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CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU / 55
SHOPP ING
It’s easy to see why so many people add shopping to their list of reasons to come to Greater
Portland; from handcrafts to haute couture, the pleasures of unearthing unique items and
plentiful bargains are numerous.
The Old Port district of Portland is
lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques
featuring authentic Maine-made and
imported goods. Stroll the cobblestone
streets, duck into a café, and smell the
salt air roll in from the bay. You’ll find
shops and galleries occupying revital-
ized warehouses with exposed brick
and beams; sometimes the stores them-
selves are as unique as the wares they
display! Portland has specialty shops
for dog lovers, sock collectors, those
who love to cook (and eat!), and for
antique and vintage connoisseurs.
The state’s largest shopping center, The
Maine Mall, is located in South Portland
with over 140 of your favorite stores and
restaurants. The surrounding mall area
contains many smaller shopping plazas
and eateries, and all of it is just 10 min-
utes from downtown Portland.
Outlet shopping has become a major-
league sport in Maine with Kittery at
the state’s southern entrance, and Free-
port, just 20 minutes north of Portland,
offering scores of designer and name-
brand outlets. Freeport is also home
to L.L. Bean, one of the most well-re-
spected outdoor outfitters in the world;
there you’ll find all the gear to make
your outdoor adventures successful.
Take advantage of free in-store clinics
on everything from birding essentials
to basic kayaking strokes.
Get an up-close look at the beautiful
fibers and textures at Angela Adams
and Company C and imagine redeco-
rating your home to incorporate an
elegant rug or fresh bedding.
Searching for a great souvenir of your
visit? Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine
offers a wide selection of items, all
hand-crafted in the state. Or seek out
a shop specializing in tourmaline
jewelry fashioned from beautiful gems
unearthed in the state’s western moun-
tains. Or an earthenware mug or bowl
inspired by Maine’s natural land and
seascapes. Or specialty honey products,
from wine to lip balm, made from local
bee hives.
Before your visit, check out visitport-
for shopping coupons to
extend your dollars. And be sure to
leave some room in the car.
Photo: Jennifer Kearns
{ GI FTS & GOODI ES }
Vacations are a
relaxed time to
hunt for bargains,
special gifts, and
lasting mementos;
treat yourself to
something new
in Maine.
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