Add to your Mid Coast Maine itinerary – Retail Therapy - the fun activity of shopping in small coastal downtowns. There is a plethora of unique and niche retailers in the seaside villages of Camden, Rockport, Rockland and Belfast. Find treasures to bring home with you. Maine local shops need us more than ever, so get out there and treat yourself.
Some of our favorite small shops in Mid Coast Maine
Glendarragh Lavender Shop – Camden Maine
How can you not enjoy a store that has a moto of “a labor
of lavender love”? From the minute you get within 5 feet of this store, your
senses are overwhelmed with the loveliness of lavender. This store carries a
great selection of all-natural lotions, soaps and salves to the handwoven Irish
woolen throws to the cashmere scarves made in Italy. In addition to having a
store in downtown Camden Maine, they have a farm you can visit in Appleton.
Check out their website for more details: https://mainelavender.com/.
Cashmere Goat – Camden Maine
For those that have been coming to Camden Maine for years,
you will remember a Camden downtown staple, the Cashmere Goat. First situated
on Elm Street back in early 2000, it is now nestled on a cozy corner on Bayview
Street. Knitters and crocheters of
all skill levels love this store for their large yarns, including traditional
wools, alpaca, cashmere, cotton and other interesting blends. Locally hand-dyed
and spun yarns are part of the mix. They are currently offering their products
online, curbside and mail order. Check out their store online: https://cashmeregoatyarn.com/
Uncle Willy's Candy Shoppe- Camden Maine
Everyone that walks into Uncle Willy's feels like a kid again. This old style, traditional candy Shoppe offers a wide variety of candy favorites: gourmet chocolates, fudge, brittles, “penny” candy, licorice, gummies, novelties, and many famous brands that you will remember from your youth. Visit this year round Candy Shop in downtown Camden Maine on Bayview Street. https://www.unclewillyscandyshoppe.com/
The Grasshopper Shop – Rockland Maine
The Grasshopper Shop in Rockland is a great example of a
Maine family business. The Grasshopper brand started in 1975, by Johanna
Strassberg and Ken Schweikert, is now owned by their daughter, Sierra
Dietz. Sierra stocks the store with Maine made and USA made items that provide
comfort, charm, and surprise. According
to their website: “Everything on their shelves is hand-selected to make life a
little brighter and more joyful”. Check out their online store and more details
on their website: https://www.grasshoppershopofrockland.com/
Brambles – Belfast Maine
You are going to have to believe us on this one. Unfortunately, Brambles does not have a website, but that makes it more of a treasure hunt in Belfast Maine. This is a fun find. The shop offers a very interesting assortment of gifts and home decor as well as gardening/outdoor items, and a few antiques. A beautifully arranged store in a great building, gorgeous inside and extremely inviting. Friendly and experienced staff for a great shopping experience. Located in downtown Belfast Maine at: 2 Cross Street. If you put it in Google Maps, you will find it.
Maine Sport Outfitters- Rockport Maine
Our list would not be complete unless we mentioned Maine Sport Outfitters. This store is a favorite of locals and visitors. In the summer season, The Captain Swift Inn rents equipment and arranges guided outdoor tours for their guests at Maine Sport. They are known as the go to place for all Maine outdoor activities. Check out their website here: https://mainesport.com/
Other Favorites:
Once A Tree - Camden - https://onceatreecamden.com/
Fiore - Rockland - https://www.fioreoliveoils.com/
After shopping around the Mid Coast, return to
the Captain Swift Inn, order a drink from the in- house drink menu and relax.
The Captain Swift Inn is open year round, making it the ideal base to do a
little retail therapy whenever you need it.
