The Sights and Shops of Freeport Maine
Maine doesn’t have its own version of Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive, or Chicago’s Miracle Mile, with long stretches of designer shops like Gucci, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana. But it’s still home to one of the best places in the United States for shopping, whether you’re looking for a pair of jeans, a canoe, or an antique vase — the town of Freeport.
Just 20 minutes from Portland, Freeport is a mecca of outlet shops for well-known brands, featuring high quality merchandise at bargain-basement prices. Here are some of the Freeport shops and attractions that you won’t want to miss.
Photo by redjar
L.L. Bean: The famous L.L. Bean clothing and outdoors equipment company was originally founded in Freeport in 1912. The company opened its first shop in 1917; today, they have three huge stores in Freeport that attract more than 3 million visitors every year.
L.L. Bean’s Flagship Store is their original, and largest shop. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it boasts a mammoth selection of camping gear, apparel, footwear, and much more. You can even scale the rock climbing wall inside the store!
If you’re more into the thrill of the catch, then the L.L. Bean Hunting & Fishing Store is where you’ll want to be. With a huge selection of fishing gear, firearms, and archery gear, and a private fishing pond, this store is a dream come true for anyone that loves to catch their own dinner. Before your next hunting or fishing expedition, make sure to stock up here for all the greatest gear.
If you prefer other outdoors sports, the L.L. Bean Bike, Boat, & Ski Store is the place for you. Check out the huge selection of mountain bikes for all sizes and skill levels, kayaks, canoes, skis, snowshoes, and much more. The store also features a bike service shop, for anytime you need a tune-up.
For an even bigger selection of outdoors apparel and equipment, make sure that you don’t miss the North Face and Patagonia outlet shops, where you can buy these esteemed brands’ products at far less than retail prices.
Freeport’s not just about outdoor sports and clothing, though — the town also features outlet shops for companies including Banana Republic, The Gap, Burberry, Brooks Brothers, Polo Ralph Lauren, and many others. The town also boasts a range of antique and craft shops, such as Edgecomb Potters Galleries, Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers, and Home and Garden Antiques.
If carrying all those shopping bags around is making you hungry, there are tons of places to stop in for a bite. For delicious, slow-cooked ribs, chicken, and other Southern delicacies, don’t miss Buck’s Naked BBQ. If you’re in the mood for cloth napkins instead of paper, stop in at the Harraseeket Inn and sample some of their exceptional organic menu items, like the Statler Chicken Breast or the Pan-Roasted Lobster with a Madeira Cream Sauce. The Inn has a fantastic wine list, as well — and if you get a little woozy, there’s a guest room waiting for you upstairs.
Beyond all of the state’s natural treasures, the shops and restaurants of Freeport are some of Maine’s biggest attractions. Make sure you don’t miss out on this incredible town!
For more information on all of the shops, restaurants, and hotels in Freeport, visit: http://www.freeportusa.com.
Written by Kathy Hawkins on May 11, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Portland, Freeport, Shopping
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