I was pretty bummed when I finally came to think that I may have missed them this visit during the…read moreoff-season. Their sign on both stores had remained "closed" each day I drove through town. However, I decided to drive by one last time at noon today on my way back to Boston and THERE WAS A HINT OF LIGHT. I parked, I ran-walked-skipped, and I barged right through those doors thinking to run into either Loren or Shawn. But nay, I was instead greeted by a sweet elderly lady with bright eyes surprised by the sudden intrusion of some random excited Asian dude. "Oh sorry, I'm not really open yet. I hope you don't mind the mess." "ME DON'T CARE." Sasquatch-wannabe-tourist gleefully responds. I came to find out shortly that it was Loren's mom, Grace, and she was definitely a delightful way to end my trip this year. You see, I came to really like this shop last year when I got to extensively talk to both Loren and Shawn during several visits to the shop because they were so fun to banter with. Not only did I receive local tips to the area, I came to really appreciate what they have done here over time through their little business. Their gift bags are printed with Loren's photography and Shawn's paintings! Truly beautiful and different from the other stores in the area. Definitely my favorite gift shop that I've visited so far and will continue to stop by and say hi whenever I'm in the area. Absolutely recommend!

My favorite gift shop in bar harbor , walked around a couple of the shops but ended coming back to…read morethis shop on two separate occasions ! The prices were just right ! I got a couple things for my family and my self . I believe the owner was there and she was super nice as well !

Island Artisans is located on Bar Harbors main Street heading towards the docks. It's a great place…read morefor a one of a kind present or souvenir. Everything is made by local artisans, and many pieces look to be one of a kind. They have wall art, blown glass, yarn art, and lots of pottery. The prices are a little high until you find that thing you love. Then they seem absolutely perfect because if you're traveling, you may find something close but never that exact piece again. The woman at the register was very friendly. I would expect she'd have been able to provide additional background, should I have asked.

I always love buying things made by local artists and makers. I was thrilled to see Island Artisans…read morein the mix of Bar Harbor shops! Everything inside was absolutely beautiful--glasswork, ceramics, woodworking, etc. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but soon a pair of cobalt stained glass earrings jumped out at me and I had to have them. The woman running the shop told me a little bit about the artist (Boothbay Harbor, I think he's from) and how she bought a cobalt glass pair of earrings from his collection the previous year, different design). They're gorgeous when the light hits them. Highly recommend stopping in to look at the array of human creativity on display!

Limited but nice collection. The store is located in the most touristy part of the island.read more

Loved everything in this store! Not only did this store have something for everyone, it was also…read moreopen past 9pm on a weeknight. That is dedication! The store owner/salesperson was very sweet and patient with the several people who wandered in after having dinner nearby on a spring evening. From nautical clothing to nice affordable beach themed jewelry, and picture frames to souvenir glasses with lighthouses and anchors on them, they really had a lot to offer the average tourist. I don't know the next time I'll be in this area but if I find myself here I will make the effort to get to this wonderful shop by the water!

I know that five stars for this Bar Harbor tourist shop may sound a little excessive, but hear me…read moreout. 1. This shop is a bit smaller than some of the other "tourist trap" shops along the strip, but they have a decent selection of high quality items at competitive prices. 2. This shop is dog friendly and also has the cutest dog who is the shops unofficial mascot. He I older and blind but still incredibly adorable. 3. The staff here is exceptional. They are incredibly receptive to customers but not overbearing and intrusive. The staff here was actually the nicest staff we interacted with while in Bar Harbor. 4. They not only have your generic run of the mill tourist attire, but have a huge selection of hand crafted items from local vendors. The jewelry here was gorgeous and I almost died laughing at a lobster calendar which was made by a local lobster fisherman. Overall, this store deserves the five stars because they treat their customers right and have a great selection of items. A few smiles, small talk and a welcoming vibe goes a long way for me!

Your crafting life as you know it is incomplete if you haven't stopped here yet…read more This store has fabric like you literally can't believe. Prints of Archie comics and flying saucers, of vintage seed packs and bikes on parade. And best of all, fabric capturing every part of Maine life - mussel shells, sea glass, lobsters, buoys, mountains, and more. And the fun doesn't stop there - they also sell prints and easy but beautiful kits for making lighthouses and other simple projects. And they'll give you advice on buttons or materials or anything else sewing-related. Not to be missed for crafters in the area!

This is a great quilt shop! The owner is a great help and has a great selection of quality fabrics,…read moreand lots of great notions!

Hey! Let's support our new owners of the Winter Harbor Five and Dime! Not only are the "off…read moreseasons" sometimes a struggle for business owners, sometimes we just want to make sure our neighbors are welcomed with kindness and generosity! So think about what you need and spread a little local cheer ... the Five and Dome has always been a Winter Harbor institution... let's keep it going!

Wonderful little shop with lots of Maine souvenirs! Worth a stop! If you have a question about…read morethe area - stop and ask and they will assist you!

We always make a stop here to pick up local crafts to return home. Lots of gems to discover. Shop…read moreowner is sweet and one of the local artists as well.

I had wanted a pearl necklace and was happy to find quite a few options here! The owner was super…read morekind and the entire store was reasonably priced with a huge selection. I found a beautiful vintage freshwater button pearl necklace for an incredible deal and am excited to add it to my wardrobe!

Beautifully organized and reasonably priced. Large selection. Friendly owner/shopkeeper. I'm…read moreheading back today. Can't resist.