The gift shop at Fruitlands will offer a variety of gifts created by local artists, including beaded jewelry. (Courtesy photo)

When Fruitlands Museum reopens for the season on April 15, visitors will find two new additions that museum management hopes will enhance the Fruitlands experience: a transformed gift shop, and a new face in Alcott’s Restaurant & Tea Room—Chef John Gagnon, owner of Maynard’s Cast Iron Kitchen.

The museum gift shop—noa at Fruitlands—will become the newest location for the Groton-based noa gift shop, which also has a location in West Concord. The husband-and-wife team of Ian and Barbara Scofidio, founders of the Groton shop, will take over management of the store, bringing with them a unique showcase featuring the creations of more than 200 New England artisans, including wood sculptures, journals, pens, soaps, soy candles, and even items with the Fruitlands logo.

Barbara Scofidio says she and her husband have tried to stay true to the spirit of Fruitlands by featuring products that are reflections of their creators, and they are confident that shoppers will find something to satisfy their artistic craving. Scofidio is passionate about supporting local business. “It has always been our business model to buy local and sell local,” she says. “When you do this, the money goes back into the local economy. Fruitlands and noa complement each other because we are both artistically and community centered.”

At Alcott’s, new restaurateur Gagnon plans to infuse the restaurant with creative cuisine. The menu will include popular dishes from his Maynard establishment, like tuna tartare and baked brie en croute, and desserts like olive oil orange cake. It will also include a dish unique to Alcott’s menu—grilled pesto and Asiago chicken. Gagnon says, “I am looking forward to bringing high quality food to a beautiful setting, using natural ingredients that pay homage to the cultural and historical significance of Fruitlands.”

Museum hours starting April 15 will be Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends and holidays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.