It is no question that local small businesses have experienced detrimental losses due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. More than ever, it is imperative that our communities come together to support these local businesses. These business owners are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends. They are working harder than ever to meet basic needs to support their families. The Do Your Thing CT! campaign partnered with local influencers to promote local businesses and favorite spots. 

Here are some local businesses in the city of Shelton. I encourage you to visit, buy, and support them as they are a valuable asset to our community and all provide a different need, service, or luxury. 

Jones Family Farms – Wine, strawberries, pumpkins, blueberries, Christmas trees…you name it, and Jones has it! Jones Family Farms is a Shelton staple and family favorite. Owned by a Shelton family, it offers the finest harvest-your-own picking experience coupled with a side of homemade wine. It’s a win all around.

Wellingtons – This happens to be my favorite local restaurant, offering a wide variety of amazing meals. Don’t fill up on dinner, though, because the White Russian Crepe dessert is a must!

Stone Gardens – Family-owned, this local 50-acre farm provides the community with fresh, seasonal produce, grass-fed beef, pork, and poultry. They are committed to growing healthy plants without harming any insects, soil, or themselves. 

Salt N Rays – This adorable and charming shop is family-owned in the White Hills shopping plaza. The main goal is to protect our skin by offering UV-protected wraps, towels, and clothing. This is a great spot to check out for your holiday shopping!Queen and Polish – This nail salon happens to be my favorite in Shelton because it provides a clean, safe, and relaxing environment for all. I’ve spent many hours unwinding while simultaneously receiving professional nail care. The Giggling Pig – Need a birthday party idea? Looking for an extracurricular activity for your creative and artistic child? Look no further. The Giggling Pig is a wonderful art studio providing lessons, parties, camps, and events for all children!Gaetano’s Deli – You haven’t had an amazing deli sandwich until you have been to Gaetano’s. An Arthur Avenue style deli and caterer in three different locations, this place was voted the Best Deli in Connecticut by the Food Network! A Gaetano’s grinder was my first post-delivery request after having my babies. Enough said.

Mother’s Embrace Yoga – This place holds a special place in my heart as I spent many hours during pregnancy and the fourth trimester here. It is a pre and postnatal yoga studio offering education and support for pregnant and new moms. I truly wouldn’t have gotten through these trying times without my village, created through Mother’s Embrace Yoga. 

Bring the Hoopla LLC – Let’s get hoopin’! Bring the Hoopla provides programming for children of all ages by custom-designed hula hoops for play, exercise, and learning. They bring their hoops to schools all over the state to provide a fun experience for all. They offer parties, assemblies, field days, virtual programs, and before and after school programs. What a creative and unique business!

Wells Hollow Creamery – Five generations of farming and agricultural products come from this well-loved farm in Shelton. Wells Hollow Creamery is not just a creamery. Along with hosting parties, they sell Christmas trees, seasonal produce, ice cream, and food. 

Please remember there are hundreds of other businesses not featured here but would benefit from our support. I encourage you to participate in the campaign by posting a photo or video of your favorite locally owned business in Fairfield County using the hashtag #DoYourThingCT. Let’s band together to show support for our favorite spots!

To celebrate, we are giving away a $20 gift card to some of the featured Shelton businesses; Gaetano’s Deli, The Giggling Pig, Wellingtons, Salt N Rays, and Queen and Polish. One lucky winner will be selected on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. To enter to win, please click HERE!

Check out the Stratford businesses we love and enter to win the giveaway!

A joint effort between the Office of Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Do Your Thing CT! takes a distinct approach by partnering with local influencers who create their own content promoting their favorite spots and activate their social networks encouraging residents to support local businesses.

Residents and visitors can participate by posting a video or photo of their favorite locally owned small businesses in Connecticut using the hashtag #DoYourThingCT on social media.