Where to Shop and Eat in Marblehead
Illustration by The Ellaphant In The Room
Marblehead may be known as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” but the historical seaside town is more than just preppies and embroidered nautical belts. Just 17 miles north of Boston (by car or express bus from Downtown Crossing), it offers day-trippers a bevy of inventive boutiques to bookend their fun in the sun.
Photograph by Chelsea Kyle
1. The Crazy Candy Lady
M & Ms in a rainbow of colors. Chocolate-covered Swedish fish. Giant lollipops. Whatever your sweet tooth craves, you’ll find it at this fledgling candy purveyor. Another draw? The Crazy Candy Lady is the first Massachusetts outpost to sell buzzed-about Norman Love Chocolates.
123 Pleasant St., 781-631-1515, thecrazycandylady.com.
Photograph by Chelsea Kyle
2. Liz Steinfeld
The charming lingerie store Arabella may be changing its name this month, but the stellar selection of unmentionables from the likes of La Perla, Huit, and Eberjey thankfully remains the same. Just in time for summer, owner Lis Steinfeld is also adding an array of flirty swimsuits and cover-ups from PrimaDonna, Janine Robin, and Westwood designer Sinesia Karol to the mix.
59 Atlantic Ave., 781-631-1299.
Photograph by Chelsea Kyle
3. Pawsitively Marblehead
This 2,800-square-foot space stocks modern beds, anchor- emblazoned raincoats, and even seersucker bow ties for man’s best (and most discerning) friend. “It’s like Crate & Barrel for dogs,” says Brooks Williams, who owns the boutique with her husband, Ned. Locavores and their pooches can also stock up on all-natural treats from Marblehead’s own Goodness Gracious.
52 Atlantic Ave., 781-990-0081, ccpaws.com.
Photograph by Chelsea Kyle
4. French + Italian
Aimee Lombardi, who spent her childhood sailing in Marblehead, fills her seven-year-old shop with high-end designers and très chic treasures from her travels abroad—covetable lines like A.P.C., Hache, and Vanessa Bruno are all just beyond the charming yellow door. Keep an eye out for Lombardi’s forthcoming knitwear line.
129 Washington St., 781-639-5129, frenchitalian.com.
Photograph by Chelsea Kyle
5. Home Love
Emily Edelman launched her pretty boutique just over a month ago with the Facebook post: “Your home is where you start your day and end your day; it should be the most aesthetically pleasing, nurturing, refreshing place in your life.” Indeed, Home Love offers plenty to spruce up your nest, not to mention great gifts you’ll have trouble giving away—tabletop accessories, vintage finds, and gorgeous candles and toiletries from Patch NYC and the Soap & Paper Factory.
7 Pleasant St., 781-631-5683.
