Mindfully Maine: Things to do in Freeport Maine Besides Outlet Shopping

“If you’re going to Freeport, you’ll be spending the whole day at LL Bean.”  ~ pretty much everyone 

I was revealing my plan for the last part of a New England road trip, and when I decided to spend a few days just north of Portland, Freeport seemed a logical choice. What I didn’t realize is it also seems to be the unofficial city of outlet shopping. The LL Bean flagship store is located in town, it’s actually open 24hrs, but there are so many more things to do in Freeport Maine.   

Things to do in Freeport Maine 

Visit Maine Botanical Garden 

The Maine Botanical Garden are the largest in New England. Nearly 300 acres with a portion dedicated to native coastal plants. An intriguing part of the garden is the Herbarium. They collect and preserve specimens for research and education purposes. The collection dates back to the mid 1800’s and is an ongoing project for coastal Maine and the New England region. 

Explore the State Parks 

While Acadia is only a few hours drive from Freeport, there are several State Parks in the area that are equally as beautiful with far fewer visitors.

Wolfe’s Neck State Park has an easy to follow hiking trails. There are several that start from the parking lot, short well-marked paths with opportunities to walk along Casco Bay or the Harraseeket River. Picnic spots are located in clusters at the start of the trails, making it an ideal place to bring a packed lunch and spend an afternoon. Getting outside and exploring the coast is one of the things to do in Freeport Maine that I can’t recommend enough. 

On your way back from hiking Wolfe’s Neck, stop at the Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & The Environment. It’s a 600 acre coastal organic farm that is free to the public, educating locals and visitors about the benefits to organic farming. They have trails, kayak and bike rentals, educational programs and activities for all. Visitors can also purchase seasonal foods at the farm store, including organic pasture raised meats, free range eggs and locally produced maple syrups. 

The Maine Audubon is the state’s oldest and largest wildlife conservation organization. They have frequent events advocate for education about then environment and wildlife protection. You can connect all year round with a local chapter to explore the Maine outdoors responsibly. 

Check Out Quirky Roadside Attractions

A true American road trip isn’t complete without a wacky roadside attraction. There are two unique pit stops you can make on your way to Freeport. Eartha is the world’s largest rotating globe. While the Eartha globe is located in the front foyer of an office building (Garmin), visitors are able to go in and take a peek at our little Earth. 

The desert of Maine. Yep, you read it right, there’s a desert in the Northeast coast of the US. It is an odd phenomenon, sand dunes mixed with evergreen trees dotting the property. A natural silted area from glacial deposits, it eventually became a desert within a forest. 

Head to the Coast 

Seacoast Tours of Freeport is one way to get out on Casco Bay for a view of Maine by the sea. They have tours to Eagle Island State Park and a wildlife cruise. The best part of their company is that their company is committed to educating visitors about the ecosystems. The philosophy is to promote and partner with local organizations that value Maine. 

Hardy Boat Cruises are an eco tourism company known for their puffin tours. A percentage of each ticket goes towards the Puffin Project, a seabird conservation mission. The cruises are locally run and family owned, and their commitment to the environment and their own coastline shows. 

If You Shop, Shop Locally 

There are several small, local shops throughout Freeport. By shopping locally, you are keeping more of your tourism dollars within Freeport. 

Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars are a small shop with big flavors. Shelves are lined with aged balsamic vinegars and seasoned olive oils. Head over to taste some unique flavor profiles, a favorite is the blueberry balsamic. 

Have you heard of Maine’s state dessert? Wicked Whoopies is a woman owned local shop that sells gourmet whoopie pies. Creamy whipped cream smooshed between two chocolate cakes. It’s heavenly. 

Rustic Arrow  embodies the ethos of ethical travel. A woman run store with the goal to “build a business that would help support families but also support our community of women designers and makers.” 

Other small boutique shops line the main street, you can keep your money more locally by supporting small business owners. Shopping can still be one of the things to do in Freeport, but in a more ethical way. 

Eat Historically 

Have a seat where some of New Englands founding fathers would have shared a drink & a dinner. The Jameson Tavern is not only the oldest operating tavern in Maine, but is said to be the birthplace of the state. They have delicious seafood dishes, award winning chowders and options for vegetarians as well. 

If You Stay, Stay Locally 

There are several smaller, family run B&B’s in the area and staying in a locally run New England Bed & Breakfast is an experience not to miss. With cozy comforts and lovingly cooked meals, it feels more like you’re staying with friends than in a hotel. The Kendall Tavern Inn Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to stay in Freeport. 

Nancy and Mark are the sweetest hosts and they provide fun conversation, a pleasant place to stay and mouth watering blueberry muffins. They use local, fresh and seasonal ingredients for their meals, and I would return again just for Nancy’s delicious breakfasts. The walls have local artists work featured and for sale, and these small touches make a stay more special. 

While I was a guest of the Kendall Tavern Inn Bed & Breakfast, all opinions are as always, my own. This post also may contain affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, some links and purchases may generate a commission for this blog.