Shopping in Maine:
From the Traditional to the Eclectic
By Ron Cloer
Some might think that because of Maine’s vast green forests and undeveloped
terrain that there aren’t places to shop. They would be wrong. So if while
visiting Maine you are dreaming of malls and smoking credit cards instead of
the rugged beauty of ocean crashed shorelines there is hope for you. Maine is
overwhelmed with places to spend your money from traditional malls to flea
markets to shopping towns.
The traditional malls can be found in South Portland and Bangor. The mall in
South Portland is actually called the Maine Mall. With 140 stores, 18 restaurants
and anchor stores such as Sears, Macy’s and J.C. Penneys you can have hours of
shopping enjoyment.
Because of its size, everyone in your family will find places to lose some green.
Don’t worry guys, there is a Best Buy, Electronics Boutique, and Fye to feed
your electronic urges. Kids will find the Disney Store, Build-A-Bear and, if they’
re like my chocolate munching children, Godiva of special interest.
The traditional mall in Bangor is appropriately called the Bangor Mall.
Shocking, huh? It’s about half the size of the Maine Mall with 79 stores but it has
the same anchor stores. You can find hiking, fishing and outdoor gear at the
Dick’s Sporting Goods store. For those seeking to support Maine businesses I’d
suggest stepping into Berg Sportswear and picking up your University of
Maine Black Bear’s t-shirt.
If a traditional mall is too sterile, new or ordinary maybe a flea market is for
you. It’s difficult to tell what strange forgotten treasures you can find at a flea
market. In Maine there are too many flea markets to review so I’ll give you a list
to explore.
Augusta Flea Market - Augusta
Bargain House - Lebanon
Cascade Flea Market - Saco
Evergreen Flea Market - Poland
Gloria’s Flea Market - Topsham
Gorham Flea Market - Gorham
Granite Ridge Flea Market - Waterboro
Montsweag Flea Market - Woolwich
North Vassalboro Flea Market - North Vassalboro
Undercover Antique Mall - Oxford
Waterfront Flea Market - Brunswick
West Gardiner Flea Market - Gardiner
Another shopping experience can be found in towns that specialize in shopping.
Yes, you heard me correctly, entire towns dedicated to fine art of shopping.
Freeport, Maine is such a town. A motivated shopper could spend days
wandering through the streets of Freeport, it’s an incredible place. From the
whimsical fun of the Cool as a Moose store to the striking beauty of the pottery
at Edgecomb Potters there is a store for you.
Because of an unwritten law, I have to mention the massive L.L. Bean store or
they will bar me from Freeport forever. After a tiring day of shopping go to
Gritty McDuff’s to unwind. They have a fenced yard with a swing set for the
kids to play while you enjoy adult conversation on the deck.
Those of you who have rug rats know how rare it is to eat and chat without
interruption. Bar Harbor is another quaint town with plenty of shopping and
other fun tourist activities. If you’ve ever been to Ben and Bill’s Chocolate
Emporium and savored some delectable treats you understand that being a
tourist isn’t a bad thing.
Overall, Bar Harbor has a flare for local crafts and arts. It seems as though the
entire town is comprised of artists and craftsmen. Long ago Bar Harbor was
known as a place for the ultra wealthy but today everyone can feel comfortable
here.
Please realize that these aren’t even a fraction of the shops in Maine. There are
tiny towns throughout Maine with wonderful shops and breathtaking views that
offer additional shopping. Take a day or two to meander through harbor towns
with small mom and pop shops to really understand Maine and its friendly
people.
Hotels/Motels in Maine
B&B/Inns in Maine
About the author:
Ron Cloer is the father to some of the best kids on the planet. His website
www.MaineTrip.net includes articles and suggestions for families traveling to
Maine.
From the Traditional to the Eclectic
By Ron Cloer
Some might think that because of Maine’s vast green forests and undeveloped
terrain that there aren’t places to shop. They would be wrong. So if while
visiting Maine you are dreaming of malls and smoking credit cards instead of
the rugged beauty of ocean crashed shorelines there is hope for you. Maine is
overwhelmed with places to spend your money from traditional malls to flea
markets to shopping towns.
The traditional malls can be found in South Portland and Bangor. The mall in
South Portland is actually called the Maine Mall. With 140 stores, 18 restaurants
and anchor stores such as Sears, Macy’s and J.C. Penneys you can have hours of
shopping enjoyment.
Because of its size, everyone in your family will find places to lose some green.
Don’t worry guys, there is a Best Buy, Electronics Boutique, and Fye to feed
your electronic urges. Kids will find the Disney Store, Build-A-Bear and, if they’
re like my chocolate munching children, Godiva of special interest.
The traditional mall in Bangor is appropriately called the Bangor Mall.
Shocking, huh? It’s about half the size of the Maine Mall with 79 stores but it has
the same anchor stores. You can find hiking, fishing and outdoor gear at the
Dick’s Sporting Goods store. For those seeking to support Maine businesses I’d
suggest stepping into Berg Sportswear and picking up your University of
Maine Black Bear’s t-shirt.
If a traditional mall is too sterile, new or ordinary maybe a flea market is for
you. It’s difficult to tell what strange forgotten treasures you can find at a flea
market. In Maine there are too many flea markets to review so I’ll give you a list
to explore.
Augusta Flea Market - Augusta
Bargain House - Lebanon
Cascade Flea Market - Saco
Evergreen Flea Market - Poland
Gloria’s Flea Market - Topsham
Gorham Flea Market - Gorham
Granite Ridge Flea Market - Waterboro
Montsweag Flea Market - Woolwich
North Vassalboro Flea Market - North Vassalboro
Undercover Antique Mall - Oxford
Waterfront Flea Market - Brunswick
West Gardiner Flea Market - Gardiner
Another shopping experience can be found in towns that specialize in shopping.
Yes, you heard me correctly, entire towns dedicated to fine art of shopping.
Freeport, Maine is such a town. A motivated shopper could spend days
wandering through the streets of Freeport, it’s an incredible place. From the
whimsical fun of the Cool as a Moose store to the striking beauty of the pottery
at Edgecomb Potters there is a store for you.
Because of an unwritten law, I have to mention the massive L.L. Bean store or
they will bar me from Freeport forever. After a tiring day of shopping go to
Gritty McDuff’s to unwind. They have a fenced yard with a swing set for the
kids to play while you enjoy adult conversation on the deck.
Those of you who have rug rats know how rare it is to eat and chat without
interruption. Bar Harbor is another quaint town with plenty of shopping and
other fun tourist activities. If you’ve ever been to Ben and Bill’s Chocolate
Emporium and savored some delectable treats you understand that being a
tourist isn’t a bad thing.
Overall, Bar Harbor has a flare for local crafts and arts. It seems as though the
entire town is comprised of artists and craftsmen. Long ago Bar Harbor was
known as a place for the ultra wealthy but today everyone can feel comfortable
here.
Please realize that these aren’t even a fraction of the shops in Maine. There are
tiny towns throughout Maine with wonderful shops and breathtaking views that
offer additional shopping. Take a day or two to meander through harbor towns
with small mom and pop shops to really understand Maine and its friendly
people.
Hotels/Motels in Maine
B&B/Inns in Maine
About the author:
Ron Cloer is the father to some of the best kids on the planet. His website
www.MaineTrip.net includes articles and suggestions for families traveling to
Maine.
| Shopping in Maine Click here for your FREE weekly newsletter! (And get 12 FREE desktop backgrounds) Bring the heart of Maine into your home with beautiful, affordable, high-quality Maine prints. Visit our Maine Print Gallery today! More Travel Info: Maine |
| The Heart of New England Celebrating the unique character & culture of Maine ~ New Hampshire ~ Vermont |
| Home ~ Life in New England ~ Recipes ~ Garden ~ Travel ~ B&B/Inns ~ Made in New England ~ Events ~ Marketplace ~ Site Map ~ About/Contact Us |
| ©The Heart of New England online magazine ...celebrating the unique character & culture of Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont! Contact| The Heart of New England HOME | Search Get Your FREE Weekly Newsletter Today! |
