oblong books and music

Long ago I passed through Millerton and noticed there were some shops there, and that it was a quaint sort of border town. Looking for a day trip with a girlfriend, I punched it into the computer and got the Millerton web site, enticing us with shops, eateries, quaint small town Main Street USA charm. I noticed many of the listed shops were not shops we would be that interested in, but there were a couple of shops listed that had local crafts by local artists. After a stop at Terzi's to see the old soda fountain (and the owner was indeed a very nice gentleman) we stopped here. It's an independent bookstore with a huge kids' section (almost as big as the adult bookstore) and some unique local interest books. As far as carrying a full load of bestsellers or even history, etc., there seemed to be a distinct editorial content to the selection, but if you really want something to read you could probably find something interesting.Suffice it to say if I found an entry for Millerton as a whole (which I was looking for) I would not have given it three stars. (Because I am used to an independent bookstore in CT which I like even better I didn't rate even this bookstore above average. As bookstores go though, if you have no other independent bookstore, it is probably a four-star attraction.) , There were no open craft shops - none at all, really. There are very few shops. The town is somewhat picturesque with the rail trail and river running through it, but nothing to drive two hours for, which we had. In fact, Lakeville, CT, back a few miles, looked like it had much more and was more scenic. But we persisted, figuring there had to be something. The bookstore was the only place I spent any money, really (very strange for me!) and let's face it, I probably could have gotten most of what I got there anywhere (except for the handpainted "Cheap Art" they sell for Patty the artist to support homeless cats...cute, one-of-a-kind and a steal at $5 each). When I asked the girl in the kid's book part downstairs if there was a craft shop she said no. (Later I did find one of the listed ones but it was locked up tight and looked to have very, very little in it). I also asked if the diner was a good place to eat and was told Harney's Tea is better. I remember Harney's in Salisbury and when they moved across the border to Millerton I think that is probably when the town gentrified beyond the pale. They have a tiny restaurant; we had a good lunch, but it was packed, as was the diner and the coffee house. In fact the whole town was jumping and for the life of me I can't figure out why.I will shop in Watch Hill and Coronado and Westport and Greenwich; I know when things are marked up or just expensive and I don't shy away automatically at high prices. But $25.00 for an amaryllis bulb in the florist? $150 for a small signed glass vase in the glassblowers' that I could get at Fair Haven Glass glassblowers in New Haven (also signed, and not a bargain town, really) for $10 or $20?Both my friend and I were appalled at the prices of ordinary objects. It really seemed that the town was suddenly catering to the Litchfield elite and charging these prices because it evidently means something to overpay. NOT Main Street USA.I usually don't give negative reviews like this but the website is so very misleading. As a veteran shopper and aficionado of quaint shopping towns I can say the lack of merchandise in this town, and what there was being so overpriced, was really a letdown..as was the lack of a good choice of eateries. If you are on the website and figure this is a nice browsing/shopping trip waiting to happen, think twice. There are dozens of towns just as quaint and with much more to see and buy and more than 4 open dining selections, none of which appeared to serve a dinner menu except the diner (and maybe the pizza joint).If you are passing through, treat yourself to some Cheap Art at this bookstore and continue on through. Sorry, chamber of commerce, but we won't be back.

They had a decent selection of books for such a small town but the cashier looked at me like I had six heads when I asked for a protective cover for my newly purchased $100 book. Still though a very nice selection in a quaint location.

An excellent independent bookseller. The staff was friendly and helpful. I especially like the thought put into the staff selections. Will happily go again.

This is a delightful bookstore in Millerton for browsing. The staff are smart and happy to help you find the kind of book you want. Hurray for independent book stores and this one in particular! Millerton is a fun town to checkout--Sapersteins, the wine store, the coffee shop. All worth your time.