Freeport and Yarmouth, Maine
Freeport is best known for its great shopping. It was recently voted the Best Weekend of Shopping in New England by Yankee Magazine Readers for the second year in a row. The world-famous L.L. Bean flagship store is located right in the heart of Freeport, and takes hours to explore from ground to top floor. Leon Leonwood Bean started LL Bean in 1912 with a simple motto and guarantee that every customer be 100% satisfied with their purchase or they could return or exchange it at any time, a principle they still hold to a century later. L.L. Beach is the premier outdoor apparel and equipment store in the country, celebrating over 100 years of business. They have everything for all your adventure needs, including tents, sleeping bags, kayaks and travel gear, plus ski equipment, clothing and their world-famous Bean boots. L.L. Bean has also launched their Outdoor Discovery Schools, providing instruction and guided lessons in outdoor sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, cross-country skiing, archery and snowshoeing. The L.L. Bean flagship store is open 24/7, 365 days a year for your convenience. There are also LL Bean Outlets stores in Freeport - for bargains on Bean shoes, clothes and camping gear.

Outlet shopping is also popular in Freeport, with over 170 name brand retailers offering discounted options. Brand name stores include Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike and Coach. Freeport is also home to some local shops featuring handcrafted jewelry, home decor, and specialty foods and treats. Chowder cafes and seafood restaurants line the Main Street in downtown Freeport, and on the Freeport waterfront you will find classic clam shacks and lobster pounds serving fresh Maine lobster rolls with a water view.

Beyond being a shopper's paradise, Freeport is also known as The Birthplace of Maine. Colonists used to gather for meetings at Jameson Tavern, an establishment that is still active in Freeport today, to plot their separation from Massachusetts in 1820. Many historical buildings are still standing in Freeport thanks to the local historical society, including many original homes, schools and churches. In fact, the town is so dedicated to preserving their historical buildings that when a McDonald's wanted to open up on one of the properties, it was only allowed if it kept the original building, giving it a unique New England feel.

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park offers over 230 acres of land to explore. Surrounded by the rocky shores of Casco Bay and the Harraseeket River, common visitor attractions include kayaking, boating and even clamming! Wolfe Neck Park has approximately five miles of paths that wind through its pine tree forests and along the seacoast. Since the park grounds are relatively flat, this is an ideal destination for smaller children or physically challenged visitors who would have a harder time navigating other large state parks in the area. In the winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing throughout the park. Off one of the trails, visitors can view Googins Island, an osprey sanctuary. Bird-watchers may want o pack their binoculars in the spring, when you can view babies or in the fall while they are getting ready to migrate south. Park rangers at Wolfe's Neck also offer one-hour guided nature programs and tours, focusing on the beauty of Maine state parks.

Freeport may be home to one of the most unique attractions in the state, the Desert of Maine. The Desert of Maine started out as Tuttle Farm, back in in 1783. In the late 1800s, rough farming exposed an ancient glacial sand deposit that overtook the farm and now covers over 40 acres of land. Visitors can go on narrated tram tours, walk along nature trails or visit the original Tuttle Barn, which has been converted, into a museum. Understandably, the sandy grounds also have one of the most unique gift shops in the area, where visitors can take home handcrafted sand designs or create their own souvenir sand bottles.

South Freeport is home to a large working fishermen's harbor, where visitors can dine on fresh steamed lobster and seafood while watching boats travel in and out. If you are looking for some adventure on the water, hop onboard a scenic ocean cruise or sailboat charter. Visitors can also rent kayaks and other equipment to explore tidal rivers full of wildlife.

Lodging in Freeport can be very affordable. Chain hotels offer low rates and picturesque settings. Quaint and historic Bed and Breakfasts and Inns are conveniently located in town, close to shopping and restaurants. The Freeport area is also popular amongst campers, and has a large campground located in beautiful Winslow Park.

Freeport has fairs and festivals throughout the year, including free summer concerts in the park sponsored by LL Bean as well as outdoor movie nights.

Whether you come for the fabulous shopping, the natural beauty of Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park or just a visit to a charming Maine town, Freeport will not disappoint.

Yarmouth just south of Freeport is home to DeLorme Map and the largest full scale rotating atlas in the world.