Every holiday season many people become overwhelmed by all the additional activities that suddenly come into their lives. One of the most challenging seems to be shopping for that special gift for that extra special someone. One of the best ways to turn shopping into a fun event is to shop with friends and do so somewhere where you don’t usually venture. If you haven’t shopped Kent for the holidays, then you don’t know what you’re missing.
To start with, just traveling up scenic Route 7 into Kent is a delight. Located at the foot of the Berkshire Mountains, Kent’s Main Street is a shopper’s paradise. Between the church steeples that rise high into the sky and the art galleries that spread out over the landscape daring you to pass them by, shopping suddenly becomes a favorite activity rather than yet another hustled and harried event.
There’s so much to see and so many shops to visit that you’ll need to plan on spending the entire day here. Don’t worry about getting tired. You can always slip into one of the quaint and fine restaurants or cafes for a relaxing lunch or dinner. With the scent of apple cider, cinnamon, and chocolate deliciously greeting you in shop after shop, you’ll definitely want to plan on dining here.
Main Street, Kent, epitomizes a New England Christmas in Connecticut. You’ll find everything from antique shops, to toy shops, to one-of-a-kind boutiques. Everything from the handmade to exotically imported goods will be found along this picturesque street. Bookstores, ice-cream shops, and two exquisite chocolate shops lift your spirits as you visit each shop. Finding the most unusual presents to put under the tree can be found in shops like the Fife ‘n Drum Gift Shoppe. Here, you will find the most wonderfully original gifts. Looking for a fine silk scarf decorated with horses on it for that equestrian in your family? Look no further. Looking for an unusual ornament to present as a gift? You’ll find it here. This shop seems to go on and on forever. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find a new section of gift offerings or holiday cards. You’ll also find a gaily lit Christmas tree in each room, all beautifully decorated in unusual ways. In addition to buying uncommonly imaginative gifts, you’ll leave the shop with new ideas for holiday entertaining. Best of all, like many of the shops in Kent, your purchases will be gift wrapped! What can be better than spending a fun day with friends and arriving home with all your gifts wrapped and ready to place under the tree or next to the menorah?
If you save the Fife ‘n Drum gift shop for your last stop, you’ll be able to walk over to the Fife ‘n Drum Inn and Restaurant. Here you’ll be able to order everything from a full course meal to a burger. Don’t be surprised if you find someone tickling the ivories while you sit back and relax. While dessert is always an option after walking and shopping for hours, you might want to reconsider. After all, down the street, over a pretty little bridge, you’ll find a candy shop too good to pass by.
While Kent is always a great place to visit, especially with Kent Falls a destination location, it is especially pleasant to visit during the holidays. The Kent Chamber of Commerce has also added some special incentives and programs like “Coupons for Caring,” which has been described by the Chamber as a “give-back-to-the-community” program. These coupons are available at most shops in Kent for one dollar. Each coupon offers shoppers discounts at participating shops right through December 31. The monies collected from the sale of the coupons is divided among three worthy Kent causes: “The Kent Community Fund (Food Bank & Fuel Assistance); The Kent Center School Scholarship Fund; and the Kent Garden Club.
Who knows, you just might be that one lucky person who has a chance to win the “2009 Kent Shopping Spree valued at over $1,200!” You can enter with a purchase at any of the participating businesses. The winner will be drawn on December 20 at the Fife ‘n Drum Restaurant.
You’ll never know what to find along this beautiful Main Street. Wine tastings, sample chocolates, and plenty of opportunities for photos with Santa if you want to bring the children along. So instead of agonizing over facing the crowds and standing in long lines of shoppers, call a friend, hop in the car and travel to Kent for a picturesque shopping experience that will leave you smiling and ready to celebrate the season with plenty of cheer and goodwill.