I love this gift shop so much. Every town we've lived in during my life, we've always found that…read moreONE spot that we seek out to be the special place for those unique and thoughtful gifts for our loved ones. Monkitree is THAT place, for Gardiner. The owner features local artisans from across Maine, in a variety of themes. Textiles, jewelry, fine art, kitchen goods, small games and puzzles, coffee, chocolates, and a few unique items of clothing. There's a few things that a true to Gardiner here, that feature fish (alewives), the Kennebec River and the sturgeon. I'd say the prices are on par with the quality of the work shown in the shop. There's something for everyone here!

Really cool place, and the owner is very nice. Not one of those low class "gift shops" where you go…read moreto get the cheapest possible piece of crap for jealous relatives you hate. This is a great place to buy a gift for someone who you actually want to buy a gift for or just chill out and talk about politics in the back room. I think they stopped allowing smoking since the pandemic, but this is just one of those amazing little gems. If you're in the area I think you should check it out as it is truly unique.

This is one of the best art galleries in Maine because it continues to offer outstanding shows each…read moremonth that are juried by quality art experts. The art works selected are hung by folks who have experience in professional art settings and have a great eye for creating beautiful exhibits. Artists who exhibit at River Arts are welcomed by a friendly staff and enjoy the great openings each month. A special place!

This seasonal gallery is a non profit dating back to its origin in 1958 and is housed in the Old…read moreWiscasset Academy building which is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. The exhibit on the date of our visit was a plein art show titled Paint Wiscasset & Beyond that included a number of interesting works of art by 20 artists. Though no admission is charged, donations are gratefully appreciated.

Been collecting from Terrill and Charlie at Tandem Glass since they were in Berkeley, CA in the…read more1990s and early 2000s Each piece is one of a kind and oh so beautiful and for sure a conversation piece. Reunited with them when I was in Maine. Highly recommend visiting them in person or online. https://www.tandemglass.com/

Some years ago my wife and I saw one of Tandems glasses at thr Portland Mueseum of Art. Twe wanted…read moreto buy four but they only had one. The people at thr museum store suggested tat we go to their studio. We arranged to do this and we're greeted warmly when we arrived. We spent several delightful hours with them as he showed us the process. The pieces we looked at were awesome, ultimately we purchased five of their glasses. We couldn't decide which not to buy. The glasses exquisite,, easy to hold, correct size and wonderful to lo9k at. Our children have admired them for years. This year we decided to give one of them a set as a Christmas gift. The process was easy. I asked that there be substantial ble in the decoration. When our daughter unwrapped the package she was beyond delighted. They took great pains to ship them so that they would arrive in time manner, they did. This time they had to choose which ones to send, with very little guidance. The glasses they vose were exactly right, These glasses are hand made and unique. They are pieces of original. The value is very very good.​

My Yelp pal Amanda B mentioned this spot to me when I called her from Gardiner Maine to tell her I…read morewas on my way home. She told me there was an incredible local craft store right inside the highway rest stop. Honestly, I believed her and didn't believe her all at the same time. ...We had to stop for gas anyway, so we headed in to use the rest rooms and check out the center. Turned out to be a pretty spectacular array of not only Maine crafts, but Maine syrups, jams and mustards as well! 100% worth the stop!

The plaza houses your typical chain restaurants and services, but also the Center for Maine Crafts…read morethat includes the work of the 300 members of the Maine Craft Association. There was literally something of interest for everyone at fairly reasonable prices.

My wife and I just picked up three prints we had framed and could not be more pleased!! The…read moreprocess was excellent from beginning to end. The staff was very helpful with suggestions regarding the frame, mats, etc. and the job was completed in a timely fashion. Good framing is not inexpensive but it makes a difference when you want a quality product. I highly recommend this establishment!!

This spot was recommended by artist friends and it has been great to get work framed here. They…read morehave a professional eye and good suggestions. There are a myriad of tools that make their work top-notch. I have brought old family heirlooms, both paintings and memorabilia here and they have done a wonderful job that can be passed down to my children and beyond. Highly recommended!

December 5th was the last Gardiner Art Walk for this year. It was a balmy 8° outside, the coldest…read morenight so far. But the smell of homemade meatballs lured me into the gallery! Yes. Meatballs. Alan Claude studio always has fabulous food for art walk night, tonight was meatballs and tiramisu. Delish!!!! I looked through the 8x10 prints to find some winter scenes to bring home. But did get a little overwhelmed by the amount people sharing the gallery and shop space and had to duck out. But! He always runs a really good sale for the 8x10s, where you can pick three for one set price. So I've made my list, I'm checking it twice and I'm sending my Santa back to pick them up. Nobody how busy the gallery is, Alan himself ALWAYS makes a point to greet every single person that steps in the door. He's also happy to take photos and sign art!

Was delighted to find an Alan Claude Gallery on our recent visit to Gardiner, ME! His work is…read morestunning and quintessential Maine. There is something for every ME fan to enjoy. Original pieces, popular prints in many sizes, calendars, and assorted cards fill the historic space. Insider tip: free bookmarks.

A lovingly curated small museum that celebrates the rich history of this midcoast Maine town.read more

It's a little building by the side of the road but it is only open in the afternoons and we got…read morethere too early and didn't want to wait around. It's in an old school house and reputedly has some very interesting bits and pieces about the history of the township. It has its own parking lot but gets a bit muddy if it rains, so it doesn't look very wheelchair accessible to me.