EXPLORING MAINE: MY PICKS!

Maine and its restaurant scene is written about A LOT. Does anyone really need another travel article describing a New York editors idea of fine dining or a great lobster roll found in an over touristed town? Not really. But that is what the publications serve up season after season. So if you want the true inside scoop of the really good eats, shopping, antiquing, flea markets, roadside stands, etc., etc., etc.......check in with this mainemoringreport posting because I'm going to share my list which began decades ago as a Maine summer kid. As a Maine resident, I've worked some of that time as a manufacturers rep. calling on the finest gift shops. I've learned the circuit. Tag along. Journey with me. If you can't get there by car, many of the establishments have web sites.

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND...

Having but one day to spend on the island (MDI), I would browse THE KIMBALL SHOP of Northeast Harbor and take tea at THE JORDAN POND HOUSE in the middle of Acadia National Park. Traveling from one establishment to the other, by bicycle or motoring, you will experience some of the most extraordinary scenery on earth. From the dramatic rock outcroppings left by the great glacier to the image of pines growing to the blue, blue sea, the sight and scent of coastal Maine is naturally designed to take your breath away.

THE KIMBALL SHOP, Northeast Harbor, Maine.

Given the dilemma of selecting one store I would choose to "SHOP" in the United States, The Kimball Shop would win hands down. Equal parts Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdales in a summer colony environment, The Kimball Shop offers everything..superbly: product, service, ambiance. From enamel trays for lobster bakes to fine French Limoge and English Wedgewood for dinner parties, you will find it at this venerable shop. The front room.... flush with fine china, crystal and linens is a throwback to a time to when everyone registered for both daily and formal place settings. The Kimball Shop regulars still do. The best of time has stood still at The Kimball Shop. Ramble through this never ending emporium and you will find just what you need and more. Don't miss the ladies clothing boutique two doors down. Many of my favorites have been purchased there from the most accommodating sales professionals.


Nancy Kimball Ho is the proprietress. Her great eye for buying at market is a gift for all. And the service... trained for royalty. "The customer (still) always comes first."


If you can't get there from here, visit the web site: http://www.kimballshop.com/ It doesn't even begin to tell the live story, but something is better then nothing.

THE JORDAN POND HOUSE. (at the base of the "Bubbles.")

Serving lunch, afternoon tea and dinner from May through late October, it was at the Jordan Pond House that I first "took" tea. Dating back to the late 1800's, afternoon tea has become a time honored summer tradition. Naturally one hopes for the perfect Maine summer day so this ritual can be experienced on the lawn spreading out to Jordan Pond with "the Bubbles" framing the back drop. Equally as splendid as the setting is the traditional tea which features the famous popovers, homemade ice cream and fresh strawberry preserves. Reservations and a healthy appetite are recommended. (Forget about Atkins and South Beach on this afternoon of indulgence.)


Can't make tea, Jordan Pond House also serves Maine menu inspired luncheon and dinner. Fortunately for the diner, popovers are always served.
RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED! 207.276.3316. http://www.jordanpond.com/

Now I'm taking you down 95 with a stop in one of Maine's foremost mill towns. Did you go to college with a Bates bedspread? It would have come from this Lewiston-Auburn area. Or if you're a parent with a child attending Bates College, "MY PICKS" will please you.


AUBURN, MAINE

ORPHAN ANNIE'S...Antiques and Curios, 96 Court Street (207. 782.0638)

Danny Pullin has been collecting his entire life and we are the blessed recipients of his passion! For more years then I want to remember he has satisfied and enhanced my "collection of the moment." It may take you a few minutes to assimilate all that is available as you glance upon the windows inspired and decorated by Larry. Then enter this one-in-the-world bazaar and explore! Take time, focus. The selection is beyond explanation. I've never been able to take it all in, so over the years I've found my way to what captures my imagination.. Fine jewelry is always a must look, while my antiquing partner in crime heads for the extensive Bakelite case. Sometimes I spot Spode china on the floor that just "came in" and hasn't been priced. I've lost myself in the scarf and hankie drawers. Then there's the room of vintage clothes and handbags. Most recently it's the Asian case that has been pulling me. Some of my recent purchases have been there for thirty years...according to Danny.

People from all over the world shop ORPHAN ANNIE'S. Young, old, famous, not so famous. It has it all and serves all.

On Monday, from 9:00 to 1:00, Danny opens his five story warehouse. That adventure defies explanation. Dive in or run! Again, find a focus and enjoy the moment. You may not make it past the first floor...but what's the hurry. Come back again. orantiques@werizon.net.

The intensity of ORPHAN ANNIE'S will stimulate your appetite. Just a few doors down the street you'll find nourishment to sustain.

HOLLY'S OWN DELI

... cooks it up fresh...everyday. Vegetables come from the garden out back. Soups and salads are creative and taste tantalizing. And if you like quiche, Holly makes a killer lobster quiche. Nothing skimpy about the portions and prices are pre-fuel crisis! Eat in or take out. If it's a nice Maine day, you just might choose to walk across the street and dine on a park bench along the Androscoggin River.

I've been known to shop, eat and shop some more!

Leaving the middle of the state and heading towards the coast, our next stop will be in

FREEPORT, MAINE.

I feel compelled to mention something in Freeport, home of Maine's most famous tourist attraction and worldwide retailer, LL BEAN. But "My Pick" isn't LL. Instead head down Bow Street (directly across from the LL flagship store) to Depot Street. Tucked in the basement of the BROOKS BROTHERS STORE you will find:

BROOKS BROTHERS FACTORY CLEARANCE CENTER.

Discounts are already deep, but during special promotions, it's possible to purchase top quality clothes at an eighty percent discount. Not a promotion going on? Savings will still be substantial. All my basics come from here which allows me to splurge on accessories! I dressed my son from this store until he informed me that I wasn't dressing him anymore! Now he purchases his own men's wear from BB FACTORY CLEARANCE CENTER! You will find a good selection of Brooks Brothers Boys Wear in the clearance center that is not in the upstairs. Men's and women's, too! And if you hit it right, their handmade Italian foot wear!

HARRASEEKET INN, BROAD ARROW TAVERN

In need of nourishment? Head directly for the HARRASEEKET INN on Main Street and rest a while in the Broad Arrow Tavern. With all you saved in BB, you can indulge in totally fresh, totally Maine food inspired recipes. Meats are free range and/or come from Wolfe Neck Farm. Seafood....fresh daily from the sea. Food sources are listed on the menu. http://www.harraseeketinn.com/

CUDDLEDOWN FACTORY STORE

After a respite, travel to Rt. 1 south on the south side of Freeport. About a quarter mile down the road, on the left, you will find the CUDDLEDOWN FACTORY STORE. The first floor features current bedding collections, comforters, pillows, and accessories from photo shoots. Don't miss the beds and rugs in a back room. If you want to be creative and realize significant savings....head upstairs. Overwhelmed? Tell one of the experienced, helpful assistants what you are looking for. They know the inventory and will make your search easy and fiscally beneficial. If you have time to look, fine European bedding and sleepwear await. Oh, yes, and a selection of the famous CUDDLEDOWN comforters and pillows are available and discounted. Get on their mailing list so you are notified of the twice-a-year 70% off sales! SWEET DREAMS. http://www.cuddledown.com/

ROYAL RIVER NATURAL FOODS

Need a pick-me-up after CUDDLEDOWN? Just next door is ROYAL RIVER NATURAL FOODS. A really decent natural foods store with lots of Maine products at very reasonable prices. No "Whole Paycheck" price gouging here. A small cafe with daily entrees awaits. Make sure to check out their selection of Maine's micro-brew beers. I'm not a beer drinker but I do give them as gifts. http://www.royalrivernaturalfoods.com/

And now for Maine's BIG CITY experience!

PORTLAND, MAINE

There is so much to love about this little city by the sea. It really does have it "all going on!" Establishments I have selected to highlight are again, MY PICKS!

HOLLY STONE, 98 Exchange Street

Recently re-located to the upper end of Exchange Street in the Old Port, this very continental ladies boutique will make you feel like you're in a major metropolitan area ( equal parts San Francisco, LA and New York. ) Seeking style beyond Talbots, trendy current designers or that Sex in the City look? Holly's eye for tasteful, couture inspired, flattering ready to wear apparel, panache and gracious manner is sure to make you a regular. The old adage, "Less is More" certainly applies here.

If on your first visit you think you've encountered the English actress Julie Christie, you've actually met the lovely Holly Stone. Holly was away from our area for awhile. Fortunately, for us, she's returned.

STANDARD BAKING COMPANY, 75 Commercial Street

Baguettes on par with France, pecan raisin buns a match for Zabaars...what's not to love! From the best breads to awesome pastries, STANDARD has created quite a following since it's inception in the mid-90's. Great for them...slightly unfortunate for the locals....the word is out. Yesterday I stopped in, mid-morning ,for my favorite splurge...a pecan raisin bun....and they were sold out at 11:00 am on a Sunday. Had to complete my urban walk without that indulgent carbo blast! Next walk, I'll call ahead!

HANNAFORD SUPERMARKET on the BACK COVE

Need a big city fix in our little city? Explore HANNAFORD SUPERMARKET off Forest Avenue and Baxter Blvd. It's an international emporium. From the expansive fresh produce department, endless bakery, fresh sushi bar, butcher shop and fresh seafood section, and largest organic foods department in New England supermarkets, there's not much left to the imagination here. I always look at the fresh aloe leaves and sugarcane but haven't found the necessary recipes...yet. While browsing and taste testing freshly prepared foods, you'll be mingling with people of many cultures in their native dress.

Employees are friendly, knowledgeable and always accommodating. Having returned to city life after too many years in a suburban outpost, I love this supermarket! And I don't even like to grocery shop!

CASCO BAY FRAME & GALLERY, (next to HANNAFORD on BACK COVE)

Looking for a card beyond the ordinary? How about very limited edition carved pottery with pizazz? For cards choose from an array of Maine artist designed, hand made ( by Holly) or the extraordinary letterpress works from Dauphine Press. All of the employees are artists in their own right and have work on display. CBF is a leader in supporting local artisans. CASCO BAY FRAME is much more then a frame shop offering museum quality work...it's a market of unusual, one-of-a-kind items. This is the place to go when you want to make a lasting impression. http://www.cascobayframes.com/

FIACHRE, 426 Fore Street (in the Old Port)

Ten years ago Melissa Howe opened this garden nest in the middle of Old Port night life! Whoever said a garden shop had to have easy parking? On a street where there is always traffic, Melissa has thrived and gained a very loyal following. Upon entering the subdued lit store front, you can smell the organic nature of dirt, stoneware and wrought iron. Most of the fixtures and adornments are New England made. Check out the chalk board behind the front counter. Posted daily is the water temperature of Casco Bay. Maybe that's more information then you need! Again, this store offers a more urban feel...like you would expect in Chelsea or the Village.