Freeport
When many travelers think ‘Freeport, Maine’ one thing comes to mind.
“Freeport, Maine Shopping.”
That’s hardly a surprise. Stores seem to flow down Freeport’s Main Street, swirling away from the big L.L.Bean campus with its rambling flagship store (and all its smaller siblings) and pooling in the side streets. There are mainstream emporiums. There are the famous Freeport outlets. And there are the quirky, fun little local shops. Between them sit great restaurants and nice places to stay and, of course, lots of parking. To bring in even more folks, there’s even a tiny station for the Amtrak Downeaster, a train traveling several times a day from Boston. The scenic ride includes comfortable seats, great views and even a café.
All told, this little town draws about 3.5 million shoppers – er, visitors – per year.
Things to Do in Freeport
But what if you…get tired of shopping? It can happen (theoretically, of course). Freeport’s got you covered. There are plenty of things to do in Freeport. L.L.Bean offers a free concert series on its campus during the warmer months called ‘Summer in the Park.’ In recent years, it’s presented artists including Lyle Lovett, Mayer Hawthorne and the Old Crow Medicine Show. Ever wanted to learn archery? How about fly casting or shooting a shotgun or emergency preparedness for the outdoors? L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Programs teaches all these things and a lot more besides. Many of these courses, workshops and demonstrations are in Freeport and some are free.
Take a quick stroll or drive away from downtown and you’ll find a lot of quiet in Freeport – and some places to try out all those clothes and gear you just bought.
The Freeport Historical Society’s Pettengill Farm includes a saltbox house built in 1810, along with 140 acres of fields and woods. Go for a hike in the farm’s woodlands and check out its antique apple and cherry orchards and salt marsh. Wolfe’s Neck State Park is also a few minutes from downtown and is full of trees and trails. You can walk by the shore of Casco Bay and look for nesting osprey.
Interested in farming? Plan a visit to the Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment, a non-profit, seaside farm with lots of programs for kids and families. You can help milk a cow, walk a goat and learn about organic agriculture.
Here’s a delightful itinerary for 36 hours in Freeport to give you even more ways to enjoy the town.
Restaurants in Freeport
Freeport restaurants offer up everything from traditional lobster rolls to gourmet Italian specialties. Consider the Jameson Tavern; the Broad Arrow Tavern; and the Maine Kitchen & Topside Tavern. Other popular places to eat include the Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro. For breakfast, try Isabella’s Café and Bakery for sticky buns. Scroll down the local business listings below and these additional ideas.
Where to Stay in Freeport
Freeport hotels include newly built properties, historic inns and charming B&Bs. Check out the Harraseeket Inn; the Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown; the Brewster House; the James Place Inn; and The Bliss Farm Inn in neighboring Durham. There are also many campgrounds nearby, and for those that didn’t bring camping gear with them, Wolfe’s Neck Center has partnered with L.L.Bean to offer Wicked Easy Camping, a fully outfitted campsite service that’s easy, convenient, hassle free. Check our regional business listings below and these other spots as well.
Businesses & Organizations
Retrieving results.
Related Articles
Retrieving results.
