With beautiful shorelines and idyllic small towns, plus a bustling food and creative scene, Maine has become an increasingly popular destination for travel. We jumped at the chance to explore Portland while we were in town for our trunk show last week at k colette, and then took an extra day to visit Southern Maine. Read all about k colette and our trunk show. First, we spent a couple of days in Portland, seeing and eating as much as we could, then we traveled along the coast to visit a few of our stores and their surrounding areas.

 

 

PORTLAND

SHOP

k colette - 100 Commercial St  - CLOSED in April 2018

k colette has been a Coral & Tusk stockist for almost three years! Established in 2012, former math teacher, turned store owner, Karen Burke, sources items from around the globe with a strong selection of goods from Maine artists for her Commercial Street shop. You will find the perfect gift or secret treasure in the warm brick walls of k colette. They carry a vast array of artisanal goods, from bedding to ceramics to fragrances. A visit to k colette is sure to inspire and inform, each maker represented has a designated area that includes a plaque with their respective story.

Judith - 3 Market St

Located in a scenic, New England alleyway, shopping at Judith is similar to visiting an art gallery but instead of viewing artwork on the wall you can try each piece on and wear it out! Portland artist, Elizabeth Atterbury's, large geometric sculpture adds a whole new level to this concept clothing store.

Portland Dry Goods  - 237 Commercial St

Your go to for goods on the go. Stock up on cozy Kordal Knitwear accessories or slip on a pair of Red Wing Heritage Boots. Portland Dry Goods is ready to equip you for all the weather coastal Maine brings!

More + Co - 112 High St  

Located in Portland's Arts District, More + Co is a design studio and store with rotating themes. This minimalist shop focuses on design objects and utilitarian items alike, we fell in love with the bright blue ceramics of Dina No.

Blanche + Mimi - 184 Middle St

The perfect mix of new and vintage items. Find unique, antique silverware, a variety of handmade soaps, and the cutest nook featuring baby clothing and gifts.

Angela Adams - 131 Middle St 

Angela Adams is quite the force! Her home furnishing company features prolific projects and collaborations in furniture, ceramics, and textiles, all grounded in Adam's interpretation of the natural world. Color and texture explorations are found across every medium in their expansive showroom in Portland's gallery district.

EAT

 

 

Eventide - 86 Middle St

Lobster's may be Maine's number one dish, but Eventide's oysters are a very close second! Dig in to oysters from both Maine and away. We recommend trying the Dashi Chowder, a fresh take on New England Clam Chowder that includes, miso, potato, and charred onion.

Central Provisions - 414 Fore St 

Bring an empty stomach and a lot of friends because you will want to try every share plate on Central Provision's menu! Our favorite was the Bread and Butter, featuring a farm egg, hazelnut, and apple butter. Every plate has a unique flavor combination and will have you ordering just one more!

Duckfat - 43 Middle St

Down the street from Eventide, this sandwich shop's Belgian fries pack a mean punch, each batch is cooked in savory duck fat. Vegetarians don't fret, their seasonal veggie sandwiches are just as tasty!

Scales - 68 Commercial St

Enjoy a fresh catch and the best view of the harbor at this Old Port mainstay. We were lucky enough to share a delicious meal here with the k colette girls!

 

 

photo courtesy standard baking co

Standard Baking Co - 75 Commercial St

Hands down the best bakery, we visited Standard everyday we were in town and don't regret a single bite! We recommend the almond galettes, brownies, cookies, madelienes, brioche- who are we kidding- they're all amazing!

The Holy Donut - 7 Exchange St - 194 Park Avenue

A healthier donut, believe it or not! Holy Donuts bakes a fresh batch of Maine potato based donuts daily. Go early to scoop up your favorite flavor as each location closes upon selling out.

Scratch Baking Co - 416 Preble St, South Portland

Although, we did not have a chance to visit Scratch ourselves, it was the most recommended eatery on our trip! Try their bagels and tell us how great they are!

WISCASSET

After our trunk show on Friday we headed north to the beautiful town of Wiscasset to visit Rock Paper Scissors and say hi to Erika, the shop owner!

 

 

 

Erika is a Wiscasset native who has been in business for 16 years! She started with a home goods shop and expanded to a second neighboring store on Main St. Eventually she paired down to one store. Rock Paper Scissors is beautifully curated, Erika's eye for unique and exciting work is evident and her voice is strong.

 

There's so much to find at Rock Paper Scissors! We loved exploring the entire store and spotting some of our friends among all the goodies. Seen here are Cosmic Peace Shop Moons, M Quan, and John Derian to name a few!

 

 

Although a small space, Rock Paper Scissors is packed with thoughtful and intentional products. Each area is color coordinated, above is a metallic and neutral vignette, the opposite wall featured yellow, blue, and green products.

 

 

We spy our Pocket Dolls alongside Erika's stunning wall of decorative papers. If you are in the area, definitely stop by! Rock Paper Scissors is everything you hope for in a gift shop, full of treasures for everyone you know, yourself included! Many, many thanks to Erika for having us, we are so happy to be represented in your store!

 

Before heading back down South, we stopped along the water. キツネ and Rabbit found a new favorite spot!

 

 

We couldn't travel to Maine without seeing some rocky coastlines! As we drove south we stopped at Two Lights State Park near Cape Elizabeth. We scrambled down by the water and were taken by the Atlantic Ocean and the breathtaking landscape.

 

 

KENNEBUNK

Next stop Kennebunk! We were excited to stop by Snug Harbor Farm after hearing about their farm and shop!

 

On the property there are five greenhouses, a shop, barn, nursery and growing fields. The whole place feels pretty magical with various animals and a charming landscape.

 

 

Ponies! We were in LOVE.

 

 

If you can manage to pull yourself away from the adorable ponies and fairy tale garden backdrop, you'll find a well curated selection of tabletop, jewelry, garden accessories, cookbooks, and Coral & Tusk inside the warm, rustic shop!

KITTERY

After a lobster roll lunch in Kennebunkport, we drove further south to Kittery, an up-and-coming town neighboring Portsmouth, NH, where we paid a visit to our stockist Tayla Mac.

 

Mikayla Parsons first opened her eclectic boutique in York, ME a little over two years ago. Her store experienced the devastating effects of a fire, but Mikayala did not quit! She moved her business to the bustling Wallingford Square in Kittery. Located near delicious restaurants, new nightlife spots, and like-minded shops, Tayla Mac is a welcome addition to the vibrant scene in Kittery.

 

Tayla Mac is comprised of hand picked, ethically produced goods, from clothing for men and women to miniature cacti sculptures created by a local high school student. Tayla Mac has unique offerings in textiles, jewelry, prints, and stationery. We are always inspired by women business owners and entrepreneurs, and are proud to work with Tayla Mac, Rock Paper Scissors, and k colette, among many others!

 

The sun started to set as we left Tayla Mac and headed back up to Portland.  A huge thank you to everyone who attended our trunk show and all the shop owners that visited with us. We look forward to visiting Maine again soon!