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Markets

Something new, something old. For true shoppers, there’s a little magic in both.

For the new, seek out some of Maine’s many craft markets and shows. There, you can see, touch and feel the work of Maine’s artisans and crafters and talk to them about their work. Maine has gatherings specifically for its Native American artisans and more general fairs and festivals as well.

Native American Arts & Crafts

Native American arts and crafts are well-represented each year at markets including the Abbe Museum Indian Market each spring in Bar Harbor; the Native American Festival & Basketmakers Market, also at the Abbe Museum, the Native American Summer Market and Demonstration, at the Shaker Village in New Gloucester; the Common Ground Country Fair each autumn in Unity; the Maine Indian Basketmakers Holiday Market each December at the Hudson Museum in Orono; and the Micmac Farms market, held year-round in Caribou.

Maine Craft Markets

The Maine Crafts Association organizes many shows and markets statewide and runs its Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner and its sister gallery, Maine Craft Portland in downtown Portland.

The United Maine Craftsmen also schedules markets and shows for craftspeople across the state.

Flea Markets

Shoppers looking for bargains, old things or stuff that’s just a bubble or two off plumb know to head for a local flea for a look around. You honestly can’t predict what you’ll dig up. A moose head? Maybe. A trayful of aesthetically challenged glassware? Good chance. An adventure? Absolutely.

Here are some markets to check out:

• Montsweag Flea Market, Woolwich. This outdoor market is open during the warmer months.
• Portland Flea-For-All, Portland. Built inside a former grocery store, this market is open on weekends.
• Waterfront Flea Market, Brunswick. A year-round, indoor market.
• Elmer’s Barn, Whitefield. Just what it sounds like - a great, big barn packed with stuff.
• Southern Maine Indoor Flea Market, Scarborough. Laying claim to the title as the largest flea market in southern Maine, this indoor market is open daily.