Shopping in Limerick

A web of scrolls, acanthus leaves, and flowers weaves its way around a polished metal serving tray, encircling edibles with an intricately wrought border. This baroque pattern dates back to the 17th century, when Parisian silversmiths created the design for Queen Mary. This motif has since been revived by sculptor Stan Baskett, one of Wilton Armetale Factory Store's cadre of skilled designers. Like many of the pieces in Wilton Armetale’s serveware collection, the designs are rooted in history but have been updated and streamlined for daily use.

Even though the shop's pieces are ornate, they never sacrifice durability. This nontoxic serveware and grillware is oven- and freezer-safe and sturdy enough for cooking, baking, and grilling. The metal workers also vow that their pieces will not rust, break, chip, or heckle you as they usher meals from the kitchen to the table.

Walking into a HobbyTown USA is like immersing yourself in a science fair, toy store, art-supply shop, and robot dance-off all at the same time. Stocked with items ranging from model Camaro kits ($20.99) to easy-to-care-for ant farms ($14.99), the store has something for any particular age or interest. Spice up the tide of warm weather with interactive outdoor activities such as flying Turbo Jet 2000 gliders ($4.99) or kites shaped like 3-D space shuttles ($19.99), which, unlike real space shuttles, serve decent in-flight meals. For rainy days, you can always just pick up a 10-piece carving-knife set ($4.95) and an eight-color all-purpose paint set ($11.59) to repurpose any banister as a totem pole of achievement.