4 Best Shopping in The Mid-Coast Region, Maine

This candy store for those who love stringing their own necklaces is filled with a dazzling array of beads in a range of prices. Staffers are always happy to lend assistance, and you can sit down and create jewelry on the spot if you'd like. ABOCA also offers classes in its workshop behind the store.

Head to this gallery for fine pieces created by talented Mainers. It represents more than 75 of the state's artists and craftspeople, and its offerings include pottery, jewelry, glassware, artwork, and handmade chocolates.

Pop into the Maine State Prison Showroom for handcrafted wooden items ranging from beautiful cutting boards to furniture offered at very modest prices. Since 1824, prison inmates participating in the skills-building industries program have created wooden goods to be sold to the public; the proceeds fund the program. The store contains hundreds of items. Some, like ship models, have a nautical theme. Other items include toys, bowls, jewelry boxes, birdhouses, bureaus, and tables. They also sell metal fire pits.

Tucked down a driveway beside the trail to the Giant's Stairs, this tiny cottage is packed with carefully selected, Maine-made items created by nearly 100 artisans. The paintings, jewelry, soaps, clothing, textiles, and other wares make the perfect gifts or souvenirs.