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.

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. Along with an impressive catalogue of thousands of adult toys and accessories, they offer officially licensed Fifty Shades of Grey products. They stock 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. In addition to their erotic accessories, Amazing Intimate Essentials stocks tobacco, tobacco products, e-cigs, and vaporizers. The staff stresses openness and acceptance in regards to romantic endeavors, an attitude that also fuels their unwavering support of the LGBT community.

Shelley is a skincare specialist working out of Health In Harmony, a full-service wellness spa dedicated to transformation in its many forms. Shelly offers microdermabrasion treatments and other skincare services that help clients regain radiant, youthful-looking complexions. Shelly joins a staff of massage therapists, hairstylists, and acupuncturists who all work toward the same goal: to instill health, wellness, and beauty in their clients. Anti-aging facials are administered alongside therapeutic massages, and men's and women's haircuts and color treatments share menu space with ear candling and reflexology. Clients can also opt for infrared sauna therapy or a session on the power plate platform, which uses whole-body vibration to target cellulite and strengthen muscles.

The Blue Horse has been a Downtown Mystic institution for over forty years. Combining her academic background in fashion and textiles with her love for the local community, owner Margaret Macris bought The Blue Horse in 1992 when her youngest son started kindergarten. Since then she has dressed generations of children and

At The Yoga Within, compassionate studio owners and certified yoga instructors Theresa Reynolds and Karen Oien help students of all experience levels deepen their yoga practice with a four-day schedule of gentle yoga classes. Each 90-minute session takes mat mavens though 50–60 minutes' worth of healing physical postures designed to release tension along the spine. During this time, students get support from blocks and folded-up blankets. The remaining class time is spent fostering peaceful minds and taming skittish spirit horses with a short breathing practice and a period resting in yoga's relaxation pose—shavasana.