OUR FAVORITE MAINE GIFTS

MAINE GIFTS

From BARB MOWER ADVERTISING & LAYOUT COORDIATOR

WHAT MAINE-MADE GIFT DO YOU LOVE

TO GIVE? Lobsters and inhouse smoked salmon from Pine Tree Seafood & Produce Co.

WHY IT’S SPECIAL: Maine lobsters are sourced from the bay in Scarborough from the local fisherman’s co-op. Plus the owners are Central Maine guys, Jim Hartley from Corinna and his father-in-law Dick Whitmore, former Colby College basketball coach.

WHO IT’S PERFECT FOR: Out-of-state relatives who are hungering for Maine seafood, especially now that traveling is not that easy.

COST: Check their website for current prices.

WHERE TO GET IT: At pinetreeseafood.com or call them at (207) 730-7121 or stop in at 655 US-1 in Scarborough. WHAT MAINE MADE GIFT DO YOU LOVE TO GIVE: Making wine at Central Farmhouse to give to many people on your list. You can take a wine making class and come away with many bottles of wine to drink or share with friends.

WHY IT’S SPECIAL: Friends and family will love having a delicious beverage for the holidays made by you. You can even do festive DIY labels to add a personal touch. The wine classes are fun and you can do it with friends. You can choose from so many different options and select the perfect wine you know everyone will enjoy.

WHO IT’S PERFECT FOR: Anyone on your gift list who enjoys a glass of wine at the end of a long day.

COST: The classes are free but you pay for the Wine Kits which range from $80 to $170 dollars. There is a $25 bottling fee and it is $17.50 for a case of bottles. One kit will make you 27 bottles of wine and the experience is fun which makes it well worth the price.

WHERE TO GET IT: Head down to the Central Street Farmhouse in downtown Bangor at 30 Central St. FromJANELLE JUNDT FREELANCE WRITER

BUY LOCAL!

CHRISTMAS

STOCKINGS FROM

AWAY UP NORTH

Give your family handcrafted and personalized Christmas stockings and Balsam pillows! All made from wool fabric and designed to reflect images and memories of the northwoods of Maine.

AWAYUPNORTH.COM

GIFT CARD TO

GOVERNOR’S RESTAURANT & BAKERY

Give the gift of Gov’s just because, for holidays or any special occasion and make that someone special smile! Gift cards can be purchased online and shipped to an address you choose or purchased in person at any Governor’s Restaurant location. E-Gift Cards can be purchased online and sent by email to arrive within a few minutes. GOVERNORSRESTAURANT.COM

MAINE GIFTS

WHAT MAINE-MADE GIFT DO YOU LOVE

TO GIVE? Hiker boot socks from Northern Solstice Alpaca Farm. FromMARCIE COOMBS

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

WHY IT’S SPECIAL: My husband and I visited their farm this summer (a must see destination... they give free tours!) and picked up a pair of these in their gift shop. They boast of their insulating properties on their website, and it’s true! Wonderful socks!

WHO IT’S PERFECT FOR: Almost anyone!

COST: $22

WHERE TO GET IT: At their gift shop in Unity or online mainealpacaexperience.com. WHY IT’S SPECIAL: The bright sterling silver bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings are hammered into unique designs that can be worn for any occasion. The complexity of the pieces range from simple hoop earrings to an intricate Byzantine necklace built out of hundreds of linked rings. I own many of his pieces, including a peace sign necklace and dragonfly earrings.

WHO IT’S PERFECT FOR: Someone who enjoys local, handcrafted jewelry — and wears silver! The pieces are classic and high quality. Even if someone doesn’t wear a lot of jewelry or they steer away from anything flashy, I bet they’d love to wear one of his simpler designs.

COST: Ranges from $5 rings to a $165 Byzantine necklace.

WHERE TO GET IT: Visit karrottop.craftah.com. Many of his pieces are sold at the Rock & Art Shop in Bangor and Stars Fine Jewelry in Damariscotta. Also, keep an eye out for the artist at local craft fairs.

From AISLINN SARNACKI

FREELANCE WRITER

MAINE GIFTS

From AMY ALLEN

WHAT MAINE-MADE GIFT DO YOU SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR LOVE TO GIVE? I’ve got a big family and with any luck I’ll actually get to see them in person this Christmas. Our celebrations always center around food, and a charcuterie board is often the centerpiece. I love to find (and taste) Maine-made cheeses, jams and spreads, fun crackers, prosciutto, nuts, stuffed olives, crusty baguettes and more — and Bangor Wine and Cheese is a great spot for everything you need. Showing up to a party with a charcuterie board is a surefire holiday hit. WHY IT’S SPECIAL: A good charcuterie board has a little something for everyone. You can also find some really beautiful Maine-made boards on which to serve all your delicious goodies — put it all together and leave the board behind as a gift to the host. It’s the perfect present.

WHO IT’S PERFECT FOR: Holiday hosts and anyone who loves good food.

COST: Depends on what you include on your board.

WHERE TO GET IT: Bangor Wine and Cheese in downtown Bangor has everything you need to create a beautiful charcuterie board, including a huge selection of artisan cheeses, cured meats, locally made chocolates and hundreds of wines to pair with your creation. Eat More Cheese in Belfast is another great spot to check out if you’re on the midcoast.

WHAT MAINE-MADE GIFT DO YOU LOVE TO

GIVE? A fresh L.L. Bean wreath.

WHY IT’S SPECIAL: It gives your home a woodland Christmas feeling and lets you have a piece of “Maine” anywhere you are celebrating the holidays.

WHO IT’S PERFECT FOR: Friends and family who live out of state.

COST: $45-$60.

WHERE TO GET IT: Visit llbean.com. You can also find Maine-made wreaths that are ready to ship from a variety of different local crafters and farms. Just search online! FromCAROLINA RAVE

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

BUY LOCAL!

HANDBAGS FROM

JANELL BAGS

Just when you thought that there were no American-made bags! They’ve made a comeback! Janell Bags are designed and handcrafted in Newport, Maine. Classy colors and classic styles. Find us at janellbags.com and in our NEW retail shop in Newport! You can love your handbag again! JANELLBAGS.COM

GLUTEN-FREE GIFT

BOX FROM BOX OF MAINE

Looking for the perfect gift for your gluten-free friends? The folks at Box of Maine have compiled a tasty selection of Maine-made products for those who are trying to remove gluten from their diet. The gluten-free boxes are just one of many box options featuring iconic Maine gifts, treats and items that will bring back fond memories of our great state. BOXOFMAINE.COM

SHOP LOCAL

EAT, SHOP & ENJOY Downtown Bangor

SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS BY MAKING DOWNTOWN BANGOR YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING HEADQUARTERS

Small businesses long have been the heart and soul of local communities. There is something to be said about being on a first-name basis with a local restaurateur or another small business owner, as such familiarity often translates into exemplary service.

Consumers who want to help their favorite Downtown Bangor businesses thrive can use the holiday season and beyond to set the course for success.

· SHOP LOCAL. The concept is simple but effective. Opting to shop in local stores over larger conglomerates and franchises can help small businesses take root. And chances are your gifts will be one-of-a-kind. · PURCHASE GIFT CARDS. All businesses have slow periods, and post-holidays is often a time when sales stagnate. Gift cards may bring new customers into local businesses who might otherwise not have patronized them, potentially creating new repeat customers.

· EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY. The holiday season is chock-full of opportunities to get together with friends for drinks or dinner out, as well as entertain in your own home. Holiday hosts can rely on nearby restaurants and other food and beverage businesses to cater holiday parties. And while you’re out shopping, enjoy all Downtown Bangor has to offer, including great restaurants ready to feed hungry shoppers. · TALK THEM UP! Mention small businesses on social media. If you’re excited about a find, share the news! When shopping in local stores, snap pictures of products and overflowing shopping bags and post them online while praising local businesses. It’s also a great way to let others know what you’d like to see in your own holiday stocking.

· THINK ABOUT SUBSCRIPTION GIFTS.

Enrollment in a health club, massage therapy service or theater tickets are gifts that keep on giving for the recipient, but also help ensure consistent incoming cash for the business providing the service. make towns and cities unique.

Find Great Holiday Shopping, Dining and Entertainment in Downtown Bangor!

Rock & Art

Epic Sports