Just 20 minutes north of Portland, Freeport is a bustling and flourishing town complete with fine shopping, dining, culture and lodging for visitors.
Freeport, Maine was founded in 1789, and according to folklore is the birthplace of Maine. Today, Freeport, Maine is home to over 200 upscale, international brand outlets and a vibrant array of homegrown galleries and shops featuring local artists, artisans and products. And of course, Freeport, Maine is the home of the world-famous L.L.Bean flagship store and outdoor experience school.
Freeport, Maine’s postcard-perfect location also lets you take in both ocean views, desert dunes and mountain hikes. And because Freeport is just 20 minutes north of Portland, Maine, you can take in the best of Maine’s biggest city and the beautiful midcoast destinations like Bar Harbor or Camden on just one trip.
SHOPPING
If you are looking for premium international brands and unique local finds, make our beautiful, convenient coastal village your Maine shopping destination. Freeport Village has gained a world-wide reputation for upscale outlet shopping. The town now boasts approximately 150 boutiques and galleries selling everything from muckrakers to heirloom jewelry. The village is growing but it still retains a small-town charm and there are many reasons to put Freeport on your list of Greater Portland's "must” destinations.
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, renowned outdoor outfitter L.L. Bean has been a magnet for shoppers for decades. The company keeps expanding its Freeport presence to accommodate specialty gear for a variety of pursuits such as hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and skiing.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Head down Bow Street 4 1/2 miles outside of town to
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park where five miles of hiking trails weave through woodlands and along the shores of Casco Bay and the Harraseeket River. Dedicated to nature appreciation, the park provides interpretive signs on trails and guided programs for groups and the general public.
Winslow Park has large grassy fields, a semi-sandy beach and a playground for active kids. In the winter, it’s a place to go for cross-country skiing beside the sea.
L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools make it easy to get out and enjoy the outdoors with their "Walk-On Adventures”, a series of clinics that provide all the equipment and instruction you need to try your hand at kayaking, fly-fishing, archery, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Best of all, advance registration isn’t necessary to enjoy these exciting and inexpensive adventures which depart from the L.L. Bean Retail Store.
HISTORY
Pettengill Farm is a 19th century saltwater farm owned by the
Freeport Historical Society where 140 acres of fields, woods and antique apple orchards surround the 1810 farmhouse which remains without plumbing, heat and electricity. Freeport Historical Society also welcomes the public to view exhibits at Harrington House, a historic property located in the heart of the village.
ARTS & MUSIC
Creative arts are also flourishing, from an outside fall art festival to various offerings at the Freeport Performing Arts Center. Freeport has both a Community Theater and a Community Chorus that perform throughout the year. L.L. Bean also sponsors outdoor concerts in July and August that fill the air with sound and the streets with festivity.
L.L. Bean’s Discovery Park is the site of the summertime Maine arts favorite, Summer in the Park. A mix of fairs, family activities and live musical concerts, this summer arts series brings many wonderful live musical acts to the area – and it’s free! Freeport also hosts a monthly local art walk on every third Friday of the month from June through December.
DINING & LODGING
After a full day of shopping and adventure, you’ll need a good meal to revive yourself. Watch shoppers stroll by from the outdoor patio of the Lobster Cooker and treat yourself to a bowl of its award-winning chowder. The Harraseeket Inn offers an elegant dining room and a more casual tavern or enjoy fine Italian fare at Azure Café with live jazz Friday and Saturday nights year round. When it’s time to retire, a range of accommodations await, from cozy bed & breakfasts to budget hotels to full-service inns with an array of amenities. Wherever you stay, you’ll be ideally located to launch into more exploration of destination Freeport.