Although not a sexy recommendation, we highly suggest taking Route 1 up the coast of Maine. We love to stop in Kennebunkport, Freeport, Wiscasset, and everywhere in between. The route has tons of good bookstores, antique shops, bakeries, and more, just keep your eyes open!
Stop and grab a pastry or loaf in Kennebunk! Drive by the Wedding Cake house.
Open all day but we recommend a morning trip for the Gizmo breakfast sandwich.
Another deep favorite of ours. Though reservations are hard to come by, you can get in line at 5PM to be seated for an early walk-in dinner. (But our real secret, sssshhhh, is to go to the lower back entrance on Wharf St and sneak a spot at the bar. It's muuuch easier.)
Around the corner from Central Provisions, is this dessert/cocktail bar that is open till 1AM on the weekends. Our favorite drink is the maple latte and if you're into people watching, this place is directly across from the rowdy bars where you can watch the shame parade go by. Or join it afterwards!
This hidden speakeasy has a very fun gimmick—everything on the menu is just $5. Are $5 drinks very good? No. But they are efficient. Here's a hint to help you find it: If on Market Street you want to Eats, Lincolns will be within reach. Cash only.
The L.L. Bean flagship store (more like campus) is a site to see. And it's open 24 hours a day.
A hole in the wall fish market that also makes your expected seafoods, and much more with an Asian/Vietnamese influence such as an unbelievable spicy scallop bahn mi.
Looking to stretch those legs? Visit this exact parking lot. It contains Sweetz, a massive candy store with all kinds of novelty treats, and Big Al's Fireworks Outlet.
Not on Main St but right behind it is The Lobster Haul. We discovered it one day when making our way back to Boston and deciding to, "eat as many lobster rolls as possible." We tapped out at 5. This was one of our favorite stops because the prices were good, the amount of meat was generous, they had a variety of roll styles, and they have indoor seating which is ideal if it's raining, as many lobster shacks we know and love are outside only.
Just 10 minutes from our venue, these botanical gardens are stunning. See as many giant wooden trolls as you can and stroll along the scenic routes. Their last day of the year will be the Sunday following our wedding, October 20th, so check them out while you can.
Ok we've only been once so we can't say we LOVE this place because we don't know. However, the inside is so adorable, very nautical, and their hangover hash with big chunks of incredible brisket was to die for. The pancake was just OK.
A Maine chain right downtown that has a big selection of books for a local store plus tons of board games, puzzles, cards, souvenirs, and old fashioned toys you forgot existed.
Grab a coffee (Reds makes a good maple latte) and stroll across the footbridge in downtown Boothbay. Right next to it is a small bakery, a brewery, and even a BBQ spot.