Ok, 13 Now That We’ve Lived On MDI For 6 Months
Updated February 2026
Bar Harbor is one of those coastal towns that is exactly what you imagine a coastal town in Maine to be: the charming storefronts lining Main Street, the smell of salt air mixing with fresh fudge, and the kind of shops that make you want to bring a bigger suitcase. After living and working in Bar Harbor for 6 months, I feel like I have a pretty good pulse on Bar Harbor and all of its unique ins and outs.
Story Time: I’ve been visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park for years, but in 2025, Brian and I took it to the next level: we parked Betty (our RV) in Trenton and spent 6 months living and working in the area. Six months of wandering these streets with Loki, Freya, and Caly means I didn’t just visit these shops. I became a regular. I know which ones are worth your time, which ones have the best finds, and which ones will make you fall in love with this town even more than you already have. Here are the 13 best shops in Bar Harbor, Maine that you cannot miss.
Keep in mind that many of these shops are only open seasonally, and Bar Harbor pretty much closes up shop at the end of tourist season. But a few remain open year-round, and that number seems to be growing each year. I’ve noted that for each one below.
Sunrise At Acadia National Park
Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly?
5 Cant Miss Dog-Friendly Hikes At Acadia
Camden, Maine: A Charming Coastal Town
The Foodie’s Guide to Bar Harbor (coming soon!)
Bar Harbor Cheat Sheet (Everything You Need To Know) (coming soon!)
Bar Harbor, Maine, is a picturesque coastal town with harbor views, beautiful B&Bs, and all the lobster you can handle. Downtown is packed with charming shops where you can find everything from handmade gifts and Maine-crafted souvenirs to one-of-a-kind artwork and vintage nautical finds. It’s also a surprisingly great place for dog owners, and many of the shops are dog-friendly. Most leave water bowls right outside their doors, and you’ll notice a paw print sticker on the shops that allow your dog to enter. I’ve even seen a pet tortoise in its own stroller cruising the streets downtown. Bar Harbor is that kind of town.
Whether you’re looking for the best Bar Harbor souvenirs, unique Maine-made gifts, or just some really good window shopping near Acadia National Park, this guide has you covered.
13 Can’t-Miss SHOPS In Bar Harbor, Maine
13. Cool As A Moose
- Where: 118 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Daily 10 am – 10 pm (seasonal hours vary)
- Open Year-Round
- Find More Here
While this is one of the more touristy shops in town, they do have some really cute stuff. And who doesn’t want to be cool as a moose while visiting Maine? They have a solid selection of designer sunglasses, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Maui Jim, and Costa. Cool As A Moose actually operates three storefronts in downtown Bar Harbor now, including The Beehive General Store and Acadia Trading Post, so you’ll probably stumble into at least one of them while you’re walking around.
12. Bark Harbor
- Where: 150 Main Street, Unit 3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Daily 10 am – 8 pm (hours vary seasonally)
- Find More Here
We LOVE Bark Harbor. And by “we,” I mean Loki, Freya, and Caly really love the treats from Bark Harbor. Their favorites are the bacon, cheese, and pumpkin-flavored treats. You won’t only find treats here, though — Bark Harbor also offers an assortment of toys, care items, clothes, and collars and leashes. It’s the perfect shop to visit if you are a dog lover like me! If you’re traveling to Bar Harbor with your pup, this is a must-stop. (And let’s be real, even if you don’t have your dog with you, you’re going to want to bring something home for them.)
11. Spruce & Gussy
- Where: 12 Mt Desert Street, Suite 3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Daily 10 am – 10 pm (reduced off-season hours)
- Find More Here
Spruce & Gussy is a truly charming shop offering a carefully curated selection of home and personal accessories, with a strong emphasis on goods produced by small US and fair-trade companies. They value handmade items, so if you are looking for something unique, this is the place for you. They’ve also added an in-shop metalsmith and jewelry studio called Posy Studio, which is really cool to check out. If you happen to be in Bar Harbor on the first Friday of the month during the season, Spruce & Gussy participates in the First Friday Art Walk.
10. Sailor and Hook
- Where: 152 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Daily 9 am – 9 pm (seasonal, typically May – October)
- Find More on Facebook
This is a newer addition to my list, and I’m glad I finally came across it. Sailor and Hook is a nautical-themed eclectic shop that goes way beyond your typical tourist souvenirs. You’ll find vintage wool blankets, real used lobster buoys, nautical flags, compasses, military-themed clothing, exclusive-design sweatshirts, vintage postcards (some dating back to the early 1900s!), and all kinds of unique home decor. The prices are surprisingly fair for Main Street, too.
But here’s what really makes this place special: the building itself. Sailor and Hook is housed in one of the oldest buildings in downtown Bar Harbor. It was formerly a butcher shop, and you can still see the original ceiling tracks used to transport meat. There’s even an authentic 1900s safe that you can try to open. The staff is super knowledgeable about Bar Harbor’s history and loves sharing stories about the town’s prohibition era and the devastating fire of 1947. It’s part shopping, part history lesson, and I’m here for it.
9. In The Woods
- Where: 160 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Daily 10 am – 9:30 pm (seasonal, typically closed February – April)
- Find More Here
You won’t find anything else quite like In The Woods in Bar Harbor. This truly is such a cool shop! There are so many beautiful hand-carved wooden items here. Bonus: The wood is responsibly sourced. In fact, all of their products are made from dead wood removed from sanctuaries to enrich the soil and promote new growth. I finally made a purchase after years of browsing, and it was worth the wait. They’ve been in business since 1970 (originally called “Bowl and Board”) and have even opened a second location in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. They also have an online shop now at inthewoodsmaine.com, which is great if you see something you love and want to order more later.
8. Sherman’s Books & Stationery
- Where: 56 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Daily 9 am – 6 pm (extended summer hours up to 9 pm)
- Open Year-Round
- Find More Here
The oldest bookstore in coastal Maine belongs to Sherman’s! Established in 1886 and one of the ten oldest bookstores in the entire country. So it’s no wonder that this shop is special. I always end up stopping at Sherman’s on any trip to Bar Harbor. Not only is the bookstore amazing, but the other side of the shop is great as well. It’s well curated, featuring gifts, housewares, and a few souvenirs. I love the wind chimes and the Bar Harbor and Acadia signs. Sherman’s has grown to ten locations across Maine now, but the Bar Harbor shop on Main Street is the original, and it still has that magic.
The last book I bought before we left Bar Harbor in October – Find It Here!
7. A Little Mad
- Where: 17 Rodick Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (The Pink House!)
- Hours: Daily 10 am – 9 pm (seasonal, May – October; online store open year-round)
- Find Out More Here
If you love handmade and eclectic, then A Little Mad is the shop for you! It’s one of my absolute favorites in Bar Harbor. While this charmer isn’t on Main Street, it is one of my absolute favorites. I ended up falling in LOVE with a perfume/room spray they sell here over the summer. They’re now at 17 Rodick Street in a cute pink house. Take a right off West Street onto Rodick, or right off Cottage Street onto Rodick, and you’ll find it. This shop is filled with handmade, whimsical items. They feature more than 100 artists and vendors. If you like to buy unique gifts for people (or yourself) when you travel, then you won’t want to miss this place. A Little Mad has been open since 2012, and it’s clear that owners Patrick and Jolene put a lot of love into curating this space. They are so nice and talk to you every single time you visit.
6. The Acadia Country Store
- Where: 128 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Seasonal hours vary – check their Facebook for current times
- Find Out More Here
You can’t go to Bar Harbor without visiting The Acadia Country Store. It’s got everything blueberry you can possibly think of! Haha. Need a blueberry candy bar, or some blueberry soap, or perhaps a blueberry soda (100% recommend) — they’ve got you covered! Don’t forget to try the homemade fudge; they now make 24 flavors in-house. It’s so freakin’ good. They also carry whoopie pies, kitchen goods, and nautical gifts. If you’re looking for Bar Harbor souvenirs that go beyond a basic magnet, the Acadia Country Store is a great place to find something special. If you like to buy unique gifts for people (or yourself) when you travel, then you won’t want to miss this place.
5. The Acadia Shop
- Where: 85 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Daily 9:30 am – 8 pm (seasonal)
- Find Out More Here
It’s no wonder these shops are back-to-back on the list; they are owned by the same family. The Acadia Corporation has been locally owned and operated for over 90 years, and they know what they’re doing. This shop has a little something for everyone. The first floor features soaps, clothing, housewares, pottery, books, local food, and snacks. The second floor features Maine-crafted gifts such as rope mats, buoys (I bought one in 2019, and it’s still one of my favorite souvenirs), art, photography, prints, cards, and kitchenware. The Acadia Corporation now operates seven-plus retail shops in Bar Harbor and one in Southwest Harbor, so you’ll see their name around town.
4. The Maine Store
- Where: 152 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (across from the Village Green)
- Hours: Daily 11 am – 8 pm (seasonal)
OK, this one is special. The Maine Store is a charming Maine-themed gift shop with jewelry, local goods, and fun finds, but that’s not why it made this list. Walk to the back of the shop, and you’ll discover a hidden speakeasy called The Rebel Lobster Speakeasy. Yes, really. There are only about six to eight seats, and it feels like stumbling into a secret. Owner Darrin serves up an all-Maine selection of craft wines, beers, and spirits, and he makes custom cocktails too. He’s also one of the most personable guys you’ll meet in Bar Harbor, and he shares stories about the area, recommends hikes, and has an unbeatable music playlist going. Multiple people have called this their favorite spot in all of Bar Harbor, and after spending six months nearby, I totally get it.
Heads up: There were rumors that The Maine Store was relocating due to the neighboring inn’s expansion. As of our last visit, they were still at 152 Main Street, but I’d recommend double-checking before you go.
P.S. I’ll have a lot more on Bar Harbor’s food and drink scene (including more on the Rebel Lobster Speakeasy) in my upcoming Foodie’s Guide to Bar Harbor!
3. My Darling Maine
- Where: 19 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Walk-in hours during season; by appointment in winter — call (207) 801-9346
- Open Year-Round (by appointment off-season)
- Find More Here
My Darling Maine Island Boutique isn’t just another touristy gift shop – here, you will find interesting keepsakes that were most likely made in Maine. What you’ll find are gifts with a purpose, many with a unique twist and a message from a local artist. Since I first wrote about this shop, they’ve expanded their product range to include clothing, accessories, jewelry, home decor, artworks, confections, and specialty foods. You can tell that owner Victoria puts a lot of thought into each item this boutique carries, and that’s what makes this one of my favorite shops in Bar Harbor. They also offer online ordering with local pickup, delivery, and nationwide shipping now, so if you fall in love with something and your suitcase is already bursting, they’ve got you covered.
2. Native Arts Gallery
- Where: 99 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Daily 10 am – 9 pm (seasonal, typically early May – mid-October)
- Find Out More Here
The Native Arts Gallery is a unique Navajo-owned and operated family store that has been bringing southwestern Native American jewelry to Bar Harbor for over 25 years. I love this place! I stop every time I’m in Bar Harbor. I’ve bought earrings and a necklace here in the past and love them. They offer sterling silver jewelry in Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi designs along with an assortment of handmade crafts. What makes this shop so special is that you’re buying directly from the family who creates and sources these pieces. If you’re looking for meaningful, handmade jewelry that tells a story, Native Arts Gallery is the place.er.
1. Window Panes
- Where: 166 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Open daily May – December; Thursday – Saturday 11 am – 5 pm in late winter (closed January)
- Find Out More Here
Window Panes wasn’t a shop I was looking for, but I stumbled into it years ago when I stayed at the Ivy Manor Inn, and it’s been my number one ever since. They offer fun and functional items for your home — think curated, beautiful, and a little bit unexpected. I bought a Gardenia perfume here (I collect perfumes from my travels) and a few small John Muir and National Park books. It’s also a great place to window-shop and get home decor inspiration. Greg and Julie Veilleux opened Window Panes Home & Garden in 1994 and recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. The shop is housed in a gorgeous 1930s Arts and Crafts-style building right across from the Village Green, and they feature products from over a dozen local Maine artists. This place is a Bar Harbor institution and my personal favorite shop in town.
Tips For Shopping In Acadia:
- Some of the shops in Bar Harbor are seasonal. So make sure to check the hours posted because they change seasonally
- Bar Harbor gets incredibly busy on weekends, particularly during the summer
- If you can visit during the week
Dog-Friendly Shopping In Bar Harbor
One of the things I love most about Bar Harbor is how dog-friendly the whole town is. Traveling with Loki, Freya, and Caly means I always notice which shops welcome pups, and in Bar Harbor, a lot of them do. Most shops along Main Street leave water bowls outside their doors, and several will happily let your well-behaved dog come inside with you (just look for the dog paw sticker on the door).
Bark Harbor is obviously the go-to for dog-specific shopping, but you’ll find a welcoming vibe almost everywhere.
If you’re planning a dog-friendly trip to Bar Harbor and Acadia, make sure to check out my guide: Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly?
What To Buy In Bar Harbor: The Best Souvenirs
If you’re wondering what to buy in Bar Harbor, here’s what I’d recommend based on six months of shopping these streets:
Blueberry everything – The Acadia Country Store is your best bet for blueberry soaps, syrups, candies, and soda. Maine and blueberries are basically synonymous, and these make fantastic gifts.
Maine-crafted home goods – Window Panes and My Darling Maine both carry beautiful, locally made items that feel special and go way beyond the typical tourist souvenir.
Handmade jewelry – Native Arts Gallery for stunning Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi silver jewelry, or Spruce & Gussy for fair trade and artisan pieces from their Posy Studio.
Unique handmade gifts – A Little Mad and In The Woods are where you go when you want something nobody else will have.
Nautical and vintage finds – Sailor and Hook for vintage postcards, buoys, nautical flags, and the coolest old-school finds on Main Street.
Books – Sherman’s. Always Sherman’s.
Tips For Shopping In Bar Harbor
Check seasonal hours. Most shops in Bar Harbor have different hours depending on the time of year. Peak summer hours are the longest, and some shops close entirely from November through April. I’ve tried to include the most up-to-date hours for each shop, but things change, always double-check before you visit, especially in the shoulder season.
Visit during the week if you can. Bar Harbor gets incredibly busy on weekends, especially during the summer. If you can swing a weekday visit, you’ll have a much more relaxed shopping experience and way less competition for parking.
Cruise ship days are wild. Bar Harbor is a popular cruise port, and when a ship (or two) is in, downtown gets very crowded very fast. If you’re not on a cruise, try to plan your shopping around cruise ship schedules — the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce usually posts them. If you are coming in on a cruise, head to the shops first thing because they fill up quickly.
Walk off Main Street. Some of the best shops aren’t on Main Street – A Little Mad on Rodick Street is a perfect example. Don’t be afraid to wander the side streets. That’s where the hidden gems are.
Mapping Out Shopping In Bar Harbo
Looking for where to eat and drink in Bar Harbor? I’ve got you covered – check out my Foodie’s Guide to Bar Harbor for the best lobster rolls, ice cream, coffee, and more. (Coming soon!)
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