2 Best Places to Shop in Way Down East, Maine

With clapboards and trim in contrasting shades of blue and a grand entrance, this year-round gift shop in an old storefront pops on Milbridge's Main Street. Inside the large, beautifully arrayed store, offerings live up to the expectations the exterior creates. Many Maine-made items are among a selection that includes premium bath products, kitchen gadgets, fun socks, books about Maine, and jewelry—check out the store's own vintage-look Riverlily earrings.

In a striking 1886 brick building downtown with maroon wood banding on the front, this spacious, uncluttered, well-lit store features the works of many fine Maine artisans and artists as well as a nice selection of books including Passamaquoddy-theme children's books. Open year-round, it offers fine jewelry, bowls made from gourds, paintings, and Passamaquoddy baskets among many other decorative and useful items. Owned and operated by a trio of local women known as "The Women of the Commons," the property has vacation rentals with wonderful water views above the store.