Portland Shopping

A LARGE INDOOR FOOD-AND-DRINK MARKET located in downtown Portland.

In the fall of 2009, the market was being remodeled in preparation for a grand re-opening.

What to buy: seafood, sandwiches, beer, flowers, whatever your heart desired.

What to pay: We will have to wait to see about prices when it reopens.

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In the middle of the tourist area is the majority of shopping for souvenirs and trinkets. There is a string of shops for 5-6 blocks long but not intrusive. They are interspersed in a mild fashion so as to draw you into for a purchase. Proprietors seem friendly and helpful. On side backstreets for another couple of blocks are some more unique type shops worth a gander.

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I DON'T KNOW WHY they call it what they call it, because ITS NOT JUST CHRISTMAS ITEMS for sale. I think it must be a lot of overruns, maybe seconds, but everything we have gotten there has been good. We once got several simple plastic lawn sprinklers for 50 cents each! But we have also gotten a quality canvas firewood carrier for about $5, also they have food items, some small furniture items, just all kinds of things.

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What to buy: A wide variety. You never know what you will find there.

What to pay: inexpensive pricing

It was refreshing to see that Borders and Barnes and Noble were nowhere to be seen in downtown Portland. Instead, I came upon a great little bookstore called "Books etc" on Exchange St. I really enjoyed the way the books were displayed, with a nice selection of local literature and books about Maine and Portland in general, a discount table, and really good staff picks, among other things. The staff was friendly and ready to help answer customers' questions. Stores like this one are what makes shopping in Portland so special!

What to buy: They've got a great selection and if they haven't got the book in store, you can order it online.

What to pay: Same as other bookstores

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After having tasted the Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale at a restaurant downtown, there was no way I was leaving Portland without stopping by the Shipyard Brewing Company. The great thing about buying beer there is that you can sample all the flavors and then create your own 12-pack with your favorite beers. Tours and tastings are offered daily from noon to 4:00 pm (every hour, on the hour), and not only is the staff knowledeable, they also genuinely love their products. We even got to try a few interesting beer mixes!

What to buy: I tried them all but my favorite one remains the spicy Pumpkinhead :o)

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There are several second-hand bookstores in Portland but my favorite one turned out to be Cunningham Books, a little store aptly situated in front of Longfellow Square in downtown Portland. Most of the shelves were full of rare books, but there also was a second-hand section that offered an impressive selection of classic and contemporary used books. I somehow managed to leave with only 5 novels, but I could easily have emptied an entire shelf!

What to buy: How about "Evangeline" by Portland's own Henry Wadsworth Longfellow?

What to pay: My 5 books in top condition only cost $26.

This store is located across the street from the cruise ship pier in an old warehouse. There are many souvenirs to choose from, including T-shirts, postcards, plush lobsters, crab hats, keychains, magnets and more. There are also a number of Maine-made products which also make nice gifts.

What to buy: You gotta get some Maine blueberry jelly or one of the candles.

What to pay: It depends on what you get...T-shirts range from $10-$20. Postcards are 30 cents each or 4 for $1.00, which is the norm around town.

a very good meat market plus deli and gourmet food shop.

What to buy: provisions of fresh produce meats deli items or a luch to go. good olive oil assortment, individual cookies and sweets coofee to go, fruit and canned goods

What to pay: above average for superior quality