One of the many things we love about living in Maine is its various perks, including the adventures of antique shopping in MidCoast Maine. Shopping for the best antiques is one of our favorite things to do.
Do you appreciate the rich history and elegance often found in vintage artifacts? If so, then you’re in for a treat. With the many fabulous shops available, you can create your antiquing adventure.
Make it a day trip! Better yet, plan an adventure you won’t soon forget and spend a few days meandering through the trove of relics available. You never know what treasures await you at each charming shop dotting Maine’s picturesque coastline, especially the surrounding hub of Searsport.
Are you looking for a fun adventure? Period pieces that transport you through time?
Then get ready…
We’ve put together a treasure-hunting guide that’ll make your treasure-hunting senses tingle with joy, and it all begins right here in Searsport.
Searsport, Maine Antiques: Scavenge Your Way Through History
Searsport is remarkable, not only to us but also to history. Formed around 1760 from the split of an old plantation, Searsport, Maine, has a part in the history of the American Revolution. Of course, back then, only a handful of families remained — 23 to be exact — most left the area rather than pledge their allegiance to the King of England. However, some later returned.
You’ll find Searsport nestled between the Penobscot Bay and many of Maine’s rolling hills. And our scenic town will beckon you to visit again and again with its friendly atmosphere, quaint streets, and cozy antique shops.
It’s not just Searsport that beckons the antique enthusiast, though. There are many places and opportunities throughout Maine to glimpse and own a piece of history, whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer excursion.
A little over an hour’s drive from Searsport — just south of Augusta — you’ll find another town called Hallowell. The Hallowell Antique Mall is the largest antique store in the city, and it’s also referred to as the antique capital of Maine.
Where to Find the Best Antique Shops
Following a carefully curated trail, we’ll start your journey in Freeport, Maine — just north of Portland. Then, we’ll direct you north for your treasure-hunting voyage to some of Maine’s best antiques. You’ll finish your antiquing journey here in Searsport with a restful and relaxing night at Captain Nickels Inn.
FAQ: Are prices in antique shops negotiable?
If you’re like us, you want the most exquisite period pieces at the best possible price. So, we’re pleased to tell you that negotiation is part of buying those treasured period pieces. Most dealers expect it; some even enjoy haggling.
1. Start in Freeport, Maine
Stop by Freeport Antiques, just a short walk from L.L. Bean — the flagship sporting goods store for all things Maine. Many of the items here are high-end antiques and may include antique lamps, jewelry, art, and more.
2. Brunswick, Maine
Stop over at Cabot Mill Antiques in Brunswick. You’ll find many relics, from oriental rugs and sterling silver to vintage clothing, decorative mirrors, and fine art.
3. Wiscasset, Maine
After you’ve finished perusing Cabot Mill Antiques, continue north to Wiscasset and stop at the Wiscasset Antiques Mall, where you’ll find everything from antiques to modern relics. It’s time to get on the road again when you’ve seen everything you want here. Our next stop is Newcastle, Maine.
4. Newcastle, Maine
Newcastle is about a 10-minute drive up Route 1 from Wiscasset, and here, you’ll find Indian Trail Antiques. This rustic antique store looks like a big red barn. Situated a mile off of Route 1, it offers four floors of relics to view. Make an appointment if you’re coming in January, February, or March.
5. Rockland, Maine
Continue following Route 1 northeast until you arrive in Rockland. We recommend you check out Antiques Etcetera. We’ve only recently discovered this little gem through our antique adventures, and we love it! The store has a vast selection of exquisite relics, and this is where we found the perfect round table for our Elizabeth room.
6. Lincolnville, Maine
The Red Barn Marketplace is another of our favorite antique stores. Built in 1880, this shop has two floors of fantastic art, Maine and New England relics, furniture, collectibles, gifts, and more. While you’re there, we recommend trying their locally roasted coffee with a cookie or a slice of seasonal pie. Open May – October.
7. Ellsworth, Maine
Continue up route one to Ellsworth, where you’ll find the Old Creamery Antique Mall. We love and recommend this shop, and it is one of our top picks for must-see antique shops.
We love the Old Creamery Antique Mall so much that we shop there often. This little antique shop has sourced many of our period pieces.
- The small table in The Harriet Room
- The umbrella stand in The Katherine Room
- The small table in The Amos Suite
We have many antique pieces we found and fell in love with from the Old Creamery Antique Mall. We’re confident that you’ll find something special there, too. Now, onto your final two stops — both in Searsport!
Finish in Searsport, Maine
Before you end your day, we recommend checking out two antique shops in Searsport, Maine. The first is Dennis Raleigh Antiques and Folk Art, at 15 West Main Street. This shop has many fascinating relics, including art and paintings to explore.
For your final stop in your antiquing journey, head over to Treasures and Trash Barn, just a short drive up the road from our last stop. Every time we visit this shop, we’re amazed by what we’ve walked away with.
Find Great Things to Do in Searsport, Maine
Whether you plan to stay a day or a week in Searsport, there’s no shortage of things to do in Searsport, Maine. Begin each day with a unique adventure. Learn about our history, and tantalize your taste buds with exceptional eats and treats. We’ve compiled a few of our hottest recommendations to get you started.
- Penobscot Marine Museum
- Maineport Brewing Company
- The Trove
- The Parsonage Gallery
- Splendiferous Sweet Shoppe
Enrich your visit further and explore Searsport for yourself. Stroll through Moose Point State Park and capture some breathtaking bay views.
Settling Down for a Relaxing Night at Captain Nickels Inn
After a busy day of antique shopping in MidCoast, Maine, return to Captain Nickels Inn to kick back and relax. Our elegant Victorian-style inn offers nothing less than warm hospitality surrounded by rich history and luxurious comfort.
Enjoy a quiet evening on the porch with a grand bay view. Or grab your favorite book and cozy up by our crackling fireplace for a peaceful evening reading.
Photo Credit:
© Elena Photo via canva.com
© BWFolsom via canva.com