The County 2017 | Aroostook County Tourism | Page 38

THE COUNTY | 2017
BRING BACK MORE THAN JUST SOME T-SHIRT
Whether you are looking for a souvenir for the kids, or you need
to buy some gear for your backwoods adventure, nearly every town
in The County will have you covered.
Even though The County is best known for its vast wilderness, outdoor
recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions, we can also provide a
little retail therapy during your visit. Most communities are home to small,
local shops run by friendly folks offering a wide array of products—antiques,
home décor, crafts, food—unique to this region.
Given our lumbering history, it won’t be surprising to find hand-made wood
products for sale, like outdoor furniture made with northern white cedar. You’ll
find everything from handcrafted snowshoes to pottery to jewelry. Gift items
include specialties like ash potato baskets, hand-painted bark ornaments, twig
wreaths, beeswax-based skin care, Amish-made furniture, Scandinavian imports,
and local Native American crafts. And the central Aroostook area is home to
numerous art galleries featuring local and international artists and photographers.
Visit the open-air market at Houlton’s historic Market Square District, where
you’ll find locally produced vegetables, meats, cheese, baked goods, plants, and
crafts. Take a step back in time at the candy shops, and sample homemade sweets
like old-fashioned fudge.
Looking for a little something to take home, maple producers like Spring Break
in Smyrna Mills—the largest maple candy company in Maine—is where you’ll
find delicious treats and might even get a tour of their sugarhouse. Along the
area’s highways and byways, you’ll find numerous antique shops with gems
harking back to a heritage of farming, seafaring, and logging. Be on the lookout
for thrift shops boasting vintage collectibles direct from the homes of Aroostook
residents. Or you might want to head to one of many outdoor stores and
outfitters to find rugged gear like heavy-duty boots and hunting knives.
For a more modern shopping experience head to Aroostook Centre Mall in
Presque Isle and the Downtown Caribou Shopping Mall. Planning a trip over
the border to Canada, stop at Duty-Free Americas in Houlton to save on
premium products.
For more information on shopping in the region visit our website
or call Judy at 888-216-2463.
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