Beyond buying, Freeport offers rugged natural beauty and a chance to recreate in the great outdoors. Just know that the summer season is a short one, with many activities and attractions not open until June. Hikers should come prepared for muddy terrain in April and into May, depending on the rainfall. And if you forgot your mud boots, not to worry. L.L. Bean can fix that.
Spend
Besides L.L. Bean, Freeport offers a range of brand names like Jones New York, J. Crew,
Polo Ralph Lauren , and Burberry . A few of the stores, including Cole Haan , offer regular retail prices, with the discounted goods located downstairs. If you're not sure, ask. As is usually the case, some of the best shops are not the national chains. Check
Edgecomb Potters (8 School St., 207-865-1705, edgecombpotters.com) for stunning Maine-fired decorative and functional pottery and artsy jewelry.
At the Co/OP Contemporary Clothing Co-operative (140 North Main St., 207-865-2007) a mix of well-known labels are discounted, with many items priced at $19.95.
For all things moose, the Mangy Moose (112 Main St. 207-865-6414) sells Maine-centric merchandise, from moose-printed boxers to deer antler chandeliers.
Do
Donnie and Lee Thibodeau had to come up with something new to do with all of their potatoes, so the brothers and a few partners decided to make vodka. The resulting premium
Cold River Vodka, made with Maine potatoes, is handcrafted, bottled, and corked right in Freeport. Tour the small distillery (437 US Route 1, 207-865-4828, coldrivervodka.com ), which unfortunately can't offer samples.
Another area calling card, of a nonalcoholic variety, is the Desert of Maine (95 Desert Road, 207-865-6962, www. desertofmaine.com ) open early May through October. There's actually a desert ecosystem, caused by 19th-century soil erosion, revealing a landscape of giant sand dunes. Take a narrated coach tour or a self-guided walk through the 40 acres of sand that was once Tuttle Farm. Kids will love the gem hunt (stones have been scattered in a section of the desert for treasure hunters to uncover).
