I'm not from Newburyport, but after visiting this week, I wish I was! This New England port town has so many places and gems to offer. I could spend the entire day just walking around the vast array of brick building shops. With that being said, here is a compiled list of my favorite shops from my stay, and what they have to offer.

1. Jabberwocky Bookstore

Located inside the Tannery Marketplace, an assortment of shops within modernized mill buildings, the Jabberwocky Bookshop is one of the largest bookstores in New England that I've been in. In fact, it is the largest independently operated bookstore in the area. They host book readings from local authors on Friday nights. One of my favorite parts of this store was the Green Room; an area of bargain, used books and a section of lightly damaged books at a discounted price. They, also, have a reading area.

2. Oldies Marketplace

Oldies is Newburyport's well-known antique market. Located in what looks like a giant barn. With an assortment of old store signs, Oldies' has items I have never seen in person, such as classic typewriters and a large molded cow. Items in this huge warehouse include books, albums, jewelry, clothes (small but nice selection), furniture, china, toys and household items. I can always find certain items at a lower cost at thrift shops such as albums and vintage Christmas ornaments, but they do have a nice selection here.

3. Dragon's Nest Toys

The Dragon's Nest is Newburyport's specialty toy store. This two-floor store has toys for all ages. The bottom floor holds coloring books, board games from many countries, girls arts and crafts items, and Legos. The top floor has many stuffed animals, educational toys for toddlers, and little knick-knacks for girls and boys. Just going inside brought my youth back. There were many toys I've never seen in chain toy stores. This place is great for kids if you're vacationing here.

4. Brass Lyon

This the most nautical shop I've visited. The Brass Lyons specializes in fun and unique gifts that will tickle your inner pirate. They have items that are practical, decorative and cute for anyone. A gift for almost everyone can be found in the shop as a nice collectible, unique present or souvenir. The store as mostly brass and nautical items, weathervanes, toys, mechanical banks, ship models and pub signs.

5. Best of British

Best of British is a quaint British store Offering fine imported goods from the United Kingdom and Ireland. They carry gifts and items from brands only available in England. As a lover of British culture myself, this store was one of my favorites. They also carry a wide selection of tea accoutrements, basically anything you never knew you needed to brew a cuppa. A selection of food items, health and beauty & assorted clothing rounds out the store. Prices are on par with specialty items you can't find on the shelves of your local mart store. Regardless of what you might be in the market for, Best of British is definitely worth a pop in.

There are so many more shops to explore in this town. On a summer day, if you're not sure where to go for the day, in Newburyport, you will not be bored.