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2 August 2016 by Heather Harris
For many travellers, collecting tokens to remember their journeys by is one of the pleasures of travel, and especially purchasing goods that are locally-made and reflect the spirit of the destinations.
New England is full of local brands and artisans producing goods that are true to the region's heritage - not only beautiful, but sturdy and functional. These are some of our favourite treats to bring back with us after a New England holiday - but what are yours? Tell us on Twitter at #wexasgoodlife, and we'll share our top responses.
1. L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean is a New England mainstay, and whether or not you're near their Freeport, Maine flagship store, it's worth picking up something from their collection. They sell everything from sporting goods and winter parkas to light summer clothing and luggage, and the best part is that all of their products come with a lifetime warranty - if anything ever wears out, for any reason, they will offer you an exchange, replacement or store credit. This tote bag is a classic Bean purchase, which will keep the memory of a coastal getaway to Cape Cod or Maine alive for years to come.
2. A sailor's knot bracelet
Legend says that sailors would weave these bracelet with excess rope, and give them to friends and family as good luck charms. The tradition is to wear one until it falls off, but these sturdy bracelets can last for a long, long time. This is the classic style, but if you want something with a bit less commitment, there are plenty of bracelets with clasps as well.
3. Saltwater taffy
Not actually salty, nor made with salt water, this treat is a sweet, chewy confection that northeasterners have long loved. Originally from Atlantic City, and thus eaten along the coast and associated with salt water, the sweets are popular all over New England. Provincetown, on the tip of Massachusetts' Cape Cod, is home to Cabot's Candy, a particularly popular purveyor.
4. Local homewares
Both of these candles can be found online, but are made by New England artisans in Maine and Connecticut and their design brings a bit of vintage country-house charm to your home. Visit Etsy to buy the small jar candle, or the large rooster candle.
5. Shaker crafts
The Shakers are a religious group in the United States, and the last of their dwindling population is in Maine. The Shakers have long valued simplicity of design, lending an almost Scandinavian minimalism to local crafts. This tray is handmade in Shapley, Maine.
6. Vineyard Vines
If Martha's Vineyard, one of the small islands off the coast of Massachusetts, is the spiritual home of preppiness, then Vineyard Vines is the company to represent it. Plaids, pinks, and embroidered whales adorn most everything you'll find here, forming the unofficial uniform of golfers everywhere.
