2016 Visitor's Guide

STAY 78 / visitportland.com / #visitportland / @visitportland great place to learn about farming and farm animals while also enjoying tradi- tional fairground rides and food. More Than the Stores – Freeport & Pownal Famous for shopping, there is much more to this town than the bargains found at the many outlet stores (though you really can’t beat the deals). Home of famous outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, it makes perfect sense that the area is rich with natural beauty, and offers plenty of

Photo: FreeportUSA

opportunities to get outdoors and play. Driving into Freeport, it’s impossible not to notice the vast and bustling strip of restaurants and stores, many of which

occupy historic homes and buildings. National companies like Tommy Hil- figer and Cole Haan offer great fashion at factory prices alongside a mix of locally-owned boutiques. Whether you are searching for dress shoes or a sun- dress, you may find a new favorite on Main Street, or just around the corner. While many visit L.L.Bean to stock up on boots and sweaters, Freeport is also home to the L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery School, which offers walk-in clinics in everything from snowshoeing and fly-fishing to kayaking and paddle boarding. In the summer, L.L.Bean hosts its free live music series, and various themed weekends devoted to outdoor sports and hobbies are offered throughout the year. Just a few miles east of town are the calming green acres of Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, a great place for bird watching, family outings, and ocean side hikes. If a craggy climb is more your style, visit Bradbury Mountain State Park located close by in Pownal; hiking trails to the top range from easy to intermediate level, and true thrill-seekers will love the well-planned system of mountain biking trails. After all that hiking, biking, and shop- ping, you’ll probably need to fuel up. Foodies will be happy to note that Freeport has plenty of great places to eat—while the freshest of lobster and seafood are plentiful, neither your curry cravings nor dumpling desires will go unsatisfied. Spend the night in an elegant B&B or iconic New England Inn and wake up ready to explore more of this vibrant, historic village. Continued on page 80