8 Best Places to Shop in Penobscot Bay, Maine

Run by the Island Institute, this inviting shop showcases an array of fine creations by Maine artists and artisans. On display are wooden goods, jewelry, soaps, books, housewares, clothing, fine art, and more.

This beautiful, multifloor gallery is nestled inside a jewel box of a building that was once a bank. Step inside, feast your eyes on fine contemporary paintings, beautifully wrought gold jewelry, sculpture, and perhaps purchase a new treasure. Be sure to go up to the rooftop sculpture garden. It's a delightful spot with views over the town to the harbor.

Featuring tea towels, napkins, the softest T-shirts, and other textiles hand-printed in Rockport with delightful animals and other nature themes, this inviting shop also stocks home goods, glassware, cards, cooking and gardening books, and plants.

A feast for the eyes, this lovely, two-floor gallery showcases a wide variety of beautifully wrought works, almost all of it created by Maine artists. There are paintings, sculptures large and small, carvings, unusual jewelry, cards, and more.

Think of this store as a mini L.L. Bean, with a good selection of premier outdoor apparel and gear and knowledgeable staff to help with your selection. In addition, you can rent kayaks, canoes, SUPs, bikes, camping gear, and winter sports equipment. Maine Sport also offers a roster of guided fresh- and saltwater canoe, kayak, SUP, and fishing trips and tours, plus biking and hiking tours.

There is also a shop on Main Street in Camden, plus a third location in Rockland.

An anchor in downtown Belfast, this two-decade-old gallery showcases the work of a super-talented family: luminescent paintings by Joanne Parent; dreamlike, mixed-media creations by Lee Parent; and masterful, mostly black-and-white or sepia photographs of the Maine coast and its fishing vessels and traditional windjammers by Neal Parent. These are complemented by the work of a handful of other talented artists.

Said to be the world's only Alice in Wonderland--theme candy store, Splendiferous is tucked into a charmingly petite former bank building. You'll be greeted by the Queen of Hearts or Alice from behind a counter laden with excellent house-made chocolates. Choices include macaroons, macarons, turtles, filled chocolates, and needhams (an old-fashioned Maine coconut candy). A small, original vault is chockablock with "penny" candy. The ladies also serve ice cream that's churned just up the road in Ellsworth, and drinks made from locally roasted coffee. Ask to peek into the secret door at the end of the counter.

For luxurious handcrafted blankets, throws, pillows, wraps, and scarves, look no further. All products are made in Maine using natural, heirloom-quality yarns. The expert craftsmanship explains the hefty price tag.