Kim Case

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Pat Valentine in her shop

Newburyport, Mass., has a lot to offer. Whether your idea of a visit means exploring the sandy dunes at the wildlife refuge on Plum Island, walking the wooded trails at Maudsley State Park, touring the historic Custom House Museum, or meeting friends for lunch at a trendy restaurant, there’s no question that the vibrant downtown is a holiday shopper’s delight, with many unexpected and unique shops to explore. Recently, I discovered two that are well worth stopping by.

The Nantucket Stock Exchange is an antique store far from its southern sister on an island of obvious nomenclature. But the “Exchange of the North” feels like a destination of shopping unto itself.

Outside the colorful shop on Water Street, a wooden placard reads, “Purveyors of Fine Stuff.” Any explorer brave enough to navigate the antique-packed porch, past the large pink tongue of Puck, the owner’s friendly black lab, and into the tiny shop jammed to the gills with every imaginable nautical treasure, both old and new, deserves the experience of exploring within. “Fine Stuff” is certainly everywhere, and an eclectic mixture it is.  An antique chandelier dangles daintily over a nice little collection of scrimshaw while a stunning collection of Cheryl Fudge’s original line of clothing made from vintage pieces—the likes of which purportedly adorn both Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts—await in the back corner.

When I first walked into the Exchange I literally could not decide where to look first. Nan King Parker, the shop owner, packs her shop with the most eclectic display of items, each one more enticing than the last. Catching my eye first was a painting of a grouchy sea captain, a piece of pure nautical camp. Also fabulous were the woodcarvings from regional artists, beautifully crafted and one of a kind. “We can get those in various sizes,” says Nan. So what did I walk away with? I found a hefty pair of ship-shaped antique bookends for my husband’s Christmas gift. Shhh… don’t ruin the surprise!

Valentine’s, further up Water Street towards town, offers a more organized experience but certainly one no less diverse and equally worth lingering over.  Fragrances, items and accents for the home fill this attractive shop to the brim while in the back an adorable collection of clothing and unique items for wee-ones can be found.
I chatted with storeowner Pat Valentine, and she shared her secret for finding great items. “I am always thinking about what is unique,” she says. “If it appears in a chain store then it’s off my shelf within the hour.”

Sold year round but pertinent to the holidays are beautiful round Christmas tree ornaments coated in a light layer of North Atlantic sand. Visitors from away can actually take the beach home with them. Pat also shows me one of her hottest selling items, silver initial pendants that can be paired with a chord to form your own custom necklace. “I love anything with words,” she says with a smile.

I asked Pat what was hot right now, and she directed me to the largest collection of Mariposa silver I’ve seen outside a gift show. “We can customize just about anything,” Pat explains, showing me a silver platter with “celebrate” etched across its surface. “We had that done through our own engravers. You won’t find that anywhere else.”