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resource for Maine Antiques & Vintage Treasures from Kittery to Aroostook County.

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AROOSTOOK COUNTY

HIGHLANDS

GREATER PORTLAND & CASCO BAY

Maine has a tremendous number of antique shops and antique malls, as well as many seasonal flea markets all up and down the coast. A trip to any of these businesses, all with an array of interesting and unique finds, will leave you excited for more.

You will most definitely find that memorable gift you are looking for, or that antique item you have fond memories of your grandmother using while you were young and will want one for yourself, while perusing the state’s many antique shops and malls. There are shops specializing in certain types of antiques and collectibles, from antique cars and motorcycles to

nautical themed items, to glassware and pottery to high end jewelry and artwork. If you are not looking for anything specific at the start of your shopping excursion, you will be surprised at all you find that you simply just had to have as your own by the end. Enjoy your time exploring all these amazing antique spots in the beautiful and great state of Maine!

Sell Where Collectors

The

Auto

who arrive with purpose.

The New England Auto Auction™ attracts knowledgeable collectors who arrive with purpose. Our focused, enthusiast-driven audience and international reach foster competitive bidding, ensuring quality vehicles are thoughtfully presented, values are respected, and consignors sell well—while directly supporting nearly five decades of preservation, education, and public programming at Owls Head Transportation Museum in Owls Head, Maine.

enthusiast-driven audience and international reach foster competitive bidding, ensuring quality vehicles are thoughtfully presented, values are respected, and consignors sell well—while directly supporting nearly five decades of preservation, education, and public programming at Owls Head Transportation Museum in Owls Head, Maine.

ANTIQUE

TRANSPORTATION

By Susan Spisak

For those who appreciate antique modes of transportation, Maine has specialized museums to explore.

Owls Head Transportation Museum, in the charming coastal town of Owls Head, is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to transporting guests of all ages to bygone eras. They do this through their rare world-class exhibits of restored pre-1940 aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, carriages, engines, and related technologies that shaped the world of transportation.

The museum spans 117,000 sq. ft. and evolved from its original aircraftcarrier-style structure. As the collections grew, they added buildings and wings to accommodate them. Today, the

state-of-the-art facility includes exhibit halls, specialized wings, galleries, a restoration workshop, and outdoor display areas. Their artifacts and items on display are astounding as well— they have handwritten documents including one from Charles Lindbergh.

According to their Sr. Historian, Toby Stinson, the heart and core focus of the museum is the evolution of transportation and its lasting impact. Notable exhibits and related collections include The Road to Vacationland in the Wright Gallery, which highlights how travelers utilized stagecoaches,

Courtesy of Owls Head Transportation Museum

Owls Head Transportation Museum offers year-round programs for community members and travelers including STEM—Science, Technology, Education, Mathematics—that invites children and caregivers to experiment and grow their skills together. There are camps and workshops for all ages, covering topics from flight and engines to art, design, and engineering. Annual memberships are available to allow

The Pine Tree Jamboree in the fall is a one-of-a-kind celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and automotive history. Then there’s a unique Night at the Museum where railroads, and automobiles to reach the Pine Tree State for a chance to recharge. There’s Faster: The Quest for Speed in the State of Maine in the State Wing, which explores the pursuit of speed and the enduring hunger for agility and performance. The Great War in the East Wing explains how this major event that changed the scope of the world started with a car.

ongoing educational opportunities.

Young at Heart is their adult education program, designed for lifelong learners who like to tinker, ask questions, and try something new. Through workshops, talks, demonstrations, volunteering, and behind-thescenes experiences, participants can look into science, engineering, craftsmanship, and innovation in a relaxed, engaging environment.

Whether you’re diving into aviation history, learning how an engine works, experimenting with new tools, or simply connecting with others who share your curiosity, Young at Heart offers meaningful, hands-on experiences that prove learning has no age limit.

The museum hosts a year-round lineup of fun, family-oriented events, inviting both locals and vacationers to join in the experience. The roster includes the Antique Truck & Tractor Show, the New England Auto Auction, and the popular summer event, Wings & Wheels Spectacular, delighting attendees as planes soar the skies above.

Courtesy of Owls Head Transportation Museum

historical actors bring race car drivers, pilots, inventors, and movie stars to life. It’s an immersive experience that blends history, imagination, and a little after-hours magic.

To round out the year, on one December day, the museum transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with festive activities. From meeting Santa to dancing with the Grinch, Holidays at the Museum is an experience that should not be missed.

The seasonal Railway Village Museum, located in the picturesque town of Boothbay, has a notable nonprofit museum that explores mid-19th century through the mid-20th century life of Mainers. With its 35 acres of living history, visitors can take a step back in time and enjoy hands-on discovery.

Lori Reynolds, Marketing & Events Coordinator, explained that the museum, largely outdoors, was founded in 1964 by history enthusiast George McEvoy, and it has become one of his most cherished legacies. The museum showcases his dedication to preserving history by relocating and reconstructing numerous Maine buildings on this site.

The result is an extraordinary town of buildings, vehicles, and exhibits.

There are 39 specific areas of interest, many with craftsman demonstrations, such as Dingley’s General Store, the Filling Station, Harrington Homestead and Barn, the Blacksmith, the OneRoom Schoolhouse, and the Ronald E. Spinney Building featuring the Model Railroad Exhibit. Reynolds indicated the accessible buildings are fashioned with antiques and memorabilia in keeping with the era.

The founder also had a huge appreciation for antique cars. Sixty-five cars and trucks are on display, some of which are donated or loaned. The vehicles date from 1902 to 1962 and illustrate technological advances and engineering feats that helped make vehicles accessible to the masses. Their collection also includes vintage gas pumps, oil cans, service manuals, and other automotive documents. Certain days they offer Model T rides.

One important piece for McEvoy was to add an antique train and railway to this historic lifelike museum. When he got wind that they were going to demolish

Courtesy of Owls Head Transportation Museum

the Freeport Train Station, he jumped to action. He submitted a bid, and in 1964, Maine Central Railroad officials announced that he was awarded the opportunity to purchase the station. He believed that he wasn’t the highest bidder, rather that the railroad favored his plan to create a museum with Freeport Station as its centerpiece.

The next step, moving the station almost 40 miles to Boothbay, didn’t daunt McEvoy. “Everyone said it was impossible,” Reynolds said. This forward-thinking young man had a plan: after saving the bricks and chimney, the building was dismantled, sawed in nine pieces, and they were individually loaded on a flatbed truck, one at a time.

Over the course of three days, with state troopers guiding the way, the flatbed moved cautiously, especially when clearing a low-hanging bridge. Once in Boothbay, the building was re-erected where it remains today.

McEvoy was then gifted the Thorndike Station, originally built in 1871 for the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad in Waldo County, and it was also moved to the Railway Village Museum. It serves as another stop on the village’s narrow-gauge steam train ride, which runs on the exterior of the village.

He purchased a steam locomotive train from Germany which still operates and thrills riders today. As far as the train’s track that runs around the perimeter of the village, Reynolds said McEvoy and his buddies laid it themselves.

The result: Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind an authentic steam locomotive surrounded by historic buildings and vehicles preserved in a recreated village collected from across Maine.

Railway Village Museum has exciting events including one for Father’s Day, Cars and Coffee, August’s

Photos courtesy of Railway Village Museum

Cocktails & Chrome with live music by the Don Campbell Band and hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, Children’s Day, Family Harvest Day, the Fall Foliage Festival, Railway SPOOKtacular, and the North Pole Express.

Reynolds invited tourists and locals alike to visit the village and get a full appreciation for Maine life in the past. She wants people to appreciate McEvoy’s gift, especially because their special founder passed away last year.

The Seal Cove Auto Museum on Mt. Desert Island fosters joyful experiences for people of all ages and interests. Their collection features some of the earliest automobiles and motorcycles, as well as clothing and accessories, from 1895 through the early 1920s. Antique auto enthusiasts, history buffs, as well as anyone who simply loves stories or wants to experience something entirely different, will delight in these unique collections.

They usually change the theme of exhibitions every two years, with the 2025/2026 overall theme

being “The Collector’s Eye: What, Why and How We Collect,” said Bill Barter, Curator of Collections.

Barter enjoys all their collections but said choosing a favorite amongst their offerings is tricky...but ultimately, it’s an extremely rare, extremely expensive 1915 FRP automobile that was built on Long Island, NY. He said it is the only surviving example of the 9–12 that were built, and it’s an early example of a “Muscle Car” with a 454 cubic inch 4-cylinder engine, a four-speed transmission, four valves per cylinder, and a gear-driven overhead cam shaft.

They host many programs and events throughout the year including demonstration days, Cars & Coffees, dances, dinners, kids’ activities, and more. He beckons all to please come for a visit. They are open from 10:00 to 5:00 PM seven days a week, May 1st through October 31st, and by appointment during their off-season.

Courtesy of Railway Village Museum

Route 1 in Southern Maine is known for its abundance of antique shops and malls. You won’t have to travel far to discover a variety of antiquing opportunities along the way.

The Southern Maine region offers a beautiful blend of rocky coastline and sandy beaches, paired with charming towns rich in history. Visitors will find a wide range of lodging options, diverse dining experiences, and countless opportunities for memorable antiquing.

We suggest beginning your journey in York at the York Antiques Mall, followed by a stop in Wells at Anytime Antiques and Collectibles, which features new merchandise daily. Nearby, Bo-Mar Hall Antiques and Collectibles offers over 8,000 square feet of shopping with more than 100 dealers on one floor, while Half Moon Vintage features over 75 vendors with a wide variety of unique finds.

Heading north, Kennebunk is home to Americana Workshop, known as Kennebunk’s premier antique store. Just beyond, in Arundel, Antiques USA is a must-visit, open

year-round, seven days a week.

For something a bit off the beaten path, venture to Cornish in the northwestern corner of York County. This quaint town features a walkable downtown with inviting shops, dining, and more than half a dozen antique stores. Browse favorites like The Maples Antiques, The Smith Co., and Libby’s Antiques, where you can shop and then relax with a coffee and pastry.

Whether you’re traveling along Route 1 or exploring inland, Southern Maine offers a wealth of antiquing experiences.

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

SOUTHERN MAINE

Make a day of your antique hunting by exploring the local flavors that surround Maine’s vintage shops. From cozy cafés and craft breweries to welcoming restaurants, there are plenty of places to relax, refuel, and enjoy the character of each town along the way.

1637 Restaurant at York Harbor Inn

York (207)363-5119

Brickyard Hollow Biddeford, (207)282-0583 Ogunquit, (207)360-0601

Buoy Shack

Kittery (207)703-2374

Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant Wells (207)646-8780

Libby’s Antiques –Café & Bakery Cornish (207)625-9486

Lindsay’s at the Cornish Inn Cornish (207)625-9167

Maine Diner & Gift Shop Wells (207)646-4441

The Clam Shack Kennebunkport (207)967-3321

Portland, Maine’s largest city, along with its surrounding towns, offers a diverse and vibrant array of shopping opportunities.

The Greater Portland area offers abundant opportunities to explore Maine’s history, arts, entertainment, shopping, outdoor activities, and events. Its food scene is equally impressive, featuring diverse offerings and several award-winning chefs.

Antique shops in this region are woven among a wide variety of retail options, from big-box stores and national chains to locally owned businesses. Be sure to visit Portland Antiques Mall, the city’s newest and largest antiques destination.

Nearby towns also offer unique finds. In North Yarmouth, White’s Nautical Antiques is a must for maritime

enthusiasts. In Yarmouth, W. M. Schwind Antiques, established in 1967, is a premier destination for art and antiques, set within a historic home.

In Scarborough, Gurley Antiques is a quality multi-dealer shop that also promotes antique shows and events throughout New England. Just to the north along Route 1, Freeport—well known for its outlet shopping—offers several antiquing options. While there, we highly recommend a stop at Maine Wicked Goods Mercantile, featuring antiques, vintage items, art, and furniture.

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

GREATER PORTLAND

Brickyard Hollow

Freeport, (207)869-5357

Yarmouth, (207)847-0411

Portland, (207)808-8247

Coffee by Design

Portland (207)874-5400

Geary Brewing Co.

Portland (207)878-2337

Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster

So. Freeport (207)865-4888

Ken’s Place

Scarborough (207)883-6611

Nonesuch River Brewing

Scarborough (207)219-8948

Pat’s Pizza

Scarborough (207)883-8441

Portland Lobster Co.

Portland (207)775-2112

Sea Dog Brewing Co.

Scarborough, (207)289-6010

South Portland, (207)871-7000

Shipyard

Portland (207)761-0807

The Holy Donut

Commercial St., (207)331-5655

Park Ave., (207)874-7774

Portland

Scarborough, (207)303-0137

The Porthole

Portland (207)773-4653

CARING FOR ANTIQUES:

CLEANING WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Antiques carry history, craftsmanship, and character that cannot be replaced.

Proper cleaning is essential to preserve their beauty—but it must always be approached with care. Over-cleaning or using the wrong products can significantly reduce both the value and integrity of a piece.

The first rule of antique care is simple: start gently. Dust is often the biggest concern, and it can usually be removed with a soft, lint-free cloth or a natural-bristle brush. Avoid feather dusters, which can catch on delicate surfaces or leave residue behind. For intricate carvings or hard-to-reach areas, a small, soft brush can help lift dust without causing damage.

When it comes to wood furniture, less is more. Avoid modern spray polishes, which often contain silicone and can build up over time. Instead, use a highquality paste wax sparingly, applying it in thin layers and buffing gently. This helps protect the finish while maintaining the original patina—one of the most valued aspects of antique wood.

Metal antiques require special attention depending on the material. While it

may be tempting to polish silver or brass to a bright shine, collectors often prefer a natural, aged look. If cleaning is necessary, use products specifically designed for that metal and avoid abrasive materials that can scratch or strip the surface.

Glass and ceramics are generally more durable but should still be handled carefully. Warm water and a mild dish soap are usually sufficient. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracking, and always support fragile items from the base rather than handles or rims.

Perhaps most importantly, know when not to clean. Original finishes, tarnish, and even minor wear can contribute to an antique’s authenticity and value. When in doubt, consult a professional conservator before attempting more intensive cleaning or restoration.

With thoughtful care and a light touch, antiques can be safely cleaned while preserving the stories they carry for generations to come.

KENNEBEC

Western Maine is a vast region of lakes and mountains, with a mix of larger cities and small towns that cater to tourists and outdoor adventure seekers. There is no shortage of antique hot spots to explore throughout the area.

You’ll find multiple shops in the greater Twin Cities area of Lewiston and Auburn, including Orphan Annie’s in Auburn—a must-stop for glassware and lighting enthusiasts—Maine on Main in Lewiston, offering a perfect mix of antiques, vintage, and primitives, and The Willows Flea Market in neighboring Mechanic Falls, one of the largest antique malls in the state. Coming soon to Auburn, the Lewiston/Auburn Antiques Mall will add even more to the area’s growing antiquing scene.

Heading north on Route 4 from Auburn, you’ll come across The Pleasant Past in Turner, featuring over 6,000 square feet to explore. Continuing on to Wilton, you’ll find The Village Flea, a 60-plus vendor, multi-dealer shop. Further north in Farmington is Frost Antiques, where they have been buying and selling for over 50 years.

Just south of Lewiston and Auburn, Gray is home to Barn on 26, well known for its Hagglers Weekend. Travel west to Bridgton and visit Scout on Main Street, offering antiques, vintage, new, and renewed finds for home and cottage.

One of the most popular antiquing routes in the region is Route 26 through the Oxford Hills area. This stretch features multiple antique malls with over 300 vendors combined, including Great Kingdom Emporium, Route 26 Antiques, and Hall and Son Antiques.

A bit farther north in South Paris, Oxford Hills Mercantile offers antiques and vintage home goods, along with a coffee and espresso bar for an extra boost. Route 26 is a fantastic way to spend a day with minimal driving.

7 DAYS A

VENDORS

7 DAYS A WEEK 10-4

471 Rt 2 E, Wilton (207) 645-9700

10-4 471 Rt 2 E, Wilton (207) 645-9700

471 Rt 2 E, Wilton (207) 645-9700 Check Facebook on stormy days

7 DAYS A WEEK 10-4

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

WESTERN MAINE

Brickyard Hollow

New Gloucester (207)926-8186

FarmTown Brewing Co.

Farmington (207)313-7216

Fish Bones Grill

Lewiston (207)333-3663

Java Joe’s

Farmington (207)779-1000

Mac’s Downeast Seafood

Auburn (207)777-5871

Nonesuch River Brewing

Poland (207)998-5008

Oxbow Beer Garden

Oxford (207)539-5178

The Coffee & Espresso Bar at Oxford Hills Mercantile

Oxford (207)390-0537

VINTAGE VS. ANTIQUE

By Virginia Wright

Antique, Vintage, Retro: What’s the difference?

The terms “antique,” “vintage,” and “retro” are often used interchangeably for old objects, but they don’t mean the same thing to antique dealers and collectors. Here’s a quick guide to the key distinctions between these terms.

Antique. An antique is a piece that is at least 100 years old. The century-old standard is derived from U.S. Customs and Border Protection classifications for imports, but it isn’t the only factor weighed by experts. They also consider value, craftsmanship, and the era the object represents. Antiquities is a sub-category of antiques, referring to thousands-year old artifacts like Cypriot pottery, Egyptian amulets, and Roman bronze figures.

Vintage. There’s no such standard for “vintage.” Many sellers of collectibles have settled on a minimum age of 20 years for an item to be labeled vintage. Some use the term “true vintage” to describe objects between 50 and 100 years old. Muddying the water further are the manufacturers and retailers of new goods who deploy “vintage” to describe throwback styles and fashions in much the same way “retro” is used.

Retro is a style that imitates iconic designs and trends from the past. Mid-century modern is the most popular retro style today, with scores of manufacturers producing furniture, lamps, and other furnishings whose sleek lines and straight-forward functionality reflect the Bauhaus and International styles of the 1930s–1950s.

MIDCOAST

Midcoast Maine is known for its classic coastal charm, with picturesque harbors, historic towns, and a rich maritime heritage. The region also offers a variety of antique shops and markets, making it a perfect destination for both scenic exploration and antiquing.

From Brunswick to Searsport, Route 1 is lined with antique shops, malls, and flea markets, along with welcoming communities that invite you to stop and explore. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of local restaurants, art galleries, and outdoor experiences—from waterfront views to scenic walking trails.

From large barns and antique malls— Cabot Mill Antiques, Waterfront Flea Market, Has Ben’s, and Wiscasset Antiques Mall—to smaller shops like Medomak Gallery, Dusty Shelf, Porter’s Antiques, and The Art of Antiquing, there is plenty to explore. For those interested in the historical side of antiques, be sure to visit Liberty Tool Company and Historic New England properties such as Bowman House in Dresden.

If antique autos and transportation spark your interest, visit Owl’s Head Transportation Museum or Railway Village Museum in Boothbay, also home to Iron Horse Antiques. For auction enthusiasts, Thomaston Place is a premier destination in the area.

Traveling from Rockport to Northport is roughly 16 miles, or about a 30–35 minute drive without stops. This scenic stretch is perfect for combining antiquing with exploration, with stops including Generations Antique Mall, DAAC Designs, Lincolnville Fine Art Gallery, and Blue Dolphin Antiques.

Whether you spend a day, a weekend, or longer, Midcoast Maine offers plenty to discover.

BLUE DOLPHIN ANTIQUES

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SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

MIDCOAST MAINE

40 Paper

Camden (207)230-0111

Atlantic Baking Co.

Rockland (207)596-0505

Barn Door Baking Co.

Damariscotta (207)563-3667

Bell the Cat

Belfast (207)338-2084

Blaze Brewing Co. & Cellardoor Winery

Lincolnville (207)763-4478 (Cellardoor)

Brickyard Hollow

Brunswick (207)844-8915

Downshift Coffee

Belfast (207)218-7020

Rising Tide Co-op

Damariscotta (207)563-5556

Sea Dog Brewing Co.

Camden, (207)-230-1306

Topsham, (207)449-1750

The Holy Donut

Brunswick (207)910-7799

Villager Café

Camden (207)706-4210

HIDDEN GEMS

Rare Free Appraisal Day Jewelry Finds at Thomaston Place Auction Benefit Maine Food Charity

When a handful of unusual jewelry pieces appeared before auctioneer Kaja Veilleux of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries at a recent Free Appraisal Day, his appraisal led directly to a windfall for the Maine-based food charity that discovered the items among a collection received as a donation.

The pieces, five figural brooches and two pairs of ear clips, believed to date to the 1930s, and crafted in ivory set with multiple brilliant gemstones, were found upon expert examination to be consistent with the design esthetic of

Fulco di Verdura (1898-1978), longtime associate of the House of Chanel, and one of the most influential Italian jewelry designers of the 20th Century. In the late 1930s, Verdura moved to the United States, where his pieces were in great demand among the fashionable of New York and Hollywood.

Each piece in this unprecedented find sold in Thomaston Place’s February Winter Enchantment Auction at prices well above pre-sale estimates, bringing an aggregate total of $39,587. At the request of the consigning

organization, Thomaston Place is using the excitement generated by the discovery to call attention to the broad network of Maine organizations providing food assistance across the state. “These are the kinds of remarkable discoveries that make every auction unique,” notes Veilleux. “We are especially proud to have presented this collection in support of a local Maine charity, ensuring that these miniature works of art are preserved for future generations while also helping families in our community today.”

The discovery was especially appropriate as Thomaston Place

celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of Veilleux’s introduction of the “Free Appraisal Day” program, which continues on most Tuesdays from 10AM to 12PM and 1:30PM until 4PM at the Gallery, 51 Atlantic Highway in Thomaston. The Gallery accepts consignments year-round for its annual schedule of four feature auctions augmented by frequent specialty auctions.

Written by Elizabeth McLeod, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries See

ad on page 83.

KENNEBEC

The Kennebec Valley region features numerous pockets of antique shops throughout its major cities and towns, many of them located along the Kennebec River, offering scenic views along the way.

The area is known for its mix of outdoor recreation, waterways, and rolling mountains, while its more urban centers are home to colleges, museums, and performing arts venues. It is also home to Maine’s capital, Augusta, adding a layer of history and culture to the region. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of local dining options, from casual cafés to farmto-table restaurants that highlight Maine’s fresh, seasonal ingredients.

An afternoon here offers the perfect opportunity to visit a variety of antique destinations, from large malls to unique, single-owner shops. In Winthrop, just south of Augusta, you’ll find several worthwhile stops, including Main St. Mercantile, Plain to Bizarre Farms, and Route 202 Antiques and Flea Market.

Further north along the Kennebec River, the town of Hallowell is home to The Rusticators Emporium and Hallowell Antique Mall, while nearby Gardiner offers Spinning Head Vintage. Just across the bridge in Randolph, Farrin’s Country Auctions hosts bi-monthly auctions.

Continuing north, three large destinations are well worth a visit: Hathaway Mill Antiques in Waterville, Fairfield Antiques Mall in Fairfield, and Hilltop Antiques in Skowhegan.

With scenic river views, excellent shopping, and inviting local restaurants, the Kennebec Valley offers a wellrounded and rewarding experience.

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

KENNEBEC VALLEY

Bintliff’s Corner Brew Gardiner (207)588-7148

Brickyard Hollow Skowhegan, (207)474-9448

Augusta, (207)480-2075

Bryant’s Brewing Hartland (207)579-1444

Joe’s Flat Iron Café Skowhegan (207) 474-6468

Selah Tea Waterville (207) 660-9181

Slate’s Hallowell (207)622-9575

Tavern on the Hill 305 Winthrop (207)931-1431

The Quarry Tap Room Hallowell (207)213-6173

REGION

Central Maine Antique Mall

Mainely Mercantile

Maine Country Classics Antiques

Back in the Day Antique Mall

The Raven’s Attic East

The Lily Cat Antiques

KENNEBEC

DOWNEAST & ACADIA

The Maine Highlands region is known for its vast forests, pristine lakes, and rugged natural beauty, offering a true escape into the heart of the state. Centered around Bangor and stretching north toward Moosehead Lake, the area is rich in outdoor recreation, from hiking and fi shing to wildlife watching, while also featuring a growing arts and cultural scene.

Antiquing in the Maine Highlands is both rewarding and relaxed, with shops spread throughout small towns and scenic byways. You’ll fi nd a mix of antique stores, vintage shops, and hidden gems offering everything from rustic camp décor to classic New England furnishings and collectibles.

In Bangor, we recommend Central Maine Antique Mall with over 60 vendors, Mainely Mercantile, a multivendor shop, and Maine Country Classics just over the bridge in Brewer. Nearby, Carmel is home to Back in the Day Antique Mall, also featuring over 60 vendors.

Heading north from there—and well worth the drive—you’ll fi nd The Raven’s Attic East, a multi-vendor shop in Dover-Foxcroft, and The Lily Cat in Monson, known for its antiques and unique selection of buttons. Make it a day trip or stay overnight for a destination shopping experience. Bangor also offers a wide range of lodging and dining options.

Whether you’re spending a day or planning a longer stay, the Maine Highlands provides a unique blend of adventure, history, and small-town charm.

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

MAINE HIGHLANDS

Blaze Brewing Co.

Bangor (207)922-2660

Dockside Inn & Tavern

Greenville (207)695-3663

Marsh Island Brewing Orono (207)866-1277

Marsh Island Kitchen Hampden (207)945-7137

Mason’s Brewing Co. Brewer (207)989-6300

Sea Dog Brewing Co. Bangor (207)947-8009

Stress Free Moose Greenville (207)695-3100

The Mill Café Dover Foxcroft (207)564-7966

WHAT IS

URANIUM GLASS?

Uranium glass—sometimes called Vaseline glass—is a type of decorative glass that contains small amounts of uranium oxide, giving it a distinctive yellow-green hue.

First produced in the early 19th century, it became especially popular during the Victorian era and into the early 20th century, when it was used to make everything from tableware and vases to lamps and novelty items.

What makes uranium glass truly unique is its ability to glow bright green under ultraviolet (black) light. This fluorescence is caused by the uranium content, which, while technically radioactive, is present in very low levels.

From a safety standpoint, uranium glass is generally considered safe

to handle, display, and collect. The level of radiation it emits is minimal— typically comparable to everyday background exposure. However, it’s not recommended for regular food use, especially with acidic foods, and pieces should not be chipped or ground, which could release fine particles.

Collectors are drawn to uranium glass for its vibrant color, historical charm, and interactive glow. Whether displayed on a shelf or illuminated under black light, it continues to captivate both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike.

MID-COAST & ISLANDS

DOWNEAST

Downeast Maine is best known for Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, as well as the many coastal communities that dot this scenic stretch of the Maine coast.

You enter Downeast Maine by crossing the Penobscot Narrows Bridge onto Verona Island, where you’ll find Island Traders Antiques, offering 1,700 square feet of shopping across two floors. Continuing into Bucksport, stop at Kathryn’s Antiques, conveniently located on Main Street next to a parking area with views of the bridge and historic Fort Knox across the river. Farther along, on the Blue Hill Peninsula in Deer Isle, Ronald Harte Antiques features a curated mix of antiques, art, and photography.

One of the region’s largest towns, Ellsworth, offers no shortage of

antiquing opportunities. Just off Main Street, Old Creamery is a familyowned and operated shop worth a visit. Heading toward Acadia, Trenton is home to several notable stops, including Two Old Goats Antiques, open year-round with over 20 vendors, Another’s Treasure with its additional treasures garage, and Country Store Antiques, offering a unique blend of antiques, books, and wine.

Whether you’re exploring coastal villages or heading toward Acadia, Downeast Maine offers a memorable mix of scenery and shopping.

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

DOWNEAST ACADIA

Acadia Coffee House

Bar Harbor (207)288-2290

Aragosta at Goose Cove

Deer Isle (207)348-6900

Blaze Brewing Co.

Bar Harbor, (207)801-2755

Blue Hill, (207)374-7237

Blue Hill Co-op

Blue Hill (207)374-2165

Carrier’s Mainely Lobster

Bucksport (207)469-1011

Finn’s Irish Pub

Ellsworth (207)667-2808

Phoenix Café

Bucksport (207)702-9357

Union River Lobster Pot

Ellsworth (207)664-4609

AROOSTOOK

COUNTY REGION

HIGHLANDS

Presque Isle

Fort Fairfield Houlton

Think Aroostook County is too far? One of the joys of antiquing is the thrill of the unexpected—and this northern region is no exception.

With its wide-open landscapes, quiet roads, and welcoming small towns, Aroostook offers a unique and rewarding experience for those willing to make the trip.

Heading north on Interstate 95, a stop in Sherman brings you to Grizzly Antiques, known for its wide selection and true off-the-beaten-path appeal. Continuing on toward Houlton, you’ll come across The Rummage, one of Maine’s newer antique shops and well worth the short detour off the highway.

Traveling farther north to Fort Fairfield, you’ll find One of a Kind, a charming

flower and antique shop located right on Main Street. Offering a mix of primitive and fine antiques, with a specialty in glassware, it’s a must-stop in town. While there, take a moment to visit the historic Fort Fairfield blockhouse nearby, a notable landmark that can be viewed from the road.

Whether you spend a night or a weekend, Aroostook County should not be overlooked when it comes to antiquing—you never know what treasures you might find.

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

DOWNEAST ACADIA

Market Pizza Houlton (207)521-5045

Northern Maine Brewing Co. Caribou (207)492-2185

Riverside Inn Restaurant Presque Isle (207)764-1447

Salted Butter Farm Sherman (207)365-4100

The Brookside Inn Smyrna Mills (207)757-8456

The Maple Pig Presque Isle (207)520-2548

The Vault Restaurant Houlton (207)521-5040

Timberwolves Restaurant Mars Hill (207)425-1056

Flowers

Largest

•

Also,

HAGGLING

A PRIMER FOR COLLECTORS

By Virginia Wright

The prices of antiques and collectibles are almost always negotiable. Sellers say they expect to haggle and are prepared to accept offers for less than posted prices — within reason.

“It’s almost a guaranteed course of the sale,” says Searsport antiques dealer Dennis Raleigh. “No matter what it is, whether it’s a painting, a piece of furniture, or something else, the first words out of people’s mouths are, ‘What’s the best you can do on that?’”

“And then, I ask, how are you thinking of paying?” adds Raleigh’s wife, Phyllis Sommer, the owner of Pumpkin Patch Antiques. “If they’re going to give you a check, that’s a different story than if they’re using a credit card because you have to factor in the credit card fee — and it’s high, varying between 2.75 and 3.75 percent.”

Understanding that aspect of pricing, along with a few other details about the antiques trade, will ensure that your negotiations are pleasant — and that get you a fair price. Here’s what else you need to know.

A 10 percent discount is the going rate. But it’s not hard-and-fast. Sometimes dealers are prepared to go lower, and sometimes they tag select objects at a fixed price from which they won’t budge.

Raleigh and Sommers generally offer a 15 percent discount. “But again,” Raleigh says, “you have to take in the credit card factor. You

can’t negotiate and negotiate and then have the customer slip you a credit card because that’s another 3.5 percent or so out of your pocket. When you’re down that low, that’s a big bite out of whatever profit is left.”

Antiques malls, which host several dealers who more often than not aren’t manning their booths, typically have a fixed allowable discount, and sales staff can’t stray from it. “We use a formula: if somebody is really nice and asks for a discount, we’re allowed to drop 10 percent on items priced above $20,” says Bob Lary, the owner of Antiques Etcetera in Rockland. If a buyer presses for a deeper cut, Lary places a call to the seller. “I don’t have one vendor who doesn’t answer the phone,” he says. “They want to sell. I always tell my vendors, ‘This is not a museum. You bring it here to sell because if you don’t sell, we’re not in business.’”

No matter where you’re shopping, if the price on an item is marked “firm” or “ND” (“no discount),” accept that it truly is firm. The dealer has priced it as low as she can go, and she’s not going to sell it for less.

Sellers’ profit margins are usually modest. Most Maine antiques businesses are small one or two owner affairs. Many dealers are retirees who are buying and selling antiques for fun, and they don’t expect to make a living, never mind a killing, from their sales. Shop owners’ prices reflect overheads like electricity, heating, and phone. Those who sell at shows

and antiques malls factor booth fees and commissions into their prices. Both kinds of sellers incur expenses searching for antiques and cleaning and repairing them for sale.

“Sometimes there’s an expectation from people that you’re doubling your money on everything,” Sommer says. “I can only speak for us, but the reality is far from it. We might buy something that we absolutely love and that we want people to see with us, but we expect maybe a 15 percent profit on it.”

Each sale is unique. Dealers may be quite generous with their discounts if they have old stock that they want to move or if you’re buying several items. But don’t let that give you the wrong idea. “All dealers are different,” cautions Stephen Wells on his blog, Source Vintage Antiques.

“Some will offer more discount than others. Just because you got a hefty discount from one dealer, doesn’t mean you’ll get that same generous discount wherever you go.”

Be polite and reasonable. Just as each sale is unique, so is each dealer’s response to discount requests. Some like to be asked, “What’s your best price on this?” Others prefer a specific offer along the lines of “Will you accept $150 for this?” However you ask, don’t ever expect more than 20 percent off a price. Such low-ball offers won’t endear you to the dealer, and you may end up with no discount at all.

MAINE IS ALL

“ANTIQUED OUT!”

By Mark Sisco

It’s official. That’s it. Ball game over. Might as well park the truck and go home. Maine is all “antiqued out.” The old-time pickers have done their thing, going door to door, looking for caches they could haul to the nearest auction house and quickly resell. They picked and picked until there was nothing left to pick at but the bare bones.

I first heard that complaint when I started in the antiques business in 1973. I had moved to Maine, straight out of college, to manage an antique shop with my parents. Shortly thereafter, I

borrowed $2,000 to purchase an antique blacksmith’s shop full of tools, bellows, a forge, anvils, and ventured out on my own. One of the first antique shows I exhibited at was in the Prudential Center

in Boston, where the dealer in the booth next to me, upon learning that I’m from Maine, smugly told me, “There’s nothing left there. Maine is all antiqued out!”

Now fast forward fifty-three years to earlier this year. I attended an auction by one of Maine’s premier auction companies. The auctioneer casually noted that, of the over $1.5 million worth of antiques sold, about 90% had come from within a 100-mile radius of coastal Maine. That’s a heck of a long way from “antiqued out.”

Personally, I enjoy selling items that are specifically related to Maine, and nothing says “Maine” more than an antique spruce gum box. It’s a pocket-sized, hand-carved wooden container, closely associated with Maine and Maritime Canadian folk traditions. They were often carved by lumbermen, sailors, or rural craftsmen, embellished with chip carvings, initials, crosses, and other

adornments. Often they would have a slide-top opening for extracting the gum inside. The spruce gum itself is a hard resin that oozed from spruce trees. It would be gathered and stored to be chewed in its natural state or sometimes rolled in sugar or molasses to produce a more palatable flavor. A small industry grew around harvesting and marketing the stuff. I’ve tasted it many times myself, and believe me, it’s awful—definitely an acquired taste!

Here’s another folk art item that definitely has a Maine flavor. A mackerel plow is a fascinating tool whose sole function was a clever bit of marketing chicanery, and it is certifiably endemic to New England. Aboard New England’s mackerel schooners of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the fish were caught at the beginning of the season, they were lean, tough, and worth little. These fish were sometimes called “leatherbellies.” Mackerel were a vital

catch, but their value fluctuated widely. Such low-value fish were often caught in seines in spring and early summer. But some clever fishermen discovered that, if a skinny, tough mackerel was split down the backbone with a knife, they could make several smaller parallel slashes with a mackerel plow, and the dead fish would swell up, look fatter, and command a higher price. The act of “plowing” a mackerel walked a fine line between an honest market presentation and outright deception. But the utilitarian nature of the plow did not preclude some creative artistry. Fishermen typically had their own mackerel plows, which varied widely in size and shape. Most were made of wood, often decorated with carvings and inlays of metals such as lead or pewter. They could be adorned with chip carvings, fashioned in the shape of mermaids, women’s legs, and other embellishments.

The mackerel plow is clearly a relic of a bygone era, but it retains its relevance as a traditional work of maritime art.

I recently bought and sold a stoneware crock with the logo of the Gardiner Stoneware Manufactory of Gardiner, Maine, imprinted over the cobalt-

highlighted image of a swan. The company was a prominent Maine pottery located on Cobbossee Stream, producing durable stoneware crocks, jugs, and other utilitarian products. The company operated from about 1876 to 1892. Their works often showed distinctive impressions of cows or swans.

So if anyone tells you that Maine is all “antiqued out,” you can confidently respond, “What a crock!”

Mark Sisco is a freelance writer, antique dealer, and appraiser living in coastal Maine. His website is www. siscoantiquesappraisals.com.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Americana Workshop

111 York St., Rt 1, Kennebunk

207-985-8356

See our ad on page 17

Another’s Treasure

367 Bar Harbor Rd.,Trenton

See our ad on page 64

Antiques USA

1669 Portland Rd., Arundel 207-985-7766

See our ad on page 18

Anytime Antiques and Collectibles

762 Post Rd., Route 1, Wells 207-646-8288

See our ad on page 18

Back in the Day Antique Mall

814 Main Rd., Carmel 207-848-7699

See our ad on page 59

Barn on 26 Antiques

361 Shaker Rd., Route 26, Gray

207-657-3470

See our ad on page 30

Blue Dolphin Antiques

164 Atlantic Hwy., Northport

207-322-1423

See our ad on page 40

Bo-Mar Hall Antiques & Collectibles

1622 Post Rd., Route 1, Wells 207-360-0943

See our ad on page 18

Cabot Mill Antiques

14 Maine St., Brunswick 207-725-2855

See our ad on page 2

Central Maine Antique Mall

1372 Union St., Bangor 207-262-4010

See our ad on page 58

Country Store Antiques

410 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton 207-667-5922

See our ad on page 64

daac Designs

49 Bay View St., Camden

561-202-8718

See our ad on page 41

Fairfield Antiques Mall

382 Skowhegan Rd., Fairfield 207-453-4100

See our ad on pages 55 & 84

Farrin’s Country Auctions

36 Water St., Randolph 207-582-1455

See our ad on page 52

Frost Antiques & Gifts

1151 Fairbanks Rd., Farmington 207-778-3761

See our ad on page 35

Generations Antique Mall

411 West St., Route 90, Rockport 207-323-1799

See our ad on page 40

Great Kingdom Emporium

893 Main St., Oxford 207-515-1446

See our ad on page 32

Grizzly Antiques

15 Gardiner St., Sherman 401-284-7996

See our ad on page 71

Gurley Antiques

581 US Route 1, Dunstan Corner, Scarborough

207-396-4255

See our ad on page 24

Hall and Sons Antiques & Collectibles

1447 Main St., Oxford

207-744-2076

See our ad on page 31

Hallowell Antique Mall

191 Water St., Hallowell

207-430-8315

See our ad on page 55

Has Ben’s Antique Mall

45 Augusta Rd., Topsham

207-430-8315

See our ad on page 40

Half Moon Vintage Market 1773 Post Rd., Rt 1, Wells

207-747-4991

See our ad on page 19

Hathaway Mill Antiques

10 Water St., Waterville

207-877-0250

See our ad on page 2

Hilltop Antiques

48 Water St., Skowhegan

207-474-0055

See our ad on page 4

Historic New England Bowman House

22 Bowman Ln., Dresden

207-835-5876

See our ad on page 44

Iron Horse Antiques + General Store

Railway Village Museum Route 27, 586 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay

207-633-4733

See our ad on page 47

Island Traders Antiques

67 US Rt 1, Verona Island

207-702-9011

See our ad on page 64

Kathryn’s Antiques

98 Main St., Bucksport

207-469-2000

207-735-6454

See our ad on page 64

Libby’s Antiques

30 Main St., Cornish C: 207-710-3639, 207-625-9486

See our ad on page 21

Liberty Tool Company

57 Main St., Liberty 207-589-4771

See our ad on page 44

Lincolnville Fine Art Gallery 2522 Atlantic Hwy, Lincolnville Beach 207-592-2984

See our ad on page 42

Main Street Mercantile Co.

220 Main St., Winthrop

207-557-4252

See our ad on page 55

Maine Antiques Digest

1-800-752-8521

See our ad on page 42

Maine Country Classics Antiques

39 N. Main St., Brewer 207-478-0688

See our ad on page 58

Maine On Main Flea Market

785 Main St., Lewiston

207-241-8378

See our ad on page 34

Maine Wicked Goods Mercantile

304 US Route 1, Freeport 207-869-5251

See our ad on page 24

MaineAntiqueTrail.com

See our ad on page 77

Mainely Mercantile

690 Main St., Bangor 207-570-7799

See our ad on page 58

Mark Sisco Appraisals

St. George (207)458-0402

See our ad on page 76

Medomak Gallery and Dusty Shelf

Route 1, Warren 207-273-0079

See our ad on page 43

Old Creamery Antiques & Vintage 13 Hancock St., Ellsworth 207-667-0522

See our ad on page 67

One of a Kind Flowers and Antiques

250 Main St., Fort Fairfield 207-472-6076

See our ad on page 71

Orphan Annie’s Antique & Curio Shop

96 Court St., Auburn 207-576-1245

See our ad on page 34

Owls Head Transportation Museum

117 Museum St, Owls Head 207-594-4418

See our ad on page 10

Oxford Hills Mercantile

9 Market Sq., South Paris 207-390-0537

See our ad on page 30

Plain to Bizarre Farms

855 Main St., Readfield 207-441-0735

See our ad on page 52

Porter’s Antiques

878 Rockland Rd., Route 17, Somerville 207-549-4601

See our ad on page 44

Portland Antiques Mall 919 Congress St., Portland 207-874-8000

See our ad on pages 24 & 84

ronald harte antiques

12 N Deer Isle Rd., Deer Isle The Old Firehouse 917-703-3003

See our ad on page 67

Route 26 Antiques & Route

26 Flea Market 1188-3 Main St., Oxford 207-744-0232

See our ad on page 33

Route 202 Antiques & Flea Market 2541 US Route 202, East Winthrop 207-377-2616

See our ad on page 53

Scout

150 Main St., Bridgton 207-240-3544

See our ad on page 32

Spinning Head Vintage & Handmade 37 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner 207-485-8343

See our ad on page 52

The Art of Antiquing

4 Back Shore Rd., Round Pond 207-529-5300

See our ad on page 7

The Lily Cat – North Woods Antiques and Buttons

Route 15, Monson 207-248-2660

See our ad on page 59

The Maples Antiques

104 Maple St., Cornish 207-604-9308

See our ad on page 21

The Pleasant Past 1755 Auburn Rd., Rt 4, Turner 207-225-2417

See our ad on page 34

The Raven’s Attic East

224 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft 207-735-4515

See our ad on page 57

The Rummage

817 Dyer Brook Rd., Dyer Brook 207-859-0158

See our ad on page 71

The Rusticators Emporium

151 Water St., Hallowell 207-213-6679

See our ad on page 52

The Smith Co.

24 Main St., Cornish 207-625-6030

See our ad on page 21

The Village Flea Antique & Consignment Shop

471 Route 2 E, Wilton 207-645-9700

See our ad on page 35

The Willows

345 South Main St. Route11,Mechanic Falls 207-345-7047

See our ad on pages 3 & 32

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries

51 Atlantic Hwy, Thomaston

207-354-8141

See our ad on page 83

Two Old Goats Antiques

749 Bar Harbor Rd., Trenton 207-412-0154

See our ad on page 65

Waterfront Flea Market

14 Maine St., Brunswick 207-729-0378

See our ad on page 47

White’s Nautical Antiques

108 Walnut Hill Rd., North Yarmouth 207-232-6282

See our ad on page 25

Wiscasset Antiques Mall

536 Bath Rd., Wiscasset 207-882-4029

See our ad on page 45

W.M. Schwind Jr. Antiques

51 East Main St., Rt. 88, Yarmouth 207-846-9458

207-415-8747

See our ad on page 5

York Antiques Mall

746 US Route 1, York

207-363-5002

See our ad on pages 17 & 84

hours.

Summer Splendor

JUNE 26, 27 & 28

Preview starts JUNE 15

Summer Grandeur

AUGUST 28, 29 & 30

Preview starts AUG 16

Autumn Majestic

NOVEMBER 13, 14 & 15

Preview starts NOV 7

Winter Enchantment

FEBRUARY 2027

Date announced in November

2026 Maine Antiques Guide

Cabot Mill Antiques

T h e Willow s

AROOSTOOK COUNTY

HIGHLANDS

GREATER PORTLAND & CASCO BAY

Sell Where Collectors

ANTIQUE

TRANSPORTATION

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

SOUTHERN MAINE

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

GREATER PORTLAND

CARING FOR ANTIQUES:

CLEANING WITHOUT COMPROMISE

KENNEBEC

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

WESTERN MAINE

VINTAGE VS. ANTIQUE

Antique, Vintage, Retro: What’s the difference?

MIDCOAST

BLUE DOLPHIN ANTIQUES

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

MIDCOAST MAINE

HIDDEN GEMS

KENNEBEC

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

KENNEBEC VALLEY

REGION

KENNEBEC

DOWNEAST & ACADIA

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

MAINE HIGHLANDS

WHAT IS

URANIUM GLASS?

MID-COAST & ISLANDS

DOWNEAST

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

DOWNEAST ACADIA

AROOSTOOK

COUNTY REGION

HIGHLANDS

SHOP, SIP & SAVOR:

DOWNEAST ACADIA

HAGGLING

A PRIMER FOR COLLECTORS

MAINE IS ALL

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Antiques Malls