Shopping in Groton

Thanks to the careful gardening of its "fiercely independent" local owners, Bank Square Books' shelves teem with all manner of pencraft, mingling best-selling fiction and nonfiction with lesser-known novels as well as the most expansive assemblage of children’s books in the area. Guests can nestle into cozy seats and browse the adventures of ex-Navy SEAL Max Moore and his wise-cracking sock puppet in Tom Clancy’s best-selling Against All Enemies ($28.95) or feast eyes on the bookery's numerous staff picks. Tyler recommends The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet ($15, paperback), which follows a young Dutch clerk as he navigates the dangerous political intrigues of samurai-era Japan's sole port to the outside world. Annie, meanwhile, loves Kristin Kimball’s The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food, and Love ($15, paperback), which chronicles one woman’s flight from New York City to start a farm in the North Country. Henry Kissinger's negotiation strategies in On China ($36) will prove invaluable to recreational diplomats who are tired of navigating the land mines in their feuding roommates' DMZ.

Pennywise freshens up the wardrobes of ladies, gents, and juniors with threads from name brands, such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Ann Taylor, and designer duds from the fashion houses of Diane von Furstenberg, Elie Tahari, and Nanette Lepore. Treat stems to the cottony caress of name-brand denim ($20–$85). A kaleidoscope of tops and sweaters ($3–$65) saves upper halves the trouble of trying to wriggle into burlap sacks every morning. Adorn yourself in one-of-a-kind retro jewelry ($4+) that adds a touch of vintage glamour to modern life vessels. Pennywise's inventory changes daily and the downtown location also stocks garments for wee ones. Visitors to the fashion hub can gossip about Garfield's horrible taste in formalwear with Steve Madden, Pennywise's cat mascot.

The talented gemnasts at Northern Light Gems ornament customers with custom designs and name-brand jewelry and watches. Gaze into the oceanic depths of the natural labradorite stone at the center of a Baroni ring ($120). Adorn lobes with a set of sterling-silver earrings ($15) or draw attention to a fresh tattoo sleeve with a bracelet of delicate sterling-silver beads ($75). The shop's artisans also work with customers to forge one-of-a-kind pieces that match their specifications for shape, price, metal, gem, and edibility. Browse the abundant assortment of baubles within Northern Light Gems' spacious, warmly lit storefront, stopping to marvel at ornate estate and antique pieces, or coo over charms reflecting the area's heritage in the form of tiny moveable bridges and outlines of Niantic Bay.

By answering any and all questions about their erotic wares, the staffers at Amazing Intimate Essentials have helped promote safe and sensual trysts for more than 40 years. Their selection of massage oils, lubricants, and adult toys—which occupies stores spread throughout the Northeast and Texas—contains goods from such established brands as We-Vibe, Jimmyjane, and K-Y. They staff female-friendly merchandise, as well as products that help couples create more sparks in the bedroom than a master metalworker soldering a "do not disturb" sign to the door. The staff stresses openness and acceptance in regards to romantic endeavors, an attitude that also fuels their unwavering support of the LGBT community.

Thames River Greenery unites the fineries of several artisans in the New London community to festoon patrons' lines of vision with an intricate blend of floral arrangements and gifts. Brighten rooms and nourish pet honeybees with floral bouquets such as the spring oasis ($50+), which brings together tulips, hot-pink spray roses, purple mokara orchids, and seafoam statice in a glass cylinder vase. Boxed chocolates ($9.99+) and stuffed animals($9.99+) can be added to arrangements to provide flowers with comfort and sustenance during car rides to their new homes. In addition to plush and prismatic gifts, Thames River carries its own line of wine and spirits ($10+) as well as an array of imported cheeses ($8+). To complement meals with new and interesting flavors, customers can take home a tote of Stonewall Kitchen specialty sauces ($29.95+), including wasabi-ginger sauce, coffee-caramel sauce, and sun-dried tomato-and-olive relish.

For more than a century, Ring's End has put quality home improvement products in the hands of homeowners and contractors. A Stanley FatMax level ($30.99) ensures all paintings and ouija boards are hung correctly, and a gallon of Benjamin Moore Regal Classic paint ($40.19) creates a vibrant new hue on staid interior walls. Fiberon composite decking ($2.95+/ft.) helps to craft sturdy, colorful backyard-grilling platforms and arrives backed by a 20-year limited warranty. Handymen and women can keep tools easily accessible, organized, and ready to travel with a Veto Pro Pac tool bag ($144.99), which holds more than 100 hand tools and includes six zippered pockets to hide worksite snacks from Bob Vila.