Updated Nov 13, 2023

Get In The Spirit At The Biggest Christmas Store In Connecticut: Historical Christmas Barn

Historical Christmas Barn in Connecticut offers a festive shopping experience year-round with unique holiday gifts and decorations.

Updated Nov 13, 2023

Written by

Elisa Regulski

Attractions|Shops & Boutiques

Published Oct 14, 2024

This Completely Free Bookstore in Connecticut Is a Booklover’s Dream

Explore this free bookstore in New Haven that's brimming with unique finds, from cookbooks to the classics.

Published Oct 14, 2024

Written by

Kim Falchek

I love to read but I am very thrifty when it comes to obtaining new books. With few exceptions, I’m a "read it and pass it on" type of gal rather than an avid book collector. I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars a year on books I will only read once. When it comes to literary works, I like to shop used. Rehoming or borrowing books saves money and keeps them out of landfills. I absolutely love a good used bookstore. And what could be better than one that is completely free? You can find such a place in New Haven, Connecticut. I am planning a trip to the area soon and can’t wait to grab some good reads at a quirky little spot called Volume Two: A Never Ending Books Collective.

A cozy bookstore interior with bookshelves lining the walls and a small table in the center. Natural light enters from the front. — Volume Two: A Neverending Books Collective

You will be hard-pressed to find another bookstore quite like this one. Volume Two is a true hidden gem. The store is a great place to browse for books and doubles as a music venue, event area, and gathering space. Many people come to enjoy the fun, artsy atmosphere.

Step inside and you will find everything from cookbooks to the classics. The store also carries DVDs, records, and VHS tapes. You never know what you will come across when you visit. Volume Two doesn’t charge for books but does accept monetary donations from customers. They also take donations through their website. An upcoming fundraiser is in the works to help out with costs.

A cozy bookshelf filled with various books and a few decorative items, with a table in the foreground. — Volume Two: A Never Ending Books Collective/Facebook

The story of Volume Two is an interesting one. The bookstore was originally called Never Ending Books and it had been a fixture in the area for decades until almost falling victim to the pandemic. A few years back, a group of loyal followers rallied to save it. They formed a collective, raised money, and reopened the store, naming it Volume Two: A Never Ending Books Collective. They have continued to operate it as a free bookstore.

A storefront window displays a sign reading "The future is never ending, join the collective," with decorative items inside. — Volume Two: A Never Ending Books Collective/Facebook

The collective is open for limited hours in the evenings. After you browse for books, you can stay to watch a band, participate in open mic night, or take part in a local group meet-up. Whatever your reason for visiting, you will definitely want to return.

Have you perused the shelves at Volume Two? What books did you bring home? More information about this local treasure can be found on the Volume Two: A Never Ending Books Collective website and the Volume Two: A Never Ending Books Collective Facebook page. For more great books in Connecticut, visit the Traveler Restaurant in Union or take this literary road trip. And if you are looking for something to pass the time while waiting for Volume Two to open, try out this fun Self-Guided Yale Scavenger Hunt.

Attractions|Shops & Boutiques

Published Nov 11, 2023

The One-Of-A-Kind Grocery Store In Connecticut That You Could Spend Hours Exploring

Published Nov 11, 2023

Written by

Lisa Sammons

Grocery shopping isn't typically thought of as an enjoyable activity. For most of us, it's something we have to do, so we just suck it up, rush through the aisles, and get it over with. It's not very often that a grocery store is considered an attraction... unless, that is, you happen to be at this grocery store in Connecticut. Stew Leonard's is considered the "Disneyland of grocery stores," and with just one visit, it's easy to see how it earned that nickname! This is definitely not your typical grocery store, and the three Stew Leonard's locations in the Nutmeg State are among the best places to shop in Connecticut. Check it out:

Stew Leonard's is a small regional chain with seven locations in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.

alt — Stew Leonard's (100 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT)/Facebook

You'll find the three Nutmeg State locations in Danbury, Newington, and Danbury.

In many ways, this is just like your typical grocery store. It's got food, fresh produce, and more.

People come here to fill their pantries each week and buy ingredients for holiday meals.

alt — Stew Leonard's (100 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT)/Facebook

One thing that's a little unusual here is that the aisles are set up so that you are encouraged to walk through the entire store, making it more of an experience than a typical "grab-and-go" visit.

The delis here have freshly-sliced meat and amazing cheeses, including mozzarella that's prepared fresh daily.

alt — Stew Leonard's (100 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT)/Facebook

The ice cream counter is always a popular spot for a visit!

Perhaps the most famous thing about Stew Leonard's is the "Farm Fresh Five," an animatronic band that serenades you as you shop.

alt — Stew Leonard's (100 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT)/Facebook

There are also employees dressed in costumes and plenty more to see here.

The holidays are a special time here at Stew Leonard's, and you'll find petting zoos in the warmer months, plus pumpkin patches and more in the fall.

alt — Stew Leonard's (100 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT)/Facebook

Come Christmastime, there are even free photos with Santa!

alt — Stew Leonard's (100 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT)/Facebook

For more information about this fun grocery store in Connecticut, check out the Stew Leonard's website. Each of the Connecticut locations has its own Facebook page: Norwalk Facebook page, Newington Facebook page, and Danbury Facebook page.

Have you ever visited a Stew Leonard's in Connecticut or elsewhere? Share your experiences in the comments!

If you're hitting the road for an epic road trip this year and want to pick up some supplies on your next trip to Stew Leonard's, we've got you covered with our Best Road Trip Snacks list.

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Get In The Spirit At The Biggest Christmas Store In Connecticut: Historical Christmas Barn

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This Completely Free Bookstore in Connecticut Is a Booklover’s Dream

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The One-Of-A-Kind Grocery Store In Connecticut That You Could Spend Hours Exploring

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The Audubon Center in Kansas Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

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