Today’s Freeport has grown under the influence of outdoor outfitter L.L.Bean and has long been a leader in conservation and environmental protection. More than 3,000 acres are under conservation by the State of Maine State Parks (Wolfe’s Neck Woods and Bradbury Mountain), Town of Freeport, Freeport Conservation Trust, and Maine Audubon.
Operating as a nonprofit organization since 1997, and an organic coastal farm for over sixty years,Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment is a farm-based education, research, and visitor center set amidst more than 600 acres of conserved open space along Casco Bay in Freeport, Maine.
Maine Beer Company, Love Point Oysters, and Toad&Co are all 1% for the Planet business members. That means they each give a minimum of 1% of their gross revenues to non-profits that support the earth.
So, it’s only natural that a thriving ecosystem of resale shops choose to also call Freeport home. Here’s our plan for a perfect day hunting for vintage and previously loved treasures.
Start out at Mothertree Collective. Owner, Greta, gets credit for first coining the Trail of Resale concept for Freeport. She’s gathered together nearly a dozen vintage and other resellers under one roof where you can find everything from antique furniture to the perfect pair of 70s denim. They also host workshops and are a community hub for those who also believe that better-than-new is better-for-you, and better for the environment.
Cut across the Middle Street parking lot to visit Leslie at Giving Home. She has always loved soulful homes – ones rich in color, texture, and story. Peppered with interesting objects and unexpected clues suggesting the layered and unique people who dwell within. She carefully curates vintage, new and refreshed furnishings for Giving Home. Treasures that are both aspirational and accessible, there is something special for everyone. Whether feathering your own nest, or looking for the perfect gift, she endeavors to make Giving Home the trusted source for small joys, elevated essentials and inspired updates.
Take a quick walk up Bow Street and stop at Toad&Co to check out the ToadAgain resale rack is a must do for any lover of their signature low impact fibers. ToadAgain are gently loved pieces, returned for repairs and then offered to second owners.
Around the corner on Main St, you’ll find Haberdashery Resale Clothing Co. Consciously curated and thoughtfully bought, you’ll find a wide variety of brands in men’s and women’s clothing that include natural, sustainable, modern, and effortless pieces. They also buy and sell handbags and footwear.
You haven’t shopped resale in Freeport, if you haven’t visited the Freeport Community Services Thrift Shop. Praised as one of the best thrift shops in Maine multiple times in Down East Magazine’s Annual Best of Maine issue, all proceeds from the shop power even more good in the world by funding programs for seniors, camp scholarships for kids, heating assistance for low income families and other essential services for our community. From designer handbags to Pyrex bowls and vintage L.L.Bean wares to surprising housewares and antiques, quality matters here and you’ll find some of the best thrifting anywhere on every visit.
You’ll need to jump in your car but if there are kiddos in your life, you must visit Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment. You won’t find any fast fashion here but you will find Hanna Andersen, Mini Boden, Oilily, Patagonia and many other designer brands on these racks. At Sweet Repeats you will find clothing toys, books, shoes and gear in a boutique atmosphere. They strive to keep a clean, friendly and cheerful store ~ a place that both kids and parents adore!
Just a little further down Route 1, you’ll stumble upon one of our favorite hidden treasures, Maine Wicked Goods Mercantile. Offering antique and vintage wares in all styles and periods, the shop excels in providing a wide range of items to suit every need. Pet friendly and accessible, it’s a bright and lovely place to spend time if you want to hunt for amazing finds. From jewelry to furniture, fine crystal to affordable original art, and an assortment of Maine-made products, Amanda & Nick have got you covered for special gifts.