Davis Museum, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass., November, 2017

I made several visits to downtown Wellesley in November, December and January which were very enjoyable despite the cold weather. My first trip began at the inspiring and impressive Davis Museum at Wellesley College. The museum is free of charge though donations are welcome, and at times, special exhibits may have an admission fee. Parking is free at the Central St./Rt. 135 Visitor Parking garage, which is an easy walk from the museum. With works by Pollock, Warhol, Matisse, Picasso, Monet, Sargent and many others plus special exhibits, the museum is a manageable four floors with an open feel. We started at the top and worked our way down.

Green Hall, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass., November 2017

We enjoyed seeing Wellesley College's picturesque New England Campus along the way. After the museum, we drove to downtown Wellesley less than a mile from the college along Central St. If you're hungry, Upper Crust, B Good, Bruegger's Bagels and Alta Strada are closest. There is on-street parking as well as several lots.

Central Street in front of Wellesley Books, downtown Wellesley, November 2017

The Wellesley Bookstore has a community billboard at its back entrance in a parking lot for patrons of this and adjacent shops. I parked there since I planned a book store visit. The book store has a good selection, plus recommendations from staff, and there are used books downstairs. The billboard lets you know of any upcoming author signings at the store, as well as local theater productions like Wellesley Theatre Project and Wellesley College Theatre.

Next, I headed out for browsing in the boutiques and clothing shops. We stopped at J.P. Licks Ice Cream which also serves hot beverages. I had a delicious hot chocolate and was ready to shop again. Near J.P. Licks, I found Footstock, NRO, Isabel Harvey, Eileen Fisher and Wellesley Holiday Boutique. In Church Square across from the historic Village Church, are Cache, E.A. Davis, Lyn Evans and J. McLaughlin.

Left Top: Wellesley Holiday Boutique, Central St., January 2018
Left Bottom: Isabel Harvey, Central St., January 2018
Right Top: E.A. Davis Department Store, Washington St., November, 2017
Right Bottom: J. McLaughlin, Church St., November, 2017

Left: North River Outfitters, Central St., downtown Wellesley, January, 2018
Right: Cachet, Church Square, downtown Wellesley, November 2017

Nearby on Grove Street, at Truly Yogurt I was impressed with its Lego replica of Wellesley's historic town hall. Last year, the shop celebrated its 25th anniversary. I decided to return in warmer weather since temps were in the 20's and I needed to get warm.

Truly Yogurt, Grove St., Wellesley, January, 2018

Left: Wellesley Town Hall, January 2018
Right: Lego version of Wellesley Town Hall, Truly Yogurt ice cream shop window, January 2018

Back on Central Street, I stopped into Clever Hand Gallery, an artist cooperative with jewelry, accessories and hand made items by local artists. I warmed up while browsing this beautiful shop, especially liking the colorful glass earrings. In January, many shops were having winter sales. Stores were starting to display Valentine's Day gifts and decorations. Papyrus, Wellesley Book Store, Luxe Bond and Green, Anderson's Jewelers and Comina were getting into the holiday.

Left: Wellesley Books, Central St., downtown Wellesley, January 2018
Right: Anderson's Jewelers, Grove St., Wellesley, January 2018

It was great to get out and walk around on these cold but fortunately sunny days and explore this pretty town. Although the weather was not conducive to venturing onto the town walking trails, or visiting Wellesley College's Botanic Garden and Arboretum (the greenhouses are closed for renovations), those are ideas for a visit in the warmer months. I had a great little trip and I plan to be back.

More details about shops, restaurants and things to do at Scenic Shopping Wellesley