The Cloak and Wand: New England’s Newest One-Stop Magical Shop

by · April 16, 2021

The small New England town of Mystic, Connecticut, is getting a new experience bestowed upon it this spring. A truly traditional witch will surely appreciate everything the Cloak and Wand has to offer. MuggleNet had the opportunity to speak with Ellie Greenberg (also known as E.P. Bergreen), the Grand Potion Master and proprietor of the Cloak and Wand.

 

Source: The Cloak and Wand

 

The eclectic ambience of the Cloak and Wand looks like it’s jumped out of a spellbook with all the fixings of an apothecary. Greenberg describes the style that brought the shop to life.

We tried to imagine what a typical New England witchcraft store might have looked like 200-300 years ago – you might know them as apothecary stores, as witchcraft was prohibited. Mystic Village, where the store is located, is itself a re[-]creation of an 18th[-]century New England village. This shop fits right in!

It most certainly fits our expectations of a witch’s one-stop shop. A large “witching tree” sits right in the middle of the shop floor, bringing a unique experience to all patrons.

 

Source: The Cloak and Wand

 

 Ms. Ellie Greenberg enlightened us about what the shop provides for wizards, witches, and non-magic folk alike.

The Cloak and Wand sells an eclectic mix of items, from books and wands to clothes and dark items.

There is also a large collection of antique-looking portraits, dolls, and other unique collectibles that line the shelves and walls. As Greenberg said, there are Dark Magic items available. But be careful: Some of these treasures may be slightly… haunted. According to the Cloak and Wand website, shoppers should be on the lookout for any mischievous cursed objects wandering throughout the shop.

 

A variety of portraits and objects fill the spaces on the walls and shelves. But beware, they might be haunted.

Source: The Cloak and Wand

 

In case you are new to the world of witchcraft, you have nothing to worry about. Any magical person, whatever their skill level, will have the opportunity to get some aid from the shop’s specialists.

Some of the staff [members who] work at [the] Cloak and Wand are specialists in different types of magic – including time travel, potion brewing, fortune[-]telling and [D]ark [M]agic. They’ll be available to help answer any questions!

 

Find everything you could possibly need in your witching career and The Cloak and Wand.

Source: The Cloak and Wand

 

Along with the shop’s own range of magical objects, there are plenty of licensed products to purchase. Fans and shoppers may be delighted to find merchandise from “Harry Potter, Dungeons [&] Dragons, Disney’s Fantasia and Hocus Pocus, [The] Lord of the Rings and more.” Greenberg had a little more to say about the scope of offered products.

We respect and admire wizards and witches from across the world and throughout time and strive to represent them all in our shop.

Perhaps you have all your necessary potion ingredients and spellbooks? Patrons can stop by the shop for a brewed-to-order beverage. According to the Grand Potion Master herself, a particular love potion shows promise to be enchantingly delicious.

 

Pick your potions wisely! Potions masters will be there to help you along the way.

Source: The Cloak and Wand

 

There are some combinations of flavors that can be deadly, so we have on-staff potion masters to help guide our guests. My favorite is Love Potion #13, which is a raspberry[-] and rose[-]infused drink topped with fairy dust.

The only and best way to truly experience this kind of magic is to see it for yourself. The Cloak and Wand (located in Olde Mistick Village at 27 Coogan Blvd, #2B, Mystic, Connecticut) is hosting its grand opening on May 1–2. Check out the website, Facebook page, and Instagram page for more details and information.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Ellie Greenberg (E.P. Bergreen, Grand Potion Master of the Cloak and Wand) for giving MuggleNet the opportunity to interview her for this article.

Full Transcript with Ellie Greenberg, Wednesday, April 15, 2021

In your own words, can you describe the essence of the Cloak and Wand?

As you may know, New England has a rich history of witches and witchcraft. The Cloak and Wand is dedicated to the wizards and witches of history, folklore, myth and literature. It’s an immersive experience designed to transport anyone who visits to a world where the unusual is commonplace and magic lurks around every corner.

If I remember correctly, you sell a variety of licensed Harry Potter merchandise? What is your relationship, if any, with Warner Bros.? How is it that you sell both licensed merchandise and general magical merchandise?

The Cloak and Wand sells an eclectic mix of items, from books and wands to clothes and dark items. Our store does not have a relationship with Warner Brothers [sic], Disney or any other entertainment company, but we do sell officially licensed products of many companies through licensed distributors and manufacturers. Some of the licensed products we sell are Harry Potter, Dungeons [&] Dragons, Disney’s Fantasia and Hocus Pocus, [The] Lord of the Rings and more. We respect and admire wizards and witches from across the world and throughout time and strive to represent them all in our shop.

What sort of licensed/general products do you sell? Are there any particularly unique pieces you have to sell?

We carry our own line of magical items & ingredients, [D]ark [M]agic, time travel capsules and more.

The style of the shop looks so unique! How did decide on such an eclectic mix of decor and products?

We tried to imagine what a typical New England witchcraft store might have looked like 200-300 years ago – you might know them as apothecary stores, as witchcraft was prohibited. Mystic Village, where the store is located, is itself a re[-]creation of an 18th[-]century New England village. This shop fits right in! Inside the stores [sic] our guests will experience some amazing magical elements. Our witching tree lives in the middle of the shop, protecting our haunted portrait gallery. Some of which will move when they feel like it. Our fireplace burns with a special fire stolen from deep below the Earth. If you look close enough you’ll be able to see a few tortured souls. Mr. Oberon Trevils, a famous wizard who inadvertently transformed himself into an over chair, rests in a quiet nook. And let’s not forget our temperamental wardrobe who’s [sic] mood changes at a moment’s notice. There are many more magical items and elements hidden through the store to experience.

The list of “potions” all sound delicious. Is there a particular beverage blend you would recommend?

There are some combinations of flavors that can be deadly, so we have on-staff potion masters to help guide our guests. My favorite is Love Potion #13, which is a raspberry[-] and rose[-]infused drink topped with fairy dust.

You’re scheduled to open May 1–2. What sort of expectations are you looking for in the grand opening?

Thankfully we have had a lot of interest growing as fans have been following our construction and progress. We are excited to have the chance to meet so many magical and non-magical people.

Can you speak to opening a business in the midst of a pandemic? Are you optimistic about the timing of the grand opening?

With so many options to travel limited by COVID, I think the Cloak and Wand, in an outdoor setting as Mystic Village is, will offer a brief diversion for many folks looking to take a day trip or a short local vacation.

The website mentions fortune-telling and time travel consultations. Can you elaborate on what those will include? What are some of the experiences that you’re looking forward to the most?

Some of the staff [members who] work at [the] Cloak and Wand are specialists in different types of magic – including time travel, potion brewing, fortune[-]telling and [D]ark [M]agic. They’ll be available to help answer any questions!