With a population of just under 10,000 Freeport in Cumberland County, Maine, is a quiet New England town. However, shopoholics are well aware of the fact that Freeport is home to the famous Leon Leonwood Bean or better known as L.L. Bean. The town also boasts countless outlet stores and is considered a shopping heaven for those so inclined. Shopping is not the only attraction in Freeport, which was a center of shipbuilding, fishing and cloth making and offers the visitor pristine coastal scenery and wildlife.
A shopper’s paradise, Freeport offers no less than 170 outlet shops, ranging from designer clothes to casual wear. There is something for every budget here. However, the huge L.L. Bean flagship store and outlet – open 24 hours - are the primary shopping attractions, selling everything from outdoor wear to gear. But in Freeport, L.L. Bean offers much more; at the Outdoor Discovery School, visitors can learn to master a range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, clay pigeon shooting and fly fishing. The school will also organize various outdoors activities as well.
Freeport offers unspoiled natural beauty for those that do not care for shopping. There are several large state parks nearby and the coastal scenery and beauty can be experienced either by hiking or by driving along the US1 coastal highway. This part of coastal Maine is home to some remarkable wildlife, particularly birds. Nature walks in the Desert of Maine, Wolfe’s Neck Woods or Mast Landing Sanctuary are just the few of the natural attractions in this area.
Highlights
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park: offers the visitor beautiful marshes and open fields covering 200 acres; hike the popular Casco Bay Trail and enjoy the amazing coastal views and wildlife.** **
Outlet Stores: are spread across Freeport, many clustered around the L.L. Bean flagship store, but others located in the historic Victorian district of town; it’s not only shopping that is on offer, but concerts, talks and other cultural events also take place in the shopping district.
Desert of Maine: is a natural phenomenon resulting from over-farming and over-grazing; tours are available or just trek the desert by yourself.
L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School: offers visitors a chance to learn how to fish, paddle and kayak; don’t forget to shop at the flagship store and outlet as well!
Winslow Memorial Park: is a 90-acre park on Casco Bay; enjoy sunbathing on the sandy beaches, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean or just take in the scenic water views.
Coastal Highway US1: is an amazing scenic drive; even if you don’t have a car, it is worth renting one just to experience this coastal drive miles away from the office.
Mast Landing Sanctuary: is a not to be missed bird sanctuary owned and managed by the Maine Aubudon Society.