Boutique Hopping in West Hartford: A Shopper's Guide to Blue Back Square

Blue Back Square derives its curious name from Noah Webster's famous Blue-Backed Speller, a nod to the lexicographer who was born in West Hartford. This historical connection feels appropriate—there's something almost scholarly about the district's thoughtful design. Unlike the chaotic energy of big-city shopping centers, Blue Back Square unfolds with architectural intention, blending modern retail spaces with New England's characteristic brick facades and tree-lined walkways.

The open-air concept creates a natural rhythm to your shopping experience. Sunlight filters through the spaces between buildings, casting geometric patterns across the pedestrian thoroughfares. During my weekend visits, I've found myself appreciating how the design encourages a slower pace. The square's layout promotes meandering rather than rushing, allowing for the kind of mindful consumption that feels increasingly rare in our digital age.

For those visiting during Connecticut's spectacular fall season, the shopping experience takes on an almost cinematic quality as maple trees lining the walkways transform into brilliant displays of amber and crimson. In winter, tasteful holiday lighting transforms the square into a sophisticated wonderland that manages to feel festive without veering into commercial excess.

While West Hartford might not immediately conjure images of haute couture, Blue Back Square houses several boutiques that rival those in major metropolitan areas. My personal favorite is Kimberly Boutique, where the curated collection of designer pieces feels like browsing a fashion editor's personal closet. The owner's eye for emerging designers means you'll discover pieces you won't find in department stores.

For accessories that make statements without shouting, BK & Co offers an impressive selection of jewelry and handbags. During my last visit, I invested in a handcrafted leather tote that has since accompanied me across three continents. Quality craftsmanship speaks volumes, and this leather tote bag has weathered airports, beaches, and city explorations while developing the kind of patina that only comes from genuine leather.

Artichoke deserves special mention for those seeking to elevate their home spaces. This isn't your typical home goods store—each item feels individually selected rather than mass-produced. I found myself particularly drawn to their collection of handblown glass pieces that capture and refract light in mesmerizing ways. For anyone who appreciates the intersection of functionality and beauty, their selection of luxury scented candles creates an atmosphere of subtle luxury that transforms any space.

The scientific correlation between shopping and hunger is well-documented (at least in my personal research), and Blue Back Square offers sophisticated refueling options that go well beyond typical mall food court fare. For couples enjoying a shopping weekend, these dining spots provide perfect intermissions between retail explorations.

Àvert Brasserie brings authentic French cuisine to West Hartford with a menu that changes seasonally. Their intimate outdoor seating area offers prime people-watching opportunities while you sip a perfectly chilled glass of Sancerre. The mussels are consistently excellent—delicate and briny with a white wine sauce that demands crusty bread for soaking.

For a more casual but equally delicious option, bartaco serves up elevated street food in an atmosphere that somehow manages to transport you to a coastal retreat. Their guacamole, prepared tableside, has become something of a ritual for me—watching the server blend the perfect balance of lime, salt, and perfectly ripe avocados is a small moment of culinary theater.

Coffee enthusiasts should make time for DORO Marketplace, where the baristas approach coffee preparation with scientific precision. I've found their cortado to be the perfect mid-shopping energy boost, especially when paired with one of their house-made pastries. For those who take their coffee seriously at home, I recommend picking up a bag of their house-roasted beans and a manual coffee grinder for brewing perfect cups wherever your travels take you.

Shopping, at its best, can be a form of mindfulness practice—a way of engaging fully with the present moment through sensory experiences. Blue Back Square's environment naturally encourages this more conscious approach to consumption.

I've developed a personal ritual when visiting shopping districts like this one. Before making any purchase, I take a moment to consider not just whether I want an item, but how it will integrate into my life. Will it serve a purpose? Will it bring genuine joy? This practice has transformed shopping from a potentially mindless activity into an exercise in intentionality.

One shop that particularly supports this mindful approach is Ten Thousand Villages, where every item comes with a story of its creator and origin. The handcrafted goods represent global artisanal traditions, and purchases directly support the artisans who created them. I've found their collection of meditation cushions particularly compelling—my meditation cushion has become an essential companion for morning mindfulness practices, whether I'm at home in Sydney or watching the sunrise from a hotel balcony.

For those seeking to bring mindfulness into their evenings, The Spice & Tea Exchange offers an aromatic journey that engages all senses. Their collection of loose-leaf teas and custom spice blends can transform daily rituals into moments of presence. I particularly recommend their sleep-promoting tea blends and a quality electric tea kettle for precise temperature control—essential for proper tea brewing and a worthwhile investment for any mindful beverage enthusiast.

Shopping as a couple can either strengthen bonds or test patience. At Blue Back Square, the diverse mix of stores creates natural opportunities for both shared experiences and independent exploration. For couples visiting the area, I recommend beginning with a strategy session over coffee at Starbucks Reserve or DORO Marketplace.

My approach when shopping with companions involves identifying three priority stores for each person and plotting an efficient route that alternates between preferences. This creates a natural rhythm and ensures both parties feel their interests are valued. Blue Back Square's compact layout makes this particularly feasible—you're never more than a short walk from reuniting.

For couples with divergent shopping interests, the square offers perfect compromise destinations. Barnes & Noble provides a comfortable retreat for the less shopping-inclined partner, with plenty of seating and an excellent selection of books and magazines. Similarly, West Elm appeals to most couples with its blend of modern design and practical home solutions.

To enhance the couples' shopping experience, consider investing in a compact shopping tote that folds into a tiny pouch when not in use. These lightweight bags expand to hold surprising amounts while preventing the awkward juggling of multiple store bags. For longer shopping expeditions, a stylish insulated water bottle keeps you both hydrated while eliminating the need for disposable plastic bottles—a small but meaningful step toward more sustainable shopping practices.