Connecticut’s Best Bargains 2011

POTTERY PERFECTION
Bantam Tileworks, Bantam
Fired up by a many-colored spectrum of ceramic-topped game boards, trays, and handmade tableware, owners Darin Ronning and Travis Messinger make their one-of-a-kinds affordable, with prices from $20 to $100. Don’t miss the menagerie of bas-relief animal tiles. 931 Bantam Road (Route 202). 860-361-9306; bantamtileworks.com

COTTAGE RETREAT
Beech Tree Cottages, Madison
Under a leafy canopy, nine compact cottages with kitchenettes; also available are loaner bikes for pedaling across the street to Hammonasset Beach State Park (entry fee waived for Beech Tree guests). Or drive to the town’s private beach with a free pass. Volleyball or patio pizza, anyone? Rates: from $840 per week. 1187 Boston Post Road. 203-245-2676; beechtreecottages.com

DOG-GONE-IT
Doogie’s, Newington
Pile sauerkraut, onions, peppers, and/or chili on 24-inch hot dogs; burgers, Philly cheese steaks, and fish sandwiches, too. Order fries and get your drink free. Not-yet-bygone oldie tunes add to the retro flavor. Dogs: from $2.99; sandwiches: from $5.95. 2525 Berlin Turnpike. 860-666-6200; doogieshotdogs.com

CAUSE TO SHOP
Haiti’s Back Porch, Middletown
Those brightly colored wood, stone, metal, and papier-mache objets d’art you’ve seen at Neiman Marcus and Macy’s cost lots less here. Purchased directly from the artisans, these Caribbean handworks benefit humanitarian programs in Haiti. 100 Riverview Center. 860-344-9547; haitianministries.org/hbp.html

SHOWTIME
O’Neill Theater, Waterford
Laugh, cry, or sing as both fresh and familiar playwrights team up with big-city talent to create summer workshop productions in spare but intimate spaces. Tickets: $20. 305 Great Neck Road. 860-443-5378 (office), 860-443-1238 (summer box office); theoneill.com