Thrift Store & Farm Stand Offer Up Fresh Pickings

Former merchandiser Ann Chesbro worked for other people for many years and now she’s happily self-employed in her own shop—filled with new and used merchandise at bargain prices—called Alisha’s Thrift Store off North Stonington’s busy Route 2.

This thrift shop at 387 Norwich-Westerly Rd., is a gem for its very reasonable prices and vast selection. Chesbro carries new and used clothing and vintage, costume and modern jewelry, some priced as little as $3.

She stocks brand-new, formal gowns and prom dresses, some going for $40 and now 50 percent off, bringing that gorgeous gown down to $20. Colors range from cobalt blue and red to sage green and shades of lavender. For as little as $5, you can pair your new dress with a darling beaded bag, or choose a vintage black velvet number for $15.

Vintage handkerchiefs make for a thoughtful wedding gift and at $2 each or three for $5, just might be the least expensive item on the big day. In a room toward the back, you’ll find jeans and pants from $5 to $10, and shirts and blouses from $3 to $10.

Chesbro lives up to her store’s motto of “Boutique styles at thrift store prices,” and said, “You shouldn’t have to pay more than half of the original price.”

Along with racks of clothing, you’ll find nail polish, shoes, greeting cards and more. Reading glasses, which Chesbro said people tend to forget at home when vacationing to the casino or beaches, sell for $3 or two for $5. Speaking of the beach, you also can buy flip-flops, cover-ups and new bathing suits.

Chesbro also receives her share of inquiries as to whether she knew any number of people who used to occupy this white house and upstairs apartments, including the owner of the former quaint landmark across the street, the Dew Drop Inn, recently replaced by an Italian restaurant serving good food and , or as I can’t help referring to it, “This ain’t no Dew Drop Inn.”

Heading east on Route 2 toward Westerly, just before the intersection of Main Street and Mystic Road adjacent to the gas station, you’ll find another popular spot this time of year—Ed’s Fruit & Produce farm stand.

Cars steadily pulled in and out of the sandy parking lot in front of the green stand, with many customers making a beeline for one of three wheel barrows holding corn—Myra (super sweet), Butter & Sugar and (my favorite) Silver Queen.

Handmade signs hang from each other near Route 2, telling customers what’s available. This particular day, along with corn and tomatoes, the farm’s own offerings included squash, blueberries, peaches, beach plums and McIntosh apples.

Ed Kokoszka and his brothers Michael and Walter have run this popular stand since 1994 and now Ed’s daughter Liz works here. In this sweet stand with country kitchen curtains and painted yellow walls, they carry what they grow, and also some things they don’t, such as mangoes or avocados or other varieties of produce.

“I just give people what they want,” Ed Kokoszka said, adding that he enjoys seeing people coming to the stand, some of whom on this hot and sunny afternoon lamented the off-season sight of the shuttered stand. 

“It’s sort of fun running your own business.”