Thursday, October 8, 2009

The West India Goods Store

There are hidden gems, and then there are hidden gems. This one isn't hidden at all, but it is petite, and it is a gem.

Locals shop here, so you know it's good.

The West India Goods Store was built in 1800 as a retail shop for Henry Prince, who was then living in the house next door. Today, it is a retail shop once again, operated by the NPS partner Eastern National. It caries coffees and teas and spices, glassware, redware, games for young and old, and gifts that celebrate Salem and the sea.

I love the spices and the coffee, myself. And the glassware makes great gifts.

You can take a virtual tour on the Salem Maritime National Historic Site's website at nps.gov/sama.

Stepping into the West India Goods Store does feel a bit like stepping into another era. You really get a sense of the goods that were bought and sold at the end of Salem's wharves during the seaport's glorious maritime age. And, despite the store's name, the inventory at the West India Goods Store is from around the world.




































1 comment:

E.J. Stevens said...

I was just at the WI goods store the other day and you are right. It is lovely.