Shopping in Maine – From Freeport to Aroostook County, Discover the State’s Best Retail Destinations
- Gerry Caron
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
🛍️ Shopping in Maine: Discover Local Treasures & Timeless Finds
There’s something about Maine that makes you want to take a piece of it home with you — whether it’s a cozy handmade blanket, a nautical keepsake, or a locally crafted gift that captures the spirit of the Pine Tree State when shopping in Maine.
From charming coastal boutiques to historic downtown shopping districts, Maine’s towns and cities offer one-of-a-kind retail experiences that blend small-town warmth with authentic New England style.
Maine’s historic cities offer more than a trip down memory lane. At shops, boutiques and galleries — from Kittery to Bangor to northern Aroostook County — you’ll find gifts and treasures that let you bring a little Maine magic home.
🏙️ Shopping in Maine’s Historic Cities & Towns
Exploring Maine’s downtowns is more than a shopping trip — it’s a journey through local craftsmanship, historic architecture, and friendly, walkable streets. Each destination tells its own story through its shops, galleries, and locally owned
🌟 Why Shop Across Maine?
Authentic Local Flavor: Every downtown has its own story—seaside towns, mill-town history, or frontier-style northern charm.
Walkability & Discovery: Explore at your own pace—historic sidewalks, charming storefronts, and surprises around every corner.
Support Local Makers: Many stores are local-owned or artisan-driven, so your purchases help support Maine communities.
Combine Shopping with Cuisine & Culture: After you browse, enjoy local cafés, art galleries, and cozy restaurants nearby.businesses.
🛶 Freeport – The Ultimate Shopping Destination in Maine
Freeport is Maine’s shopping mecca, best known for its L.L.Bean Flagship Store, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The downtown area is filled with brand-name outlets and locally owned boutiques that make it easy to find deals and distinctive Maine-made products.
Don’t Miss:
L.L.Bean Flagship Store – 95 Main St, Freeport, ME | www.llbean.com
Freeport Village Station – Premium outlet shopping featuring national brands and great deals.
The Mangy Moose – Eclectic gifts, local art, and home décor with rustic Maine charm.
Pro Tip: Visit during Freeport’s Sparkle Celebration in December — one of Maine’s most festive holiday shopping events.
🌲 Bangor – Artsy Boutiques & Riverside Charm
In Bangor, shopping takes you through a revitalized downtown filled with locally owned boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. The atmosphere is creative yet relaxed — perfect for strolling, browsing, and discovering something unexpected.
Top Picks:
The Rock & Art Shop – 36 Central St, Bangor, ME | www.therockandartshop.com | Whimsical gifts, natural wonders, and unique jewelry.
Antique Marketplace & Café – 65 Main St, Bangor, ME | Vintage finds, collectibles, and a cozy spot for coffee or lunch.
Valentine Footwear – Locally owned shoe boutique offering stylish comfort.
Insider Tip: Downtown Bangor often hosts art walks and pop-up markets, perfect for exploring Maine’s creative community.
⚓ Portland – Coastal Sophistication Meets Local Craft
Maine’s largest city, Portland, blends boutique shopping with coastal flair. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Port and discover artisanal goods, sustainable fashion, fine jewelry, and home accents inspired by Maine’s maritime heritage.
Local Favorites:
Blanche and Mimi – 184 Middle St, Portland, ME | blancheandmimi.com | Thoughtfully curated vintage and new home décor.
Bliss – 58 Exchange St, Portland, ME | blissboutiques.com | Trendy apparel, accessories, and footwear from top brands.
Portland Dry Goods – 237 Commercial St, Portland, ME | portlanddrygoods.com | Premium menswear and outdoor apparel.
Must-Do: After shopping, unwind at one of Portland’s award-winning craft breweries or waterfront restaurants for the perfect end to your retail adventure.
🐚 Kittery – Maine’s Original Outlet Shopping Destination
Nestled along Route 1 in southern Maine, Kittery is known as New England’s outlet capital, featuring dozens of stores offering incredible savings on high-end brands.
Top Stops:
Kittery Premium Outlets – 375 US Route 1, Kittery, ME | www.premiumoutlets.com/kittery
Kittery Trading Post – 301 US Route 1, Kittery, ME | www.kitterytradingpost.com | A Maine landmark for outdoor gear, clothing, and gifts since 1938.
When Pigs Fly Bakery – 460 US Route 1, Kittery, ME | www.sendbread.com | Fresh-baked breads and a gourmet market that make shopping delicious.
Travel Tip: Make a full day of it — Kittery’s outlets are just minutes from Portsmouth, NH, and the York beaches, making it a great spot for shopping and seaside exploring.
🛍️ Shopping in Aroostook County – Northern Maine’s Retail-Adventure Destination
If you’re heading north, Aroostook County is full of surprises for shoppers. From handcrafted artisan gifts and local specialties to outlet-style bargains, this region brings a unique layer to the Maine shopping story. mainetourism.com+aroostookcentre.com
📍 Houlton
Located downtown in the historic Market Square district, Houlton offers charming local boutiques, candy shops with old-fashioned treats, and artisan crafts made by local creators. Homes.com
The County Co-Op & Farm Store – 53 Main Street, Houlton, ME 04730. A member-owned co-op offering Maine-made goods, crafts, baked items and local flair. The County Co Op
On the Rack (consignment) – Main Street, Houlton, featuring high-end brand names at smart prices. The County
📍 Presque Isle
Downtown Presque Isle boasts a revitalized Main Street with new retail, specialty gift stores, and the larger Aroostook Centre Mall for a conventional shopping experience. Bangor Daily News+aroostookcentre.com
Aroostook Centre Mall – 830 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769 | Phone: 207-768-0728. A key hub for shopping, dining and events. aroostookcentre.com
Country Collectibles – 387 Main Street, Presque Isle. Gifts, decor, unique local items and home goods. The University of Maine
Designer Refind Bin Store – 473 Main Street, Presque Isle. A new discount-treasure-hunt style store offering brand-names at deep markdowns.
✨ Make It a Maine Shopping Adventure
Whether you’re hunting for deals in Freeport, browsing boutiques in Portland, or antique shopping in Bangor, Maine’s diverse retail landscape offers something for every taste and traveler.
🧭 Plan Your Trip:
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
From handmade craftsmanship to high-end style, shopping in Maine is as unique and unforgettable as the state itself.
