Hats Off, to: Trailblazer! Retail Pro User
Named Best Extreme Sports Store

article courtesy of the New Haven Advocate

Trailblazer
994 Chapel St., New Haven, (203) 865-6244
102 Broad St., Guilford, (203) 458-2267
Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, (860) 862-2267

Craig Aaker, Jeff Martin & Pam Shiner
of Trailblazer

It was one of those cold winter nights when the wind bites into your ears. We were walking down Chapel Street, and realized a winter hat would be nice. And whaddya know? There was Trailblazer on the corner (open 'til 9 Thursday through Saturday), with racks full of hats--and not just ski caps. They're colorful, they're fitted, they're cool, they're traditional. Moments later the evening felt much warmer.

But we also discovered what our readers obviously know already: Trailblazer will get you covered when it matters most, with wearable threads from North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, Arcteryx and Marmot—brands known for their innovative fabrics as well as comfortable fit and timeless look. The kind of stuff you can wear on the Appalachian Trail or Chapel Street. The stores are stocked with men's and women's clothes, outerwear, hiking boots, running shoes--even yoga wear, with a staff that can explain the differences between space-age fabrics and the advantages and disadvantages of various footbeds.

New summer fashions are in—a good fit for blazing trails or an after dinner stroll. And now that the sun has warmed the Sound and waterways, this Best Outdoor Outfitter/ Extreme Sports Store is now offering a line of FeatherLite kayaks. It's all in keeping with the store's tradition of supplying everything you need to enjoy Mother Nature wherever you'd like to meet her.