Antique Shopping in Maine
Maine is one of the oldest states in the United States. As such, it contains a lot of history, and a treasure trove of antiques, from furniture to clocks, first-edition novels to jewelry. The state of Maine is home to more than 400 antique shops, where visitors can discover some incredible and unique finds for much better value than they’d find in big cities. Many people drive from as far away as New York City or Philadelphia to sift through the shelves of Maine’s antique stores, driving up along the coast and into the state’s interior. Here are some of the best places for antique-lovers to find their new favorite furniture and more.
Photo by Chris Dodson
In the town of Gray, only half an hour from Portland, be sure to stop in at Barn on 26 Antiques — located, naturally, on Route 26, Shaker Road. The quaint antique shop has a large array of beautiful oak, maple, and mahogany antique furniture, as well as a variety of glassware and watercolor paintings. If you’re not able to bring your purchase home in your vehicle, the Barn is happy to arrange shipping to your house. They also provide refinishing and restorative services for wooden furniture.
Barn on 26 Antiques
361 Shaker Road, Gray, ME 04039
(207) 657-3470
www.barnon26.com
The beachside town of Wells is a haven for those in search of old heirlooms, with many antique shops dotting its shores. Here, you can choose between Goosefare Antiques, which displays a wide selection of furniture, glassware, paintings, accessories, and more, some dating back to the 1700s; Corey Daniels’ barn, which includes a selection of Chinese art and accessories; Douglas N. Harding, which specializes in rare books, maps, and prints; MacDougall-Gionet Antiques & Associates, a large barn that carries the wares of 60 local antique dealers; BAK on One, which specializes in leather and traditional furniture; Wells Union Antiques, consisting of nine separate antique shops; and R. Jorgenson Antiques, which displays British, American, French, and Scandinavian antique furniture in a beautiful showroom area. Take your pick, or visit them all if you have the time to spare.
Shop details are available at: http://www.visitmaine.net/antiquing.htm
Nearby, the exclusive town of Kennebec is also home to many antique shops. Among them, you will find unique shops such as the Old House Parts Company, which sells doors, windows, stained glass, floor beams, and other supplies taken from old colonial houses in the area; Victorian Lighting Company, with a wide selection of antique lamps and chandeliers, specializing in the time period between 1840 and 1930; and Americana Workshop, with antique country colonial furniture and artisan-crafted custom cabinets and other furniture.
Shop details are available at: http://www.antiquesmap.com/
Other great towns in Maine where you’ll find some classic antique items at great prices are Cape Neddick, York, Arundel, and Ogunquit. You can also find a wide variety of auctions and estate sales throughout Maine, where you can bid on collectibles — for details, check local newspapers and the major antique trade magazine, Maine Antique Digest, which features a comprehensive list of all the known antique auctions throughout the United States for up to a year.
The Maine Antique Digest Antiques Show and Auction Calendar is available at: http://www.maineantiquedigest.com/other/shoauc.htm
Even if you’re not obsessed with antiques, if you’re in Maine, you may as well have a look around. You’re bound to have fun driving up along the coast, and who knows — you may end up finding a priceless treasure for mere dollars.
Written by Kathy Hawkins on June 5, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Events, Shopping
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