9 Best Places to Shop in Bar Harbor, ME

Bar Harbor is a walkable coastal town with a retail scene rooted in local businesses, handmade goods, and items that reflect Mount Desert Island's natural environment. Shops are centered around Main Street and the surrounding blocks, where you’ll find everything from art galleries to bookstores and outfitters. These businesses offer quality goods without mass production, making shopping in Bar Harbor,  ME, a locally grounded experience.

This guide highlights the best shopping spots in Bar Harbor, ME, focusing on local businesses and hyper-regional experiences.

Spruce & Gussy is off Main Street and offers a carefully chosen selection of handmade gifts, accessories, and stationery. The owners work directly with independent makers to curate a selection that feels both useful and personal. You’ll find jewelry, ceramics, bags, and art prints representing local and national artisans. The shop's layout makes browsing easy, and items are clearly displayed without clutter.

Many shoppers return to Spruce & Gussy for seasonal cards, small home items, and gift ideas.

The Acadia Country Store blends practical goods with themed items that reflect the nearby national park. Located near the center of Bar Harbor, this shop includes outdoor gear, regional books, snacks, and home goods that speak to the Acadia experience. The store also has a strong food section, with jams, candies, and shelf-stable products made in Maine. You’ll also find clothing, puzzles, and casual décor that reflect the northern coastal setting.

Window Panes is a home goods store on Main Street that focuses on functional items for daily use. The inventory includes kitchen tools, bedding, cookware, and seasonal décor. The store also stocks candles, lanterns, and tableware, emphasizing durability and clean design. The mix of brands and price points makes it approachable without overly tourist-focused. If you're interested in outfitting your home with reliable and timeless pieces, this store is worth a visit.

Fiore offers a tasting-based shopping experience focused on imported olive oils and vinegars. The shop is set up with stainless steel dispensers and sample cups, allowing you to try before you buy. In addition to oils and vinegars, Fiore carries a limited selection of spice blends and gift sets. Visitors often leave with new kitchen staples or housewarming gifts that reflect a well-sourced pantry. The store appeals to cooks, food enthusiasts, and anyone looking to add something specific and high-quality to their meals.

Sherman’s has served the area for decades. The store includes used and new books, with special sections dedicated to local history, nature writing, and maritime stories. Shelves are packed but well-maintained, and staff can help with special orders or recommendations. The bookshop includes a rotating selection of rare and collectible volumes, making it a destination for readers with specific interests. There’s also a section for children’s books, regional maps, and field guides that align with the local landscape.

Island Artisans is a gallery-style retail space located in the downtown district. It focuses on Maine-made fine craft. The store features work from jewelers, textile artists, potters, and woodworkers who live and work in the state. Each item is labeled with the artist’s name and materials, offering transparency and connection to the maker. The inventory is updated seasonally and includes both decorative and functional pieces. This shop serves those who want to invest in handmade items with a clear point of origin.

Cadillac Mountain Sports is a regional outfitter with a large store in Bar Harbor. It carries outdoor apparel, footwear, and technical gear for hiking, camping, and water sports. This store is practical but well-stocked with recognized brands. It's a helpful place to pick up socks, packs, or outerwear if you plan to spend time in Acadia National Park. You’ll also find accessories like sunglasses, hiking poles, and rain gear chosen with the local terrain in mind.

The Christmas Spirit Shop offers holiday-themed items year-round. The store includes ornaments, décor, and collectibles, often featuring Bar Harbor landmarks or Maine wildlife themes. Each section of the shop is organized by style or holiday focus, making it easy to browse with a specific aesthetic in mind. While centered on holiday items, the shop also includes personalized products, gift wrap, and seasonal kitchen towels. For those collecting ornaments or looking for something to mark a visit, this shop offers long-running consistency and a clearly defined purpose within the Bar Harbor retail landscape.

In the Woods is a woodworking-focused shop that features furniture, sculpture, and kitchen tools made by local and regional craftspeople. The space includes cutting boards, coasters, serving utensils, and small furniture made from native hardwoods. Each piece reflects careful design and finished work. Located just off the main streets, the store is slightly quieter than more central retail spaces, but it offers a high-quality shopping experience for those looking to invest in handcrafted pieces.

For real estate guidance in Bar Harbor and throughout Hancock and Washington Counties, Steven Shelton offers unmatched local expertise and a client-first approach. Raised in Bar Harbor and a graduate of MDI High School, Steven has deep knowledge of the Acadia region and a genuine commitment to helping others discover what makes this coastal area so special. Whether you’re selling a home or searching for the right property near Acadia National Park, Steven Shelton delivers a focused and reliable real estate experience.

Contact Steven as your next step toward Bar Harbor. Search Bar Harbor real estate here.