7 of the best boutiques in Bar Harbor

Situated on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor is primarily known as a gateway to the mountains and cliffs of neighbouring Acadia National Park. But the town itself is also home to a bustling commercial scene, including several notable boutiques. Here are 7 of the best.

My Darling Maine Island Boutique

Eye-catching colours and quirky finds are what you can expect to discover on entering this charming little shop. Everything sold here – from its apparel and accessories to gifts and home décor – is a one-off, making it the perfect place to pick up something truly unique. The store also prides itself on offering a platform for local Maine artists to showcase their creative wares.

19 Cottage Street

A LITTLE MAD

Self-styled as a “curiously unique shop”, this art gallery and gift store is a great place for picking up an unusual present or souvenir. With many of its items produced by emerging local artists, the shop has become a valuable feature of Bar Harbor’s creative community. Among the items you’ll find are colourful wood prints, a wide variety of hand-made jewellery, and an eclectic mix of curios, cosmetics, and objets d’art.

15 Cottage Street

Patrick’s By The Sea

Situated on the town’s picturesque oceanfront, this boutique specialises in gifts, clothing, and food produced by local Maine artisans, as well as from around the world. Whether it’s Maine-made pottery, jewellery, lamps, handbags, accessories, clothing or culinary treats that you’re seeking, you’re certain to find something special to take away with you. The store also houses a number of prestigious brands.

21 Main Street

House Wine

Established in 2009, House Wine has done as much as anyone to promote Maine’s burgeoning culinary scene and the food and drink producers who are driving this trend. Located in the town’s downtown area, the store has gained much acclaim for its quality boutique wines, Maine craft beer, sake and local fine cheese and charcuterie, with a particular focus on organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines. Regular wine tasting events are also held here in-store.

227 Main Street

FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars

With six locations across Maine, FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars’ Bar Harbor outpost was the brand’s first bricks and mortar venture. The store features a wide selection of Extra Virgin Olive Oils from around the world and Aged Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy. But perhaps the biggest draw is the in-store tasting room which invites visitors to embark on a sensory global tour of some of the freshest olive oils and most flavourful vinegars known to man, as well as offering the chance to learn about the numerous health benefits they offer.

1014 Chapel Street

Serendipity

An affordable resale clothing store in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, Serendipity is a shop with a real social conscience. Staffed entirely by volunteers, an incredible 100% of proceeds from the sale of its recycled, eco-friendly items go to benefit The Bar Harbor Food Pantry, a local organisation that provides healthy food and other household products free of charge to residents in need of assistance.

36 Kennebec Place

The Rock and Art Shop

A family-owned and operated business, The Rock & Art Shop is packed full of amazing products – many of which you’d only usually expect to find in a museum. There are rocks, minerals, and other treasures from around the world, as well as art made by local artists, jewellery, curious plants, unique gifts, cards, educational toys, cosmetics and smellies. The store also has two other locations across Maine.

23 College Street

By Paul Joseph