Description: If you are staying at the Radisson on Elm Street in Manchester you will find that there are plenty of opportunities to walk out and see the town. Elm Street has much the look of an old fashioned Main Street, the type that you would have found in almost any city in New England fifty years ago. Like many main streets today there are some store fronts that are empty but there is still a look of vitality to this area. Lots of small restaurants dot the landscape Italian, Chinese and the every present chains.
Tucked between the former Cafe Europe which appears to be undergoing renovation and the Italian Restaurant Piccola is a small and unique store caked Heart and Hand. There is quite a large hanging sign to grab your attention but it really doesn’t prepare you for the delights you will find inside.
You realize within seconds of stepping inside that this is going to be interesting. There is a scent that must be attributed to the candles that you will see tucked into every corner and hanging from some of the displays. It is a pleasant smell that is reminiscent of the country look that is achieved here.
The owner Kathy is a font of information about the items that she sells and where they are created. She tried to promote local and especially New England products. If you are a devotee of all things country, you will think you have died and gone to heaven. While there are things that every country decor lover will recognize like recipe cards and boxes from Lang there are also things that are not as familiar.
There are pieces of country furniture, braided rugs and chair pads, hutches, pillows and everything you need to achieve the perfect look in your home. Beyond that, there are the New England products. Looking for some special pancake mix in buttermilk, cranberry walnut, cinnamon and blueberry? You will find it here. Would you like to bring home some very special jams and jellies that were made in Maine? Again there is a small well placed display.
Among the many other interesting items were some candles in the shape of a small muffin. The scents though were not what you would expect, there was a cranberry chutney, vanilla bean and cinnamon bun. They are as cute as they are delicious smelling.
There are lots of small wrought iron items, a fantastic wrought iron chandelier with candle lights and lots of bric brac. This is the perfect shop to find a unique gift or a This is the perfect shop to find a unique gift or a just the ideal item to complete your look. At the desk where you pay there are two racks of very pretty earrings that will offer the last bit of temptation.
If you are in Manchester, take the time to stroll down Elm Street and while you are there, make With Heart and Hand one of your stops, you won’t be disappointed.
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