It’s almost impossible to visit Maine without coming home with a suitcase full of new finds. Whether you visit the bustling city of Ellsworth or head for the artsy streets of Kittery, you’ll find abundant shopping opportunities. Maine is packed with retail goodness, from designer boutiques to trendy galleries and rustic antique barns. From food to the latest outdoor gear, you’ll find something to tempt you when you visit.
Arts and Crafts
You’ll find both fine arts and traditional handcrafts scattered throughout the state. Whether you visit one of the state’s fine art galleries or museums, attend a weekend program at one of the artist colonies or schools, or simply wander from studio to studio, you can immerse yourself in a variety of work from top Maine artists.
From fine furniture to sculpture and painting, you can find the perfect piece to bring home as a memento of your trip. Maine crafters and artisans offer items crafted with local commodities, including heavily scented balsam wreaths, fine tourmaline jewelry, and hand-woven, home-grown wool textiles. If you’re looking for the finest art Maine offers, look no further than Portland; the state’s largest city is also one of its best art destinations. Read More >
“Live Lobsters”—A common sign in Maine!Food Specialties
When you think of Maine, you likely conjure up an image of one of the state’s most popular and iconic food items—the lobster. Maine seafood lures gourmet cooks and foodies to the state each year. Dining in Maine is about more than lobster, though. One of the state’s most abundant crops is the native blueberry, and you can expect to see plenty of berry-themed entrees, sides, and desserts when you visit the state when the fruit is in season.
Beverages are a big draw for visitors as well, with wine and beer tours growing in popularity and microbreweries and local wineries offering a variety of regional and boutique brands. Maine is also home to the thriving Stonewall Kitchen, which provides specialty jams, preserves, and other confections to over 6,000 locations worldwide. Read More >
Antiques
Whether you visit the hottest antique and thrift emporiums, wander back roads in search of bargains, or attend a country auction or two, you’ll be sure to spot an antique or two you can’t live without. Maine has a reputation as a gold mine for antique enthusiasts, and for good reason. You’ll find purveyors of antiques of all types and sizes all over the state. Read More >
Steam Mill Antiques, Bethel, Maine. Photo Credit: Jen LoboLL Bean
Maine is home to one of America’s most popular and enduring retailers; outdoor clothing giant LL Bean will mark 100 years of service in 2012. Opened in 1912 in Freeport, this one-man company has grown to include thousands of employees and sell millions of top-quality outdoor apparel and accessory pieces each year. While you can see the venerable retailer in several cities in Maine, a visit to the flagship location is a must for any outdoor enthusiast.
The flagship store, located in Freeport, is more than just a shopping venue; it is a complete travel destination with something to offer every member of the family. Expect to be overwhelmed by the sheer size and scope of the store, with acres of fleece, thousands of boots, and hundreds of hat styles to please even the most finicky shopper. From the in-store trout pond to daily outdoor excursions, classes, and demonstrations, the original LL Bean location packs plenty of activities under one roof.
You’ll also find an LL Bean home store, a hunting and fishing shop, and related venues when you visit the Freeport location. If you’re planning a trip to the flagship store, don’t worry about what time you arrive; this location is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Read More >
Factory outlet stores, Kittery, MaineOutlet Stores
If you’re craving a bargain or want to take home a piece of Maine at a steep discount, consider stopping by one of the state’s outlet centers. Both Kittery and Freeport have prime outlet malls, and smaller outlets and stores scatter throughout the state. Maine outlet malls combine a mixture of traditional retailers and smaller, boutique-style shops offering Maine specialty items.
Visit the Kittery Outlet Center for designer outlets featuring Tommy Hilfiger, Lucky Brand, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, and Polo Ralph Lauren. The Kittery outlets overflow with merchandise, including apparel, accessories, home goods, and luxury food items. Plan on spending the day touring the shops, and set aside plenty of time to explore the Maine-centric Kittery Trading Post, which is packed to the rafters with outdoor gear and clothing. Read More >
