Just one visit and it's easy to see why so many people add shopping to their list of reasons to come to Greater Portland. From handcrafts to Haute Couture, the pleasures of unearthing unique items and plentiful bargains are numerous. You won't have to spend a fortune on your vacation - but you just might want to.
Portland's Old Port District
The Old Port district of Portland is lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques featuring Maine-made and imported goods. Stroll the cobblestone streets, duck into a cafe for a refreshment break, and smell the salt air roll in from the ocean. You'll find shops and galleries occupying revitalized warehouses with exposed brick and beams; sometimes the stores themselves are as unique as the wares they display! Portland has specialty shops for fashion divas, folks who love dogs, those who love to cook (and eat), knitting enthusiasts, and lovers of all things Scandinavian, just to name a few.
The Maine Mall
The state's largest shopping center, The Maine Mall, is located in South Portland with over 140 of your favorite stores and restaurants. The surrounding mall area contains many smaller shopping plazas and eateries, and all of it is just 10 minutes from downtown Portland.
Maine-Made Entrepreneurs
Searching for a great souvenir of your visit? Look for quality Maine-made products fashioned by hand such as stunning textiles, baskets, and clothing created by the state's fiber artists. To truly bring home a piece of Maine, bring home a piece of exquisite tourmaline jewelry fashioned by Maine jewelers from beautiful gems unearthed in the state's western mountains. Sea Bags turns old, retired sails into fashionable totes that have garnered publicity from the likes of Vogue and the New York Times Style section. Meredith Alex, alias Mad Girl, is an eco-fashion designer offering streetwear and one-of-a-kind artful fashions. If you're looking to avoid withdrawal, Maine Lobster Direct and Harbor Fish Market on Portland's colorful waterfront, will ship fresh lobster to your home when you leave.
Outdoor Outfitters
Maine is fortunate to be able to lay claim to one of the most well-respected outdoor outfitters in the world - L.L. Bean. Located in Freeport, patrons can pick up the latest gear for hunting, fishing, boating and camping, as well as clothing, to make their outdoor adventures comfortable and successful. L.L. Bean is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can scratch that urge to shop anytime you want; check the store's website for special weekend events focusing on hunting, winter sports, paddling and biking.
Outlets: Kittery & Freeport
Outlet shopping has become a major-league sport in Maine with Kittery Premium Outlets at the state's southern entrance and Freeport, just 20 minutes north of Portland offering scores of designer and brand-name outlets. Before your visit, check out our Discount Coupons, which will extend your budget. And be sure to leave some room in the car!