Expanded Spa To Fill Former Bookshop Space in Wenham

An existing business in Wenham is expanding in the same location and will add new offerings.

Inside Out Health and Wellness has expanded at the same address in Wenham, moving into space that had been home to a beloved children’s bookshop that closed earlier this year. The old space was about 500 square feet  at 162 Main St. and the new space isabout 900 square feet for Inside Out. The one big change is the addition of a wellness room that will host a variety of events and programs, ranging from lectures to spa party nights. That’s in addition to its longstanding skin care and massage offerings. Owner Victoria Varney has owned the business for the past eight years at the same address in the front portion of the commercial complex on Main Street. But when the space in the back opened up, she jumped at the opportunity to expand at …

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Pilates Studio, Interior Decorator Among Possible Reuses of Children's Bookshop Space

The former home of Banbury Cross Children's Bookshop has a new owner and has interest from several possible new tenants.

The new owner of commercial space in downtown Wenham that was once home to Banbury Cross Children’s Bookshop has received interest from a Pilates studio and interior decorator about moving in. In June, Banbury Cross Children’s Bookshop closed its doors after 24 years. Owner Patricia Purdy said just in the prior year sales had dropped off, mostly in part because of an increase in Internet shopping. In comments on Hamilton-Wenham Patch, more than a dozen users said how much they loved the shop and the special attention they got from Purdy and the other employees. Last month, David A. Cutter of Essex bought the property at 162 Main St. and is now renovating it. He has gutted the inside and reroofed it. He also plans to sealcoat the parking …

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Meet Your Neighbor

Get to Know a Wenham Mother Who Enjoys 'Old School' Formalities

This week's Meet Your Neighbor introduces us to Melanie D'Orio of Wenham.

Name: Melanie D'Orio Street: Burnham Road, Wenham Family: Husband, Eric; Son, 8 and Daughter, 6; Dog, Ginger Occupation: At-Home Mother Hobbies/interests: Cycling, Running, Volunteering, Reading, Coaching, Cooking/Entertaining, Decorating What are you passionate about? I would say that I am most passionate about making time for what's most important, taking time to really look around at all the good that people are doing and letting them know about it. I think our generation may have lost a little of what's important. We go out to eat instead of having people into our homes. We busy ourselves with a schedule and sometimes lose sight of the little things going on around us. We are too busy to notice what each person has contributed to our …

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Patch Facts

Five Things to Know Today in Hamilton and Wenham: June 15

An essential get-me-going daily morning column from Hamilton-Wenham Patch.

Today is Friday, June 15. Here are five things you need to know: 1. Banbury Cross: Friday is a sad day for many people, since it is the final day of business for Banbury Cross Children’s Bookshop in Wenham, which is closing. Everything in stock is 50 percent off and the store hours on the final day are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2. Trash Barrels: The new trash program arrived in Hamilton more than two months ago, and along with it came a brand new town-issued trash barrel. Well, if you have an old barrel that you would like to retire, you can recycle it one day only on Saturday. The event is free and open only to Hamilton residents. You can drop off the barrel from 8 a.m. to noon at the Department of Public Works yard behind Hamilton Town Hall…

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Patch Facts

Five Things to Know Today in Hamilton and Wenham: June 6

An essential get-me-going daily morning column from Hamilton-Wenham Patch.

Today is Wednesday, June 6. Here are five things you need to know: 1. Rail Trail: The ribbon was officially cut Saturday for the “Danvers Rail Trail,” which stretches into Wenham. It connects Topsfield to Danvers and passes through the Great Wenham Swamp. Part of the festivities, which were moved to the Danvers Indoor Sports Arena because of the rain, included a performance by Enon Brass and the Wenham Town Band, shown in the attached photo. 2. 50%: Banbury Cross Children’s Bookshop on Wednesday is moving a step closer to its final closing day when all of the inventory will be marked at 50 percent off through June 16 (the final day). Last month, owner Pat Purdy announced that the store will be closing in mid-June after 24 years in business…

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After 24 Years, Children's Bookshop to Close Its Doors

Banbury Cross Children's Bookshop in Wenham will close next month after 24 years in business in the center of Wenham.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Banbury Cross Children's Bookshop in Wenham has been a “mission-driven” store selling children’s books. But next month, it will close. Owner Pat Purdy said she made the decision after seeing customers buying habits increasingly shift to the Internet – among other factors that have led to less business. Purdy said she began spreading the word about the closing last week to her most loyal customers and a sign has already been posted on the door advertising 20-50 percent off. The store is closed on Mondays, but on Tuesday Purdy said she will put a sandwich board and balloons out along Main Street (Route 1A) in front of the store announcing that it is closing and promoting the discounts. She said anyone with …

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Eight Ways to Enjoy Black Friday at Local Merchants

Not a fan of braving the traffic and crowds the day after Thanksgiving at the malls just to get a deal on Black Friday? Then consider the plethora of wonderful opportunities to shop locally right here in Hamilton and Wenham.

Most local merchants will be open and ready to help with your Christmas shopping list not only on Friday, but also on Nov. 26 for the second annual American Express Small Business Saturday. This is one of the busiest holiday weekends and showing support for small businesses helps everyone. If you are not sure where to start, here are a few ideas offered by local businesses: 1. Free hot cider and a roaring fire at Hamilton Gardens Family-owned Hamilton Gardens will be switching gears from Thanksgiving to Christmas decorations, taking holiday floral orders and offering various gifts. “We’ll be dressed as elves on Friday,” quipped owner Stacy DeScenza. Descenza says poinsettias in just about every variety are being delivered and will be ready…

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