Coastal Town Named Best ‘Main Street’ Shopping in Maine

For so many of us, modern shopping has become scrolling online and waiting for the mail or a visit to a big box store. But once upon a time, shopping was all about walking down the main street of a town and visiting every little quaint shop along the way.

Luckily, many towns in Maine have held on to a piece of the past. Throughout the state, you'll find plenty of great "main streets" still alive and thriving, with specialty shops, restaurants, and cafes.

But according to Cheapism, there's one particular "Main Street" in Maine that stands out above the rest when it comes to shopping. It's the half-square-mile downtown of Bath, Maine.

Known for its shipbuilding, Bath has long been a town filled with blue collar workers. Perhaps one of the town's best secrets is its "main street", a picturesque stretch filled with local stores and restaurants and nary a big box store in sight.

Beyond just the art, wares, and tasty treats to be found on Bath's Front Street, there's also just the feel. Bath is home to many historic buildings listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Street lights illuminate the downtown, and in the winter months, portions of the town can feel like a Hallmark movie.

While Bath tops the list amongst best "main streets" in Maine, the state has several more towns that boast terrific shopping areas that have held on to that old school charm. From Belfast to Camden and beyond, you could make a road trip out of the best main streets in the state.