Antiquing By The Dozens: Follow The Downeast Trail

Summer, Fall & Spring: Maine is a great spot to spend some time popping into the many antique shops that line the Route 1 corridor. With so many places to choose from a great way to spend a day trip is to visit what is known as the “Downeast Trail”. The trail begins in Ellsworth which is a beautiful coastal town near Bar Harbor. The scenery along this route makes for great photo opportunities of the coastline and wildlife of the area. Heading toward Surry you will eventually find yourself in Blue Hill. Between Ellsworth and Blue Hill the antique shops line the roadway. Be sure to stop into the Big Chicken Barn Books and Antiques which is choke full of furniture, glass, china and over 150,000 books! You could literally spend an entire afternoon just exploring the 20,000sf of antiques that fill every square inch of the building. Once you enter Blue Hill village you will find Blue Hill Antiques. This is a great place to find authentic French antiques as the owners travel there and shop personally for their store’s goods. Hop back in your car and keep your eye out for Sargentville on 175, there are a few smaller antique stores along the way. This is a popular route as it leads directly into Deer Isle and Stonington which is known for the specialty antique shops and restaurants. Make sure to stop in at the Maritime Café on Main St. Enjoy lunch or dinner on their waterfront deck and enjoy the view. A trip on the Downeast Trail makes for a great way to spend a day enjoying great antique shops and the gorgeous coastline of Maine.