I live in Connecticut but come to Boston every couple of months. On my most recent trip (July 2006), I stumbled across this great home furnishings store on Washington Street in Boston's South End. Red River Trading Company carries home furnishings and accessories from around the world. The owner travels every 2-3 months, finds unique but functional items, has them packed into 40 foot containers and shipped back to his Boston store. The items are mostly Chinese antiques, though they also carry teak furniture from Indonesia as well as textiles from Thailand, Vietnam etc. In addition, they have wonderful gift selections, like small brass figures from Bali and hand mixed Spa products wonderfully packaged. There are enlargements of photos that the owner has taken from his jourenys and these can be purchased (as large as 2 feet by 3 feet)or the smaller matted versions (8 inch by 10 inch). The photographs are interesting in that while most are in color, he has a collection of black and white prints that have touches of color added for a very dramatic effect. While you're in this part of town take the opportunity to visit the many galleries at 46 Waltham Street and over on Harrison.

PROS: unique items, hand selected, every item has a story, something for everyone
CONS: