Business & Tech
Hidden Gems Of Hartford And Tolland Counties
The latest trek to a Hidden Gem takes us to a rearward parcel along Connecticut state Route 44.
CANTON, CT — The latest trip to a Hidden Gem in Hartford and Tolland counties takes us to a rearward parcel on a well-traveled state road that goes right through the northern third of the state.
Welcome to a small little shop in Canton called Swank Pearce.
We'll let Patch reader Laura Eilers do the talking on this one, since she nominated Swank Pearce:
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"The name alone might give you a hint to the gems hidden inside.
"The owners are fabulous and very personable and outgoing. They have an eye for unusual and special items at reasonable prices.
"The store is tucked away behind route 44 and in an enclave of other antique-type stores. Unfortunately several of the stores around them have been closing, but Swank Pearce is hanging in there.
"If you go now, you will see why Swank Pearce has been able to survive."
For the holidays, Swank Pearce had a metal Christmas tree sitting on top of a high table in the middle of the main room and with the light streaming in the front that made the whole sparkle.
The displays are always changing.
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"It’s quite an experience," Eilers said.
Swank Pearce is at 163 Albany Turnpike (Route 44) in Canton.
See more about the true Hidden Gem here.
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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.
Other columns in this series:
- Vernon Depot Historic Park
- Farr's Sporting Goods
- Robs Drivin Diner
- Powder Mill Barn
- At the Dam
- Lena's Restaurant
- The Genius of Connecticut
- The Notch
- LuAnn's Bakery
- Ecker Hill Disc Golf Course
- The Kona Ice Truck
- Olympia Diner
- Mountain Dairy
- Anthony Jacks Wood-Fired Grill
- Pabs African Restaurant
- Henry's Pizzeria
- South Windsor Wildlife Sanctuary
- The Country Butcher
- Aby's Bakery
- Liberty Street Market & Deli
- Wilderness Lake Campground and Resort
- Time Machine toy and hobby store
- Paul Gregory's Bistro Cafe
- The Scoop
- Cheney Brothers National Historic Landmark District
- Faddy's Donuts and Ice Cream
- Riverfront Miniature Golf & Ice Cream
- The Historic Babcock Tavern
- High Grade Finishing
- Craig's Kitchen
- Sikorsky S-16 Bi-Plane Fighter
- Navy ZNP-K Airship Control Car
- Rosedale Farms & Vineyards
- Nathan Hale Homestead
- Burke Ridge Farms
- Necker's Toyland
- Civil War Monument at Mt. Hope Cemetery
- Gene Pitney Memorial Benches
- Joe McCluskey/Manchester Road Race Statue
- Samuel Field Knight Historic Marker
- Carol's Lunchbox
- Country Casuals
- Dakota Restaurant
- Country Cobbler
- Beau's Burger Shack
- Daniel Glazier Tavern
- Mount Southington Ski School
- Awards & More
- Marquis de Lafayette Monument
- The Little Red Store
- River Bend Bookshop
- Gerry's Donuts
- Traveler Restaurant
- First Decorated Christmas Tree
- The Stanley-Whitman House
- Vernon's Santa House
- Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut
- Old Country Banquet Hall
- Brazilian Gula Grill
- Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop
- Congregational Church of Burlington labyrinth
- Noah Webster House
- The Bushnell's Green Room Wall
- Belding Wildlife Management Area
- The Aborn Castle
- Heublein Tower
- Birthplace of Jonathan Edwards
- Grave of Revolutionary War Soldier Heman Baker
- Jessica's Garden, Lobster and Ice Cream Shack
- Shade Swamp Sanctuary
- Ken's Corner Breakfast & Lunch
- Tolland Red and White
- The Packing House
- Cold Harbor Seafood
- Nye Holman State Forest/Heron Cove Park
- Hosmer Mountain Soda Shack
- Connecticut Trolley Museum
- Matterhorn Mini Golf
- Wood Memorial Library & Museum
- Hastings Farm
- Liquid Nirvana
- Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park
- Academy Hall
- Southington Drive-In
- Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall
- Somersvillage Gifts & Gourmet Baskets
- New England Civil War Museum
- The Pinchot Sycamore
- Stafford Palace Theater
- Mansfield Hollow State Park
- Old Tolland County Jail and Museum
- Hill-Stead Museum
- Mark's Restaurant
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