies. The family-run business is a staple of downtown Stowe and a unique place to shop for housewares and other souvenirs. — www.stowemercantile.com

Pickwick’s Mercantile, Portsmouth, N.H. — As the creed from Mr. Samuel Pickwick, Esq. reads, “one is sure to find merchandise both modern and classic on these old cedar shelves.” The eclectic Pickwick’s Mercantile, which features a truly unique mix of products from the past and present, offers a wide range of merchandise, including vintage clothing, antique furniture, collectibles, and handmade crafts. Every nook and cranny is filled with carefully curated items, each with its own story to tell. A visit here is an adventure unto itself. — www.pickwicksmercantile.com