Freeport Maine Things To Do and Restaurant Guide
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The New England town of Freeport Maine is famous for its fabulous shopping, restaurants, and coastline. Our article on Freeport Maine things to do includes a restaurant guide, and an overview of some of the area’s best-loved shopping destinations and outdoor activities. About 20-miles north of Portland on the Casco Bay, Freeport is home to the LL Bean Flagship store and as well as an impressive array of brand-name outlet stores, restaurants, and craft breweries.
Visitors eat and dine in a walkable downtown area of made up of restored colonial-style buildings. When it’s time to get outside, Freeport is home to an impressive town pier and miles of seaside parkland to enjoy. Read our Freeport Maine restaurant guide and list of things to do for ideas on spending time in this New England coastal town.
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FREEPORT MAINE THINGS TO DO
Spend 24-Hours at LL Bean: You can! Literally! You can shop 24 hours a day for everything from archery equipment to bridal registry gifts at the iconic LL Bean flagship store. On the grounds of the iconic Maine retailer, shoppers will find clothing, home goods, and outdoor equipment stores.
The buildings surround a central “Discovery Park” green where activities and events are held. In addition, visitors can sign up for classes (many free) on the grounds and at the Flying Point Paddling Center. There are food trucks and kiosks onsite. You can shop for bean boots, table linens, and road bikes; take a yoga class on the green; see a movie; or attend a concert – all without leaving the LL Bean flagship store’s complex.
Hike, Picnic, and Play at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park: Just 5-minutes from downtown Freeport is the Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. On the 200-acre grounds visitors can hike among hemlock forests and salt marshes, or tide pool on the rocky Maine coast. Discover native osprey nesting in the salt marshes, guided nature programs, and expansive picnic grounds. A highlight of the trip for many visitors is walking the beautiful coastal Casco Bay Trail.
Shop Freeport’s Retail Outlets: In the blocks that make up Freeport’s downtown, visitors will find a high concentration of premium retail outlets. Along Main Street and at the Freeport Village Station there are stores that cater to all members of the family. Shoppers will find bargains at stores such as Brooks Bros., Carters, Coach, LL Bean, Lindt, Nordica, Osh Gosh, Talbots, and others. Parking is free at this leading New England shopping destination. Freeport shopping rules!
Enjoy an Evening of Tasting at the Maine Beer Company: If you love craft beers this is the place to indulge. Located just out of town on Route 1, the Maine Beer Company is an independent brewery that offers tastings of a variety of beers on tap. In addition to beer tastings, the tavern offers pizzas, salads, snacks, and merchandise for sale.
Take a Scenic Drive Along Casco Bay from Freeport to Falmouth: Beginning in South Freeport take a scenic drive on Route 88 through Yarmouth to Falmouth, Maine. It has often been said that the 15-mile stretch of Maine highway is one of the most beautiful in the nation. Along the route take in lovely oceanside communities and the vistas of open ocean and roiling surf. The route slows to 35mph in many places, giving you time to pull into cemeteries, churches, general stores, marinas, and any place else that catches your fancy.
Book a Fishing Charter or Kayak Expedition at the South Freeport Town Wharf: Freeport’s coastline is dotted with marinas. The South Freeport Town Wharf is a great central location for visitors to depart for a fishing charter, sailing cruise, or kayak expedition. Or, simply to walk the docks and admire the many pleasure and commercial fishing vessels. There is ample parking and the Harraseeket Lobster and Lunch Company is onsite for a cup of chowder or the fresh fish of the day.
Splurge on a Weekend at the Harraseeket Inn: There are so many great things about staying at the lovely and luxurious Harraseeket Inn. Onsite there are two restaurants, an indoor heated pool, a stone fire-pit, a tavern, afternoon tea, loads of comfy fireplaces, and (best of all) the inn is a short walk to all of Freeport’s retail outlets. Accommodations range from rooms to townhouses. Indulge!
Shop the Craft, Antique, Jewelry, Second-hand, and Collectible Stores of Freeport: Freeport shopping is eclectic. For every upscale store in the downtown area, there is another with less name-recognition, but just as much personality. The lanes off of Main Street are packed with art galleries, second-hand stores, collectibles, and specialty shops. Check out Brigham and Cooke’s (British goods), the Heirloom Showcase (Americana, glassware, quilts, and other treasures), and the Mangy Moose (groovy gifts).
Tour the Thos. Moser Furniture Showroom: The Thos. Moser Furniture Gallery is located on Main Street a short walk from the LL Bean flagship store. The home furnishings showroom and outlet annex are anchored around a nineteenth century historic home that has been restored to best show the craftsmanship and classic beauty of the Thos. Moser furniture displayed. There are two floors of furniture to wander through. The gallery also features paintings, sculpture and wood carvings from visiting artists. Spending an afternoon wandering the complex is always a delight.
Sweat It Out at The Desert of Maine: A visit to the 40-acre Desert of Maine is great family fun, or a treat for anyone with an interest in sand, minerals, and glacial sit. The geological phenomena was created about 11,000 years ago by a glacier that covered the area and then receded. You can hike the area and visit a small museum.
FREEPORT MAINE RESTAURANT GUIDE
There are many wonderful Freeport restaurants in the main shopping district and on the outskirts of town. Here are our recommendations for 10 great eating establishments in Freeport Maine:
Broad Arrow Tavern: Serving fresh seafood, grilled meats, and brick oven pizza in an upscale tavern atmosphere.
Buck’s Naked BBQ: Local establishment specializing in slow cooked BBQ, steak, and fish.
Haraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company: Family lobster pound serving fresh seafood by waterfront.
Jameson Tavern: Historic colonial era tavern serving traditional American foods and beer.
Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern: Serving Maine regional favorites in a lively downtown location.
Lobster Cooker and Pub: Restored barn enjoyed for its lobster rolls and patio dining.
Maine Beer Company: Brewery offering beer tastings, pizzas, salads and snacks.
Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro: Updated takes on Italian recipes in a homey, rustic dining room.
When Pigs Fly Bakery: Serving fresh bread and artisanal baked goods.
Wicked Whoopies: Selling full size and jumbo single serving or gift boxed whoopie pies. So good!
Have a safe trip home! Laura and Randy
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