11 Best Shopping in The Mid-Coast Region, Maine

This well-established gallery showcases artwork that captures the beauty of Maine, including Dana Heacock's brightly colored giclèe prints, cards, and Abacus calendars. Well-executed, often entertaining home-decor items and delicate or statement pieces of jewelry also make excellent souvenirs of your visit to Boothbay Harbor.

In a restored 1800s farmhouse in the center of town, this gallery showcases exceptional paintings and sculptures from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The focus is on artists inspired by Maine's beauty, especially those who have painted on Monhegan Island. Among those represented are Rockwell Kent, James Fitzgerald, Andrew Winter, Carroll Thayer Berry, and Charles Woodbury. Contemporary artists include Andrea J. Peters, Kevin Beers, and Henry Isaacs.

Don't miss this charming little store in a sweet old mansard-roofed structure. The upstairs once served as a community dance hall, and the original piano is still on the stage. Kids will delight in the array of "penny candy" as well as fun small toys. There are also kitchen utensils, candles, gifts, pretty cards, and books. At an outdoor window on the side of the building, you can order an ice-cream cone to enjoy on a walk down to the harbor.

If you'd like to take home a piece of Maine, this is the place to shop. Everything in this large store was created by the state's finest artisans and artists. There's lots of jewelry, plus clothing, home decor, art, kids' items, and much more.

This independent, community-minded bookstore is a great place to browse, discover new books, and settle into a wing chair or sofa to read for a bit. There's a good selection of works by Maine authors, and book signings are often held for new releases.

Renys is a beloved Maine institution—or, as their slogan says, "a Maine adventure." It has 17 locations throughout the state, and a visit to Maine truly isn't complete without browsing the endless bargains at at least one of them. Damariscotta is where it all started seven decades ago, and the original store—a quaintly crowded clothing store at 116 Main Street—is still going strong. Stop in there for bargains on Columbia, Carhartt, and other brands. Then cross the street and browse the larger outlet at 163 Main Street for great deals on housewares, nonperishable food items, seasonal goods, toys, and much more. You'll be amazed at what you find. And don't miss Waltz Soda Fountain, open during the summer at the left side of the building. It's been there since 1948. Order a malted, egg cream, lime rickey, or Moxie ice cream float at the counter, and slide into a booth to enjoy your sweet trip down memory lane.

Accomplished artist Sarah Richards specializes in horses and other animal subjects, capturing them in flowing swaths of color. In addition to original paintings and prints, Richards' gallery sells drinkware and clothing bearing some of her most popular images. Also here are lovely watercolors by her late mother, the talented floral artist Lyn Snow.

You can peek into the workshop next door to see potters create this shop's beautiful plates, vases, and other vessels—often decorated with lighthouses, pine trees, lupine, chickadees, or other Maine-centric illustrations. The merchandise also includes home accessories, jewelry, and other items made by local artisans. There's a second shop in downtown Damariscotta.

This welcoming store carries everything from moderately priced costume jewelry to fine contemporary and estate pieces. Pick up a lovely souvenir of your Maine Coast visit, or select a treasure to be loved for years. The owners love to provide personal service, including help redesigning family heirlooms for today's style.

The creations of this nationally recognized, local furniture company are displayed in a beautifully restored 19th-century home about a block from Bean's. The two-floor showroom is filled with artful, finely crafted wood pieces that have clean, classic lines. If you'd like to see how the furniture is made, ask about tours given on Wednesday and Friday at the large workshop 30 minutes away in Auburn (by appointment only).

This fine-art gallery specializes in American and European paintings—often featuring Monhegan Island seascapes and landscapes—from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Featured artists include Rockwell Kent, William Zorach, and Abraham Bogdanove. Also on display are the brightly hued paintings by gallery owner Keith Oemig, whose work is included in the collection of the Portland Museum of Art.