Shopping in Maine

Like sales more than sails? If so, start your engines at Kittery, on the southern edge of Maine, and travel north along Route 1 until you reach Freeport. Bring your cash, credit cards or checkbook because this 60-mile stretch yields bargains galore at hundreds of outlets that sell first-quality goods with discounts of up to 70 percent.

Kittery alone features more than 120 outlets, offering everything from children’s clothing to kitchen gadgets to fine linens. A collection of stores sells designer and brand name outfits from the likes of Chico’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. You’ll find bargain-priced accessories at Coach, Cole Haan, Jockey and Wilson Leather. Housewares and home furnishings will tempt you at Le Creuset, Crate and Barrel, and Villeroy & Boch.

On the other end of the shopping tour, at Freeport, you’ll encounter the L.L.Bean merchandising mecca. Anchored by its flagship retail store, the L.L.Bean campus includes several separate storefronts: Home Store; Fishing & Hunting; Bike, Boat & Ski; and of course, the ever-popular Outlet. (There also are L.L.Bean outlets in Ellsworth and Bangor.)