One of the many things I take for granted is the amazing opportunities for antiquing in a community known for its Maine Bed and Breakfasts. People ask all year long about the best places to shop for antiques, and while I have been to quite a few, I usually blow through, just picking up a particular item I know is just waiting for me. For instance, we regularly use an all-natural beeswax based furniture polish on the wooden furniture at our Kennebunkport Maine Bed and Breakfast. And I can get 16 ounces of this magical citrus-scented goo for just $8.50 at Arundel Antiques, located at the corner of Route 1 and Log Cabin Road, which
Antique weathervane from a local summertime antique show!
conveniently turns into Kennebunkport’s Maine Street just 6 miles from its front door. So yes, that means it’s just six miles from our front door! Plus, we’re talking six miles of straight-shot driving with just one stop sign – no city style driving here. Or how about Antiques on Nine, which carries my favorite silver and brass sea animal statues and fantastic tote bags made from woven rugs? Luckily for me, but not my wallet, that’s just a two minute drive from the Maine Stay – I couldn’t ask for closer if I tried!
But today, I was on a mission, and while I didn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I had the opportunity to explore at least six of our local antique shops. Boy, are they fantastic! While some offer truly incredible pieces of furniture in the finest condition, others feature immense collections of cups and saucers, books, or dolls. Plus, many offer some of both and a little of everything in between! So this afternoon, after all of our rooms were cleaned and breakfast prep squared away, my mother and I headed out to do some shopping. Now I am not sure that we would have ordinarily ventured out on such a cold day when we had so much to do at the inn, but we had a tip from one of our wonderful guests that inspired our mission. Unfortunately the piece she spotted was just a hair to narrow for the Keurig coffee maker. Shucks! Despite the disappointing outcome of the expedition, I realized what gems are located so close to the amazing Maine Bed and Breakfasts located in Kennebunkport Maine, and no matter the season, antiquing is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon!
So the next time you are at a loss for how to spend your much needed vacation time, take a swing by some of our incredible antique shops. And if you happen to find a circa 1860s piece that is no more than 36 inches wide and at least 13 inches deep with at least two drawers that could house our coffee and tea bar, give us a holler! I am more than ready for my next antiquing trip in Southern Maine!
