With slanted ceilings and shelves filled with an assortment of novelties, the Curio Cottage, located on 44 Imperial Avenue in Westport, Connecticut is a hidden gem in town, holding its own hidden gems inside its blue doors. Run by the Westport Woman‘s Club, a non-profit organization, every purchase made in the thrift shop goes towards various charities, including tuition grants for students at Staples High School.
Opened in 1999, the Curio Cottage has continued to collect and sell items, and donate all proceeds made to local charities. “The Curio Cottage operates year-round and has contributed over $500,000 in support of the philanthropic mission of the WWC [Westport Woman‘s Club],” according to the Westport Woman's Club website.
Items for sale in the cottage range from puzzles to jewelry, containing enough treasures for anyone to find anything.
Members of the Westport Woman‘s Club help run the shop and encourage donations to add to their ever-growing collection.
Although in located in the center of town since 1999, the Curio Cottage is often unknown and yet to be discovered by many.
The Cottage is open on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m on Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
(LEFT) Pins on display in the Cottage available for purchase. The Cottage also sells jewelry that includes bracelets, necklaces and other valuables including vintage cameras and purses. Photos by Allie D'Angelo '20