9 Best Places to Shop in Bar Harbor, ME: Local Shopping Guide
Bar Harbor features over 20 independent boutiques, fine craft galleries, and regional outfitters concentrated along Main Street and Cottage Street. Top retail spots include Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop, Island Artisans, Cadillac Mountain Sports, and Spruce and Gussy, offering handmade goods, local art, outdoor gear, and regional gifts within walking distance of the harbor.
Store Name | Primary Category | Location / Setting | Key Specialty / Product Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
Spruce and Gussy | Boutique Gifts & Stationery | Main Street District | Handmade jewelry, ceramics, artisan bags, seasonal cards |
The Acadia Country Store | Regional Goods & Provisions | Central Bar Harbor | Outdoor gear, Maine jams, books, national park apparel |
Window Panes | Home Goods & Kitchenware | Main Street | Cookware, bedding, candles, durable tableware |
Fiore Artisan Olive Oils | Gourmet Pantry & Tastings | Downtown Bar Harbor | Imported extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, spice blends |
Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop | Independent Bookstore | Main Street | Local history, rare volumes, nature field guides, regional maps |
Island Artisans | Fine Craft Gallery | Downtown District | Maine-made pottery, woodwork, hand-blown glass, custom jewelry |
Cadillac Mountain Sports | Outdoor Outfitter | Main Street | Hiking footwear, technical outerwear, backpacks, trail gear |
Christmas Spirit Shop | Holiday & Collectibles | Downtown Bar Harbor | Maine-themed ornaments, coastal holiday decor, personalized gifts |
In the Woods | Handcrafted Woodwork | Off Main Street | Hardwood cutting boards, custom utensils, native wood furniture |
Looking to Buy Property in Bar Harbor?
Discover real estate options near downtown shops, coastal harbors, and Acadia National Park.
Top Independent Shops and Boutique Stores in Bar Harbor
Spruce and Gussy
Located just off Main Street, Spruce and Gussy offers a curated selection of handmade gifts, accessories, and stationery. The store collaborates directly with independent artisans across Maine and the nation, featuring handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, bags, and art prints displayed in a clean, open layout.
The Acadia Country Store
Situated in central Bar Harbor, The Acadia Country Store blends practical outdoor provisions with regional specialty foods.
- Location: Downtown Bar Harbor near Main Street Highlights: Maine-made jams, shelf-stable preserves, regional books, Acadia outerwear Best For: National park souvenirs, trail snacks, and coastal home decor
Shoppers can stock up on Maine-made preserves, regional literature, and outdoor clothing designed for northern coastal weather.
Window Panes
Window Panes is a Main Street home goods shop offering functional home items, cookware, bedding, and seasonal decor. The inventory emphasizes clean design and long-term durability, featuring high-quality kitchen tools, lanterns, and candles suited for coastal homes.
Fiore Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegars
Fiore delivers an interactive tasting experience centered around imported extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars.
- Format: Stainless steel fusti tasting bar with sample cups Specialties: Single-varietal olive oils, infused vinegars, custom spice blends Gift Options: Packaged pantry sets and housewarming gifts
Visitors can sample olive oils and vinegars directly from stainless steel dispensers before purchasing customized bottles.
Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop
As Maine's oldest bookstore chain, Sherman's in Bar Harbor has served readers for generations. The shelves feature local history volumes, maritime literature, field guides, children's books, and a rotating collection of rare, collectible Maine titles.
Island Artisans
Island Artisans operates as a cooperative-style gallery space representing fine craftspeople living and working in Maine. Every item—from pottery and hand-woven textiles to custom jewelry and wooden sculpture—includes labeling that identifies the local artist and materials used.
Cadillac Mountain Sports
Cadillac Mountain Sports is Mount Desert Island's flagship outdoor outfitter, supplying technical apparel, footwear, and equipment for hiking in Acadia National Park.
- Location: Main Street, Bar Harbor Brands: Premium outdoor apparel, trail running shoes, hiking boots, daypacks Essentials: Rain jackets, moisture-wicking socks, trekking poles, sunglasses
The store stocks recognized outdoor brands alongside trail gear selected specifically for Mount Desert Island's terrain.
Christmas Spirit Shop
Operating year-round in downtown Bar Harbor, the Christmas Spirit Shop offers holiday decor, ornaments, and coastal collectibles. Popular items include hand-painted ornaments featuring Bar Harbor landmarks, Maine lighthouse motifs, and wildlife artwork.
In the Woods
Located just off the main commercial strip, In the Woods specializes in handcrafted woodworking created by regional artisans. The store carries native hardwood cutting boards, serving utensils, coasters, and small furniture items.
Practical Tips for Shopping in Downtown Bar Harbor
Shopping in Bar Harbor is primarily pedestrian-friendly, with most retail stores concentrated along Main Street, Cottage Street, and Mt. Desert Street. Peak retail hours run from June through October, with many shops staying open late into the evening during mid-summer. Year-round operations vary, so checking winter or off-season hours in advance is recommended.
About the Author
Steve Shelton is the principal real estate broker at Acadia Realty Group and an MDI High School graduate with deep roots across Mount Desert Island. Having grown up in Bar Harbor, Steve offers clients unmatched local market insight into downtown residential homes, commercial opportunities, and coastal estates. Contact Steve Shelton to explore real estate opportunities near Acadia National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main shopping streets in Bar Harbor, ME?
Main Street, Cottage Street, and Mt. Desert Street form the primary downtown commercial core in Bar Harbor, offering walkable access to boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and outfitters.
Are shops in Bar Harbor open year-round?
While major stores like Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop and Cadillac Mountain Sports remain open year-round, many smaller boutiques operate seasonally from late May through October.
Where can I buy local Maine-made crafts in Bar Harbor?
Island Artisans, Spruce and Gussy, and In the Woods feature Maine-made pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and fine crafts created by state artisans.
Sources: Store locations, business descriptions, and product details verified via official business records, Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce directories, and merchant listings.
