7 Best Shopping in Sturbridge and The Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts

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.

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.

The showroom features sculpture, pottery, and glass by more than 100 artisans, including hand-blown pieces by Josh Simpson.

This farm sells yogurt, raw milk, and cheese, as well as beef, from grass-fed cows. Vegetables and fruits are generally available throughout the year.

In addition to stocking 50,000 new and used titles, Odyssey has readings and book signings by locally (and sometimes nationally) known authors. There's a special event more nights than not.

This Pioneer Valley landmark has an in-store bakery in addition to the usual candy, spices, jams, maple confections, kitchen items, and other gifts you might expect. Try a "Wrapple": a hand pie made with apples from local orchards.