Treasure Hunt: Main Street

During a recent interview about his re-election campaign, Mayor Jim Bouley called Main Street in Concord, “New Hampshire’s downtown.” And, for the most part, he’s right.

Even moving beyond the State House and nonprofits with statewide connections that keep offices on the second and third floors of the historic brick storefronts, it is clear Concord is a destination city for the Granite State. Its small urban squares, funky, low-key cafes, and varied nightlife, where there is always something to do.

Walking along the many blocks of storefronts, shoppers have unique consumer choices, including furniture stores, high-end and used clothing shops, hair salons, jewelry shops, art supplies, toy stores, candy shops, and a plethora of restaurants offering all kinds of different types of food.

If you’re looking for trinkets and gifts, start on the east side at Capitol Craftsmen and Romance Jewelers, a mainstay boutique for many years. Next door, step into Caring Gifts and choose from the many items on sale in the store, including baby items and greeting cards. The New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Store provides a display storefront for the finest area artisans have to offer. A couple more blocks down, Just Be features printed T-shirts where you can “Just Be” whatever, and other New Hampshire crafted items. Fabulous Looks Boutique sells homemade handbags, women’s clothing, jewelry and other gifts. Star Bellies sells children’s clothing and unique toys while Britches has everything the dapper man might want to wear.

On the west side of Main Street, Joe King’s Shoes has hundreds of different shoe styles and bargain bins galore in the basement. Granite State Candy Shoppe sells homemade candies made right on Warren Street. Concord Camera sells the latest camera and accessories for both the professional and amateur photographer. The Viking House offers quality imported gifts from Scandinavia while Rowland’s Studio sells frames, art, and art supplies, as well as items for the graphic designer who still uses pencils and pens. Imagination Village sells the most amazing and yes, imaginative, toys and play things a child would ever need.

Be Local Concord

The new Be Local Concord program has started up in the city in an effort to boost local businesses.

Shoppers can join for $10 and they’ll get a tote bag and access to specials and discounts at many businesses in Concord, including stores downtown.

The Be Local organization hopes to promote local business activity, raise awareness about the importance of the local economy to jobs and diversity of business, as well as support local shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities.

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