3 Best Places to Shop in Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island, Maine

All over the world at Christmas, folks hang stockings knitted by the proprietor, who you're likely to find needles in hand at this homestead shop. There are large and small stockings and, yes, designs include a red lobster on a green background. Other craft items and used goods, including books, are also sold. From a long line of islanders, the owner displays old family photos and wood toys her great-grandfather made for sale to tourists. 

Right downtown, this welcoming shop sells an array of items—everything from jewelry and wood cutting boards to American Girl doll clothing and photography and paintings. Whoever waits on you can show you their own wares, as some of the 75 or so artisans and artists whose works are represented own and run the shop.

Hand-cast bronze doorbells and wind chimes are among the items sold at this longtime Prospect Harbor studio. You can also buy finely crafted quilts, wood-fired pottery, and fine cabinetry and furniture made by the owner's family, as well as cards, wild blueberry jam, jewelry, and such by other Maine artisans. Ask for a tour of the foundry---you might even catch a "pour," done several times a week. Open June to mid-October and otherwise by chance or appointment.