WILTON – The Wilton Main Street Association is inviting folks to, “Wander through Wilton,” May 7-9, as many shops and retailers are set to participate.

Katherine Schimke, of Hippy Hollow and Prayers of Nature, located at the Riverview Mill Artists Community, 33 Howard St., said she saw this weekend as an opportunity for some local artists to get some visibility.

“I’m always trying to get people down to the artists’ mill,” she said.

Schimke has a shop in the Mill building and also has a workshop there. There will be several other artists in that building showing and selling their art this weekend.

“What is unique as well is we have a ‘Wander Pass,'” she said. “It’s very similar to the League of Craftsmen’s passport. There aren’t as many locations, but it’s a way to encourage people to visit each shop and if you get your ‘Wander Pass’ stamped at each stop, then you can have your name submitted to win a basket of prizes from local businesses in town.”

Several of the open Wilton businesses can provide a shopper with a “Wander Pass,” which are free.

Schimke said that the Riverview Mill Artists Community building is full at the moment but not all artists are participating in this weekend’s event.

“We have every room rented,” she said. “We have seven to ten studios that are going to participate throughout the weekend.”

The hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Schimke said it might be a good idea to call ahead if you’re heading to a particular shop or gallery to ensure that they’re open as their hours may vary.

In the artists mill, there is a range of jewelry makers, photographers and painters. Schimke said there is even a miniature model artists.

“People who have a shop like my Prayers of Nature are starting to sell a lot more crystals and beads,” she said.

Schimke also promotes music events at Marty’s Driving Range, 96 Old Turnpike Rd., in Mason.

“They’re starting to do some shows there so I am vending and promoting there.”

Schimke, a big proponent of local music in the Wilton area, is also hosting a house concert at her home, open to the public.

“Bitter Pill, a band who is pretty up and coming, will perform,” she said. “They’re coming in July. And I’m still working with the Pumpkin Festival and the MEMO Foundation.”

Podcasts during the pandemic have also been an outlet for Schimke, which are available on YouTube.

During the “Wander” weekend, Schimke said Nelson’s Candy and the Wilton Town Theater will both be taking part, as will the Copper Kettle restaurant, a popular eatery.

“They’re a great addition,” she said of the Copper Kettle. “It’s super friendly and they have a great little view out back of the trellis and they even have a little market inside where you can get fresh vegetables.”

Other businesses that shoppers may check out include Works of Heart Flowers, Here Today Emporium, Winding River Antiques, Putnam’s, Artisans Boutique, Gi Gi’s Country Store, Wilton House of Pizza, Sussy Rose Shields Studio, Sarah Ahearn Art, Jack Ahearn Photography, Little’un Miniatures, Liesl Clark Photography and live music on Main Street featuring musical artists Paul Driscoll and also Pheleep.

Drive-to locations include the Hill Top Café and the House by the Side of the Road.

Schimke said there’s a lot of different offerings for every taste.

“This is an opportunity for people to enjoy a little nostalgia,” she said. “I feel like we have to re-learn everything after the pandemic, but this is a chance for folks to get out of the house for a while.”

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