1. Get off to a good start. Eat a good breakfast as soon as you get up. Apply sunscreen before you hit Main Street. To avoid long lines, hit stores right when they open at 10 AM. Local stores close earliest, so shop local first and then the national brands. L.L.Bean is always open, so visit first thing in the morning or save it for the end of the day.
2. Park like a VIP. We don’t mean helicopter-ing to Freeport. We mean cutting out the stress of searching for parking. We suggest Depot Street lots, which often have a few open spaces, or make your way straight to the free two-level parking garage at Freeport Village Station in the center of town. It’s conveniently located and rarely full.
3. Get the timing right. When planning your visit to Freeport, keep an eye on our calendar and plan to be here for some of Freeport’s hottest events. Find the best artisans around at the Freeport Fall Festival, enjoy outdoor tunes with L.L.Bean’s summer concert series, and kick of the holiday season with our annual Sparkle Celebration. When winter’s in full force, warm up with Flavors of Freeport. There’s always something going on.
4. Lunchtime downtime. Grab lunch to go and step off Main Street to enjoy it. At Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park you’ll find lots of picnic tables, trails to the water, and plenty of space for kids to play. Or head to South Freeport’s Winslow Park, where you will find lots of tables, water views, a tidal beach, a great playgound, and easy walking paths. Oh, and one of those trails takes you to the best view of the Casco Castle without a boat! Or park on Burnett Rd. where the clammers & wormers park beside the “Rickety Bridge”. Have your lunch on the big rock beside the Little River. If it’s low tide you can watch the harvesters at work, and if it’s high tide you have beautiful water views.
5. Get some Maine. Don’t forget to pick up something to remind you of your time in Maine while you’re shopping around town. To bring a real piece of Maine home with you, pick up some tourmaline jewelry (it’s the Maine state gem) at RD Allen Freeport Jewelers. Sea Bags have graced the pages of Vogue Magazine, but they are made right down the road in Portland, Maine. Their Freeport store is a treat for anyone with a love of all things nautical! The Mangy Moose, Sherman’s, and The Blue Lobster are all great shops filled with products made by Maine makers. You’ll find vintage Maine treasures at Freeport Antiques and Heirlooms Showcase.
6. Treat yourself. When you’re on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up is a must. Caffeinate with locally roasted coffee beverages at Coffee By Design, satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic Maine treat at Wicked Whoopies, or cool off with a cone at Ben & Jerry’s. For a taste of what goes into crafting local sweets, visit Wilbur’s Chocolate Factory for a behind-the-scenes tour. .
7. Explore outside the village. Bring your hiking boots and get off the beaten path. Bradbury Mountain State Park features trails long and short for every hiker. Take Summit Trail for a quick ascent. The trails at Pettengill Farm are easy enough for kids, interesting enough for a quick get-away for grown ups.
8. Eat like a local. However you’re spending your time in Freeport, you’re gonna get hungry. Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster is right on the water and serves seafood so fresh you might see it arriving by boat while you wait for your meal. Avoid crowds and go between 3-4PM. Cash only and BYOB. For a break from vacation food, China Rose will serve up hearty portions of your favorite Chinese dishes from Mala Chicken to Chop Suey. For fresh air dining, check out Harraseeket Inn’s Broad Arrow Tavern’s garden patio and fire pit, the Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro’s private oasis of greenery on Main St, the fire tables at Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen, a sidewalk trattoria feel of Petrillo’s, or the fun ambience of The Lobster Cooker!
9. Don’t miss one of the wonders of the world. Something you wouldn’t expect in our state – Freeport is home to the Desert of Maine. Formerly a 300 acre farm, ultimately the sand took over. Perfect for those interested in the oddities of nature. Bring the whole family to take the self-guided tour.
10. Pamper yourself. You’ve earned it! Visit Freeport Salon for a luxurious make-over including mani/pedis, facials, hair treatments and so much more! Make an appointment with Shondra Jin Skincare and leave with your skin feeling 20 years younger. Stock up on all your favorite famous brand make-up and beauty products at the Cosmetics Company Store at unbelievable prices. Even your jewelry can have a spa day in Freeport! Celebrating 50 years+ in Freeport’s Old Masonic Hall, visit Brown Goldsmiths for a polish of your jewelry, and a gorgeous selection of unique heirloom quality pieces made right on the premises.
11. Get a room. There’s too much of Freeport to see in a day, so plan to stick around for a while! Stay at one of our quaint bed & breakfasts, or pick up some new camping gear at L.L.Bean and experience the great outdoors at one of our many area campgrounds.
