1. The Arringtons
City: Wells, ME
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (207) 646-4124
Address: 1908 Post Rd., Route 1
Description: If you’re looking for a first edition of some obscure World War II epic, you’ll probably find it at this bookstore. The Arringtons has long been the go-to place for military titles. They stock everything else—more than 3,000 general titles are here, too—but it’s in war books that the place really shines, especially for those interested in the American Revolution, the Civil War, the World Wars, and particular unit histories. Practically across the street from Hardings, it makes for a good twofer.
2. Douglas N. Harding Rare Books
City: Wells, ME
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (207) 646-8785
Address: 2152 Post Rd., Route 1
Description: Legendary in Maine’s antique book circles, Hardings has an enormous inventory—as many as 100,000 books at any given time—as well as maps and prints, and if they don’t stock the title you’re looking for, they can probably get it for you. A family-owned operation in business since 1960, Harding’s has particularly strong selections of Maine, New England, maritime, and Americana titles. You could spend hours, days even, perusing the shelves—and many people do. A great rainy-day option.
3. R. Jorgensen Antiques
City: Wells, ME
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (207) 646-9444
Address: 502 Post Rd., Route 1
Description: One of the better antiques shops in a town known for them, Jorgensens is a sprawling operation, stuffing two whole buildings with 18th- and 19th-century furnishings and accessories, both American and European. And you’d hardly know it driving by, because the place is mostly obscured by hedges. Make the turn into the driveway and you’ll be glad you did.
4. Macdougall-Gionet Antiques
City: Wells, ME
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (207) 646-3531
Address: 2104 Post Rd., Route 1
Description: An old red barn serves as the home of close to 70 dealers at this South Coast staple, which specializes in antique furniture, fine, formal, and country, as well as smalls and folk art. Just don’t show up on Monday when the place is closed.