My favorite bookstores in Maine
Are you coming to visit this summer? Here's where to go!
This time of year, I start getting messages from folks coming to Maine for vacation and looking for recommendations on what to do and see. And specifically for bookstores they should visit. So, I decided to round up all my bookshop recommendations in one post!
If you're spending any time in Maine this summer, here are 11 bookstores I love, 5 bookstores on my 'to visit' list, and my favorite sources for finding non-bookish activities in Maine! Happy vacationing 😎
My favorite bookstores in Maine
From Portland to Downeast, there are so many great ones to explore
If you're flying into Portland or driving through, make a day of it and visit one of our fabulous bookstores.
Back Cove Books (Portland). This is my neighborhood bookstore, which opened in 2022. It has a delightful selection in a lovely space. I shared my version of a perfect afternoon — go for a browse, grab a coffee across the street at Coveside Coffee, and then take a walk down to the cove to spend some time enjoying the view and flipping through the pages of your new purchase.
Print Bookstore (Portland). I always think of them as the 'cool kids' in the Portland bookstore scene. The space is chic, they have great author events, and I always find new books I haven't heard of when I visit.
Longfellow Books (Portland). This is my go-to bookstore for curated recommendations. Their staff recommendations cannot be beat! Although I've never met her, staffer Sarah has yet to steer me wrong when I've picked up a book with her recommendation on the shelf.
Green Hand Bookshop (Portland). If digging through used books for treasures is more your literary style, stop by this little shop tucked in the West End amid many other great vintage stores. While in the neighborhood, be sure to also check out Open House, Moody Lords, and Material Objects if you love vintage.
exterior of Print; interior of Stone Soup Books Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop (Portland & all over). This is a staple in the Maine literary scene. There are 9 locations up and down the coast, so there will surely be one near wherever you are visiting. Their shops are cozy and chock full of all the best new releases.
Mockingbird Bookshop (Bath). Situated along Bath's main street, this cozy and well-curated bookshop has all the most popular books and a great selection of gifts. It makes for a nice stop if you grab lunch and poke around the other shops on Main Street.
Owl & Turtle Bookshop (Camden). A little further up the coast is Camden, a quaint and quintessential coastal town. You can easily spend a whole weekend visiting Camden, hiking the hills, sampling their excellent restaurant scene, and visiting the art museum. Owl & Turtle Bookshop is the bookshop I envision as the central hangout spot in a cozy mystery novel set in a small town. It's tucked away down a small side street with views overlooking the harbor and has a tiny cafe nestled on one side of it. The soothing sounds of coffee and soft conversation greet you when you walk in and browse their shelves.
Stone Soup Books (Camden). One of my all-time favorite used bookstores is just up the road from Owl & Turtle Bookshop. Climb a set of stairs, and you'll be ushered into a two-room book shop stuffed to the gills with used books. There are plenty of old books, but I always have great success finding new, buzzy titles that somehow end up in this store for a fraction of the price. The gentleman who owns the place is an excellent source of book knowledge and a delight to chat with.
Left Bank Books (Belfast). If you're headed to Acadia, make a pit stop in the small town of Belfast to visit Left Bank Books. It's a welcoming bookshop with tons of sections to explore, including the best selection of books set in Maine I've come across. It's a cozy spot to stock up on a few reads for your vacation.
Grump & Sunshine Bookshop (Belfast). If you're a romance reader, make sure to stop by this bookshop! It's a romance lover's dream, with shelves stuffed with all sorts of romance reads.
Elements (Biddeford). At the end of your vacation on your way home, make a pitstop in Biddeford to browse Elements, a cafe, bookstore, and bar. Grab a coffee or beer and browse their selection of used and like-new books before you head back home.
Bookstores on my ‘to visit’ list
My list of Maine bookshops I want to visit
Anodyne Bookshop in Searsport. I’ve driven by this shop a few times on my way to weddings and it looks darling from the outside.
Blue Hill Books in Blue Hill. Another bookshop to explore the next time I’m up near Acadia.
Arctic Tern Books in Rockland. Rockland is the perfect spot for a day trip from Portland, so I sense a visit to this bookshop this summer.
The Maine Bookhouse in Oxford. A barn full of used books? I’m in.
Royal River Books in Yarmouth. This one’s been recommended to me a number of times and it’s just a few miles outside of Portland.
Non-bookish Maine recommendations
If you want to do more than just book shop while you’re in Maine ◡̈
You must (must!) check out the Substack from . It's chock full of recommendations of off-the-beaten-path things to do in Maine and so many hidden gems. She also has a book full of adventures. I've discovered so many delights from her recommendations—from gorgeous seaside hikes to a quirky museum to honor system roadside bakeries. She will not steer you wrong.
If you're spending time enjoying the Portland food scene, Portland Food Map is my go-to. They also curate the Maine Food Map, a guide to the greater Maine food scene, with tons of great recommendations no matter what you're in the mood for.
Want to get out and go for a hike? Maine Hikes has been a source of many great hikes for us. Maine Trail Finder is also a great resource for finding trails near you.
Peruse the Maine the Way blog for inspiration for fun, curated day trips!
Are you planning to visit Maine this summer or have additional recommendations to add to this list? I’d love to hear them!
‘Til next time,
Thank you so much, Michelle! You're the best! Also, I am doing a book talk next weekend at Anodyne Bookshop - I'll be sure to check it out and report back! :)
As a fellow Portlander who lives in a nearby neighborhood, I can fully endorse Back Cove Books! It's one of my favorite places. :) I visited Left Bank for the first time about a month ago and fell in love with it so much I went back the next day, too!