LL Bean Flagship Store, Freeport

Freeport, Maine is known mostly for being the home of the famous L.L. Bean Company. Its flagship store is here, open 24 hours a day, and said not to even have locks on the doors. In fact, I confirmned it, no locks on the main doors. The tradition began when predawn hunters could stop by to pick up supplies and equipment on their way out. Personally, I am bringing very little, so I can shop until I drop. It will make up for my few, and I mean FEW, purchases in South America last month. Maine is reputed to be the bargain shopping capital of the Americas.

Freeport is on the shores of Casco Bay, a little north of Portland, where we spent last night. It is well known for its outlet shopping, beauty and history. The population is only 1813 people in the 2000 census. The racial makeup is 94% white.

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park is located here as well. It is known for its climax white pines, hemlock forests, and salt marsh estuary. Desert dunes are also present here. And of course, LL Bean has been here since 1911. The original style of boot is still for sale.

Another 200 shops are centered here as well, including many outlet stores. Rather than appear like an outlet mall, they used the existing buildings on the main street. It makes for a friendlier and warmer feel to this quaint village. Freeport also has some of Maine's best street food. This would include my all time favorite, the lobster roll. We had a mini lobster roll at Linda Bean's Lobster Shack, right on the LL Bean campus. Delicious! Then, an ice cream at the nearby Ben and Jerry's.

Freeport was founded back in 1789, and is commonly known as the birthplace of Maine. The Jameson Tavern was a place where many meetings were held, where the separation movement began. The Tavern still exists. We had a beer here, just to thank our forefathers. The area is very friendly, though a little back woodsy.

Portland, the largest city in Maine, is "the beautiful town that is seated by the sea" as written by poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This is his birthplace, and the city has become the leading wholesale distributing point for northern New England.

I can't wait to see the LL store. I have been wanting to visit for over 30 years. What if I find a kayak in blue and gold? Or a hunting rifle? Wait, I don't hunt or shoot. Make that a pistol, which I will need for my trip to Africa next year. And not to shoot animals, as it is meant to protect ME! Maybe we can finally buy a decent rod and reel.

Actually, I bought some storm clogs, and a few gifts. Sheri found a beautiful black wool coat for this winter, should we decide to stay or come back for maple syrup time. The store is huge, and has several departments we could not even visit, for lack of time. We may go back again tomorrow, on our way up north to Bar Harbor.

It is just up the road, so after breakfast at Becky's Diner, we are steamrolling to the store. I will take lots of photos. It should be an outdoorsman's paradise, or at least a shopper's paradise. Though we have not seen many animals, we do see designated bear and moose crossings along the freeways. Maybe today will be the day.

We also stopped at a real LL Bean Factory Outlet in downtown Portland. Rather slim pickings, but a great discount on basics, like jackets, turtlenecks, socks, and home goods. We also enjoyed the Patagonia and North Face outlets near LL Bean as well. The outlets are placed in old buildings rather than cookie cutter stores. In fact, I think we will go back again tomorrow.

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