2017 Visitor's Guide

Hit one or more of these retail districts for a concentrated period of shopping fun.

SHOP

ONE-STOP SHOPPING

SOUTH PORTLAND

SCARBOROUGH

FREEPORT

DOWNTOWN

Shop all your favorite brands at the state's largest shopping center, The Maine Mall. With over 140 stores and restau- rants, the mall is conveniently located near the airport and several hotels. The surround- ing mall area contains many smaller shopping plazas and eateries, and all of it is just 10 minutes from downtown. Across the Casco Bay Bridge from Portland, the small Knightville neighborhood bustles with shops and restau- rants, and briny breezes waft over the village.

Drive down Route 1, south of Portland, for an eclectic mix of shops from crafts to an- tiques. Don't miss Len Libby Chocolatier where Lenny, the world's only life-size chocolate moose, lives in his natural habitat. While Lenny may not satisfy your craving to see a real moose, the store will certainly indulge your sweet tooth. Route 1 is also your course for Scarborough Marsh Nature Center and Pine Point Beach; stop at Lois' Natural Marketplace to pick up picnic provisions.

Driving into downtown Freeport, it's impossible not to notice the vast and bustling strip of restaurants and stores, many of which occupy historic buildings. National companies like Tommy Hilfiger 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 sundress, you'll likely find a bargain. L.L. Bean's flagship store put Freeport on the map, and it's still the go-to place for outdoor gear.

The Old Port's cobblestone streets are lined with one-of- a-kind boutiques featuring authentic Maine-made and imported goods. You'll find shops and galleries occupying revitalized warehouses with exposed bricks and beams; sometimes the stores them- selves are as unique as the wares they display. Intriguing shops are interspersed with numerous galleries in the Arts District, running along a stretch of Congress Street, the city's main commercial thoroughfare.

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: THOMAS MITCHELL; FREEPORT USA; ROBERT WITKOWSKI/VISIT PORTLAND; LEN LIBBY; BOB DELANEY/THE MAINE MALL

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