We don’t even know where to start with how great The Velvet Mill in Stonington is for a day trip destination! With well over 30 unique businesses, open artist studios, fantastic restaurants/bakeries, a distillery, brewery, and a farmers market…never has, “there’s something for everyone” been a truer sentence!
Day Tripping to Velvet Mill is sponsored
So much to do under one Velvet Mill roof!
Built in 1880 to house imports and eventually to produce velvet, The Velvet Mill factory is steeped in history (which you can read about as you walk around!). Today, The Velvet Mill is a popular shopping destination experience!
We LOVED exploring this seemingly endless funky space! Shopping, eating, people & dog watching, cakes, cocktails, fitness & healing services…
Book this day trip with a friend, stat!
An awesome itinerary for your day if you need help planning…
Bali Bungalow
We actually gasped when we walked into the Bali Bungalow. All we can say is we want one of EVERYTHING!
Bali Bungalow was inspired by a husband & wife team, Lita’s Indonesian heritage, and culture. Eco-friendly and sustainable, all of their furnishings are handmade by local artisans in Indonesia using indigenous techniques passed down through generations.
Zest Fresh Pastry
From savory pastry to sweet desserts, American classics and European delights, breakfast, crepes, and custom cakes…we could easily have sat in Zest Fresh Pastry all day just to watch people’s faces light up when they walk in. What an ARRAY!
We devoured bacon-egg-cheese, a lemon cookie, carrot cake, and fresh coffee. Fuel for shopping!
Mountain Hollow Crystals
Step into this beautiful studio for glorious crystals and items for nature lovers & dreamers! We loved meeting husband & wife team Jessica & Jeremy who are committed to ethical and conscious sourcing. They support local artists and small businesses through their offerings and ship worldwide with Carbon Shipping Offsets through Cloverly.
Plus, Mountain Hollow Crystals donates a minimum of 1% of sales to approved grassroots environmental non-profit organizations!
Whitecrest Eatery
Absolutely everyone we met during our visit to The Velvet Mill said, “Oh, you HAVE to try Whitecrest Eatery”…which of course, was already on our itinerary. Another husband & wife team (Chef Johan and Abbey) serve up an ever-changing seasonal menu. Whitecrest Eatery has a scratch kitchen you can watch while you dine, craft cocktails, sourdough bread & focaccia bread we’ll never forget – all made and served with love! 👌
Shuttle Press & Bindery + Spencer Hill Jewelry
Artist Dana Campbell uses traditional methods and antique printing presses to create stationery, hand-bound books, and more! Shuttle Press & Bindery also offers custom invitations for weddings and other events, as well as book repair services. Watch Dana while she prints – old-school style!
Under the same daylit studio roof, you’ll find Betsy Drake Bierkan, the artist, and creator behind Spencer Hill Jewelry. And just like Dana, you can watch Betsy make beautiful things in front of your very eyes. Betsy’s handmade jewelry is created from ethically sourced precious metals & gems.
Rum Tropic Distillery
And as if the day could get any better…finish off your trip with a little mental vacation at Rum Tropic Distillery! This business is the dreamchild of husband & wife team, Brian & Kelly, who after 2 years of experimenting, have perfected smooth, small-batch distilled rum, flavored rum, and vodka. Pull up a chair and order a fresh fruity cocktail.
Stick around until the evening for the light show – major island vacay vibes right here!
And so much more…
Don’t forget to check out all the other amazing businesses, the art gallery on the second floor, the farmer’s market on Saturdays, classes, special events, and more!
The Velvet Mill – 22 Bayview Avenue, Stonington, Connecticut 06378