One-of-a-Kind Shops & Art Galleries

Shop Local, Experience Art in Greater Portland, Maine

Most come to Portland for the quintessential things, but Greater Portland has such a rich arts culture; you can find just about anything you’re looking for. In this article we will highlight nine out of the ordinary places to shop and stroll while you’re in town.  

---

1. Maine Art Collective

When you look for it, Maine offers you the chance to connect with locals in places you’d least expect it. The Maine Art Collective is a carefully curated gallery space staffed by the featured artists themselves. This gallery, located in the heart of Portland Old Port, offers the unique opportunity to connect with local artists on their work, their stories, and experience the local creative spirit in real time. Whether you’re just stopping in or searching for a meaningful souvenir, Maine Art Collective is the ultimate unique experience for art lovers bringing their Maine adventure in Greater Portland.

2. Simply Scandinavian

Established in the late 90s, Simply Scandinavian brings hand selected Scandinavian items just steps away from Portland, Maine’s city center. They serve as a full-service importer from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, bringing these unique cultures into the hands of Mainers and visitors. Simply Scandinavian offers quality glassware, textiles, woodworking, and more! Each item in the store is hand selected, which creates a truly unique and meaningful collection.

3. Skordo

With over 300 restaurants, bakeries, and cafes, many people come to Portland, Maine for the quality food scene, but the quality cooking doesn’t have to stop here. Whether you love cooking or are just a beginner, Skordo is the place to spice up your recipes with quality blends and rubs, spices, pantry goods, and even recipe kits. Skordo is committed to “empowering the home cook” by offering small batch, handmade spices that bring a little taste of Portland Maine to your kitchen.  Visit their store in the Old Port to explore all their unique offerings and how they bring the flavor of Maine to life.

4. Fiore Artisan Olive Oil and Vinegars

If you’ve ever wanted to taste your way around the world without leaving Maine, FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars is your place. This Maine-born gem sources unfiltered extra virgin olive oils directly from family farmers across the globe and is the sole U.S. retailer of Villa San Donnino’s centuries-old traditionally produced balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy — some aged up to 100 years. With multiple locations across the state and a philosophy rooted in freshness and authenticity, FIORE is the kind of shop that turns a simple bottle of olive oil into a whole experience.

5. Arcana

In Portland, Maine, community and culture are everything, and it is represented well through our working waterfront, our restaurants, our shops and tours, and even just on the streets of our city. However, getting to experience our unique community through shops like Arcana, is something that adds a sense of connection to the Portland Maine shopping experience. Arcana, the employee-owned arts studio and retail shop, offers a unique selection of items from crystals and incense to locally crafted jewelry, and even books and tarot decks. Arcana is a studio that is so driven to support its community, situated in a great area central to the Portland shopping scene, and definitely worth the visit.

6. Browne Trading Market

When you think of Maine cuisine, you think of seafood every time. And what better place to access the freshest fish than Portland Maine. Our historical working waterfront is one of the most quintessential aspects of our town. The fresh seafood comes straight off the boat just steps away from the fish markets and shops that sell it. Browne Trading Market, in particular, has harnessed the unique flavors of Portland, Maine and shared them with elite restaurants and home kitchens across the country. However, their home base still rests here, in the heart of downtown Portland. Browne Trading Company offers caviar, fresh fish, and smoked seafoods that are very unique to their shop and truly something you need to taste to believe.

7. Harbor Fish Market

But the markets and fisheries do not stop there.  Harbor Fish Market, with over 50 years in business, has amazed locals and visitors for years with top-quality fresh seafood, live lobster tanks, and more. For a shop just tucked away on Custom House Wharf, they have an astoundingly wide selection of seafood. As a family owned and operated business, this community gem is one of the best ways to experience the culture and cuisine of Portland, Maine.

8. The Honey Exchange

Another way to experience the sweetness of our culture here in Portland, Maine is by visiting The Honey Exchange. This premiere honey and hive shop offers much more than infused and natural honeys. They also offer tea, skincare, clothing and accessories, and many other products of the hive. The Honey Exchange also offers tastings, a chance to meet the actual beekeeper, and view their glass fronted observation hive. When you’re in town, it’s definitely worth it to see what’s buzzing at this unique store in Portland, Maine.

9. Terrarium

Maine offers many chances to view our beautiful foliage and greenery year-round. However, for the plant enthusiasts looking for the hands-on crafting experience, we suggest Terrarium. This one-of-a-kind shop for DIY terrarium creations is truly a crafting experience worthwhile. They offer drinks and snacks while you browse for your ideal crafting materials and even have plant specialists available to help you with your creative plant project.

10. Maine Made Association

Looking for a souvenir that actually means something? Maine Made is a state-run program dedicated to celebrating and connecting shoppers with products crafted right here in Maine, from wood, granite, field, and farm. Whether you’re on the hunt for handcrafted jewelry, locally made gourmet foods, pottery, apparel, or home décor, the Maine Made directory makes it easy to find thousands of products from Maine artisans and makers across the state. It’s the easiest way to bring a little piece of Maine home with you and to feel good about who you’re supporting when you do.