1. Antiques On Whitney
City: Hamden, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (203) 287-9015
Address: 2285 Whitney Ave.
Description: Established at the end of the 20th century, this antiques store just off the Merritt Parkway in Hamden caters to the New Haven crowd, and to those passing through on their way north to Hartford. They specialize in lamps and crystal and brass chandeliers, paintings, vintage costume and estate jewelry, linens, sterling silver, cameos, glass, china, and stunning furniture. Open every day but Mon, Antiques on Whitney offers appraisal and estate liquidation services as well. This is not a junk store and yet, perhaps because it is not in a heavily shopped antiques district, the prices are reasonable and fair.
2. Flirt
City: Hamden, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (203) 287-0092
Address: 3551 Whitney Ave.
Description: Near the old millpond, at the location of the old Carriage Axle Factory, Flirt is Hamden’s (many say all of New Haven County’s) premier boutique. The staff is incredibly helpful, and will tell you what clothes will fit your frame best. The owner, Meryl Henrici, brings in fashions from New York City once a month, and the store is always filled with new merchandise. Dresses, jewelry, belts, and handbags are all available, and Meryl and her staff will work with you to find something just for you without ever being pushy or patronizing like some boutiques unfortunately are. Flirt is everything a boutique should be: a place for women to find confidence in their appearance.
City: Hamden, CT
Category: Shopping
Address: 1842 Whitney Ave.
4. Bon Appetit
City: Hamden, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (203) 248-0648
Address: 2979 Whitney Ave.
Description: Among the many specialty food stores in Connecticut, Bon Appetit stands out for reliable service with a smile since 1971. Not only will they work with customers to bring in whatever specialties they desire, they also carry hard-to-find cheeses, pâtés, pastas, coffees, olives, jams, scones, salsas, tarts, chocolates, cookies, olive oils, and vinegars. People drive all the way up Whitney Avenue from New Haven and down I-91 from Meriden for this store. While you’re here picking up caviar or smoked salmon, grab some wine to go with it next door at Mount Carmel Wine and Spirits. We don’t usually include liquor stores in these guides, but the selection of fine French wines at this amazing 1934 shop in the 19th-century James Ives general store is worth your attention.