It may be a few blocks off Main Street in Ellsworth, but a visit to Atlantic Art Glass on an open studio day is worth the walk. Here, in their studio/hot shop, Ken and Linda Perrin sculpt and blow molten glass into works of art. We're partial to their jewelry and "tidepool" sculptures, and their Christmas balls have become a holiday tradition in our house.
Every time we go in here, we could drop thousands of dollars. This two-story shop (three, if you count the discount attic, which is open sporadically) is a destination for serious cooks. Gourmets will find everything they need, from the latest addition to the Le Creuset line to a cast-iron scone pan or a hand-cranked pasta maker. The staff here is knowledgeable, and the coffee — roasted in house — is legendary.
Julie and Greg Veilleux approach home decor like museum curators approach art. They have an eye for gorgeous, striking pieces that will make your kitchen, bath, or living spaces stand out. Expect interesting kitchen gadgets, gorgeous rugs, luxurious bath products and Maine-made goodies.
Most people first visit The Cherished Home because of the owner, Genie Francis, of "General Hospital" fame. But the curated selection of luxurious home goods, baby gifts, women's accessories and posh linens keeps customers coming back.
Here at The Maven, we're wild about board games and cards. They're a great way to bring friends and family together around something other than the TV. And though many chain stores carry a good selection of non-electronic games, they've got nothing on All About Games. This shop boasts a mind-boggling array of games, and the staff is so knowledgeable that once you tell them what you like, they'll be able to suggest your new favorite.
When Diane Toepfer moved to Portland, she brought a crafty West Coast design sensibility and a great sense of humor. Her shop is a mixed bag of letterpress cards, silk-screened Ts and vintage (or vintage-inspired) accessories for the home and body. Our favorite? The WTF card.
When we discovered 412 in Rockland, we were ecstatic. And, we admit, a little surprised. This impossibly stylish, impeccably edited shop is the brainchild of Maine native and Manhattan fashion designer Beth Bowley. Her partners in crime are Jin Lawrence (a Maven if ever there was one) and Sandy Crow (a former Anthropologie buyer). And their taste is spot-on. Bowley's feminine designs have been featured in Lucky, In Style and Glamour, to name a few. And the other labels at 412 reflect a similar, elegant aesthetic. If you're in the market for something special, do stop in.
feather your nest. Owners Jessica Jenkins and Andy West have selected Maine-made favorites such as Swans Island Blankets, Sea Bags and Pinecone + Chickadee cards. But you'll also find eco-friendly goods and chic handmade designs from around the country. We can't deny the appeal of the shop's "members only" uniform: a T-shirt or track jacket emblazoned with the Daytrip Society crest. Very upper-crust. Very tongue-in-cheek. Very trippy.
Dude. You are so trippy.
