55 Best Shopping in Massachusetts, USA

The eye-catching sculptures visible from the roadside only hint at the vast spectacle inside what bills itself as America's largest Asian art store—customers include the Smithsonian and the Hell's Angels Clubhouse. Carvings of every conceivable material (from wood to whalebone), size (from half an inch to 8 feet tall), and subject matter (albeit heavy on the gods and dragons) can be found here (or made to order and shipped). The sheer volume of art outstrips many museums, but you can still buy a traditional sarong or a gift from the $5 shelves. Humorous signs throughout the store add a touch of character.

Bartlett's Farm encompasses 100 acres overseen by eighth-generation Bartletts. Healthy, tasty prepared foods—within a minisupermarket—are added incentive to make the trek out. If you're not up it, however, a produce truck is parked on Main Street through the summer.

Open year-round, the indoor Boston Public Market offers a great place to grab a sandwich, sample local foods, and even pick up a tasty souvenir. The New England–centric marketplace has 30 vendors, selling everything from fresh herbs and fruit to meat and seafood, as well as plenty of food stalls. Everything sold at the market is produced or originated in New England, including nonperishables like wool and carved wooden bowls. There’s also a food demonstration kitchen, where visitors might be able to catch a live cooking class (with samples). Since it's all about staying with the season, the exciting thing about visiting the BPM is that no two days are the same. The Kids’ Nook is a designated area for kids to gather and play, with activities throughout the week.

Bibliophiles can't get enough of this old-timey book store that has been in operation since 1825 and is, literally, chockablock with books floor to ceiling and stuffed into corners. The owner Ken Gloss, who regularly tours with Antiques Roadshow, fields queries from passionate book lovers about out-of-print, rare, antique, and foreign-language tomes. If you're simply in need of a read for the ride home, browse the rolling carts in Brattle's adjacent outdoor lot, where books of all genres go for $5, $3, or just $1.

A special place, Brewster Book Store is filled to the rafters with all manner of books by local and international authors, with an extensive fiction selection and kids' section. Author signings and children's story times take place year-round.

Irresistible defines this one-stop shop, brimming with an eclectic array of floral dresses and tops, wide-legged pants, letterpress greeting cards, small brand apothecary, craft cocktail supplies, global cookbooks, woven baskets, and mixed media jewelry that you never knew you needed. Owner Marian Klausner creates an inspiring award-winning selection from her global travels.

This independently owned jewelry store features custom creations, from gorgeous engagement rings to signature carved moonstone jewelry. Men's jewelry is a specialty.

This old mill complex along the Saw Mill River—since converted into a quintet of businesses—exudes old New England. The Bookmill is a quirky secondhand bookshop whose comfortable chairs make it easy to curl up with a book. The good-humored staffers at the adjoining Lady Killigrew café serve beer, coffee, and bagels; there's free Wi-Fi, too. The fantastic waterfall views from the deck of Alvah Stone, which serves lunch and dinner, justify its slightly elevated prices. From Friday to Sunday, you can visit Turn It Up for music and movies, and Wednesday through Monday the Sawmill River Arts crafts gallery offers items by local artists. The complex is incredibly picturesque, if not entirely wheelchair accessible.

A quintessential stop on any Northampton visit—and not just because the market's centrally located garage is your best bet for convenient parking—Thornes contains an eclectic lineup of shops ranging from Glimpse of Tibet for Tibetan handicrafts to Herrell's Ice Cream and Captain Candy for sweets and desserts. Also here are Booklink Booksellers, Cedar Chest, a yoga studio, a chair-massage parlor, and clothing and jewelry stores.

You'll find used, rare, and new books here, including a large collection of Americana. There's also an extensive selection of children's books. Look for frequent author events and book signings.

Jam-packed with toys, games, and more bizarre novelty items than you could possibly imagine, this store benefits from the enthusiasm of owners Ken and Michele Gietz. Grab an offbeat gift for a friend (and some of the interesting candies for yourself).

Here you'll find a varied selection of unique jewelry, gifts, whimsical folk art, and home decor—including many pieces created by local artisans—at reasonable prices (especially for Chatham). The gallery also showcases the award-winning landscape photography of the shop's owner, Jon Vaughan. 

Step back in time with a visit to Alley's General Store, a local landmark since 1858, and the island's oldest retail business. Stock includes everything from groceries to gourmet cheeses, and toys for all ages, from stuffed animals for the kids to housewares for adults. Alley's is a treasure trove of the playful and practical items that define a country store. The coffee bar sells some of the best brew in town, and there's a post office inside.

Dutch luxury pen specialist Appelboom has opened its second brick and mortar location in what used to be Bromfield Pen Shop. You can find all major fountain pen brands, rollerballs, and ballpoints, as well as all types of accessories, from inks to paper goods.

An institution in the Pioneer Valley, this market sells produce, baked goods, and specialty foods—try a cider doughnut to sample the best of all three.

This French specialty-food shop carries imported cheeses, cured meats, and the finest olive oils from carefully sourced producers, who also sell their wares to fancy restaurants in New York City and Martha's Vineyard. Bizalion doubles as an informal eatery; on the small menu are some appealing sandwiches, including one with arugula, pine nuts, prosciutto, goat cheese, and olive oil on toasted bread.

Bunch of Grapes Bookstore is an excellent independent shop, with eager and knowledgeable booksellers and a varied selection of new books for adults and children. It also sponsors book signings.

Shops don't get more adorable than this downtown candy store with the bright pink awning, winning sweet-toothed fans since 1955 for their slow-cooked, small-batch confections. Their version of a clambake is a too-cute assortment of chocolate sea creatures on a bed of chocolate rocks. Sea salt caramels, made with local sea salt, are a favorite, and they stay open year-round.

Sneaker collectors love having what other people can't find and this store features exclusives by Nike, New Balance, Vans, Adidas, and others. Fanatics line up around the block when a limited-edition shoe debuts.

Major discounts on high-quality (and big-name) shoes for men and women draw savvy Boston shoppers to this branch of the chain DSW, also known as Designer Shoe Warehouse. Everything from Nike to Prada can be found at varying discounts—sometimes up to 90% off.

This longtime island favorite, open year-round, carries a large selection of island-related titles, periodicals, and bestsellers, and the staff will be happy to make a summer reading recommendation. The children's section is very good. A wonderful little café behind the bookshop, called Behind the Bookstore, is open seasonally, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The owner of this store selling dining-related antique porcelain, glassware, and tabletop accessories is an expert in the field. The prices match the high quality of her selections.

This complex is both huge and hugely popular (drawing 18 million people a year), but not necessarily unique—most of its independent shops have given way to Banana Republic, Uniqlo, Urban Outfitters, and other chains. Founded in 1742 as a market for crops and livestock, the place has plenty of history and offers one of the area's great à la carte casual dining experiences (Quincy Market). Pushcarts sell everything from apparel to jewelry to candy to Boston souvenirs. Live bands set up gigs throughout the weekend days, while buskers perform crowd-pleasing feats such as break dancing and juggling routines. Have your dollar bills ready for when the hat gets passed around.

The feeling is "indoor flea market" in this space, where 30-plus dealers sell oriental rugs, vintage furniture, and smaller decorative pieces.

One of New England's foremost crafts centers, the gallery shows and sells American arts and crafts, with a strong focus on pottery, jewelry, and textiles.

Back in the mid-20th century when Downtown Crossing was truly a shopping mecca, this building drew crowds for its selection of precious gems and metals. Today, this building still bustles with its array of more than 75 independent jewelry artisans, who sell luxury watches, engagement rings, engraved silver, and much more.