Daytrip Society

Such a cool bookstore in a hidden spot. I came across this randomly and had to stop in. It is such…read morea cute little bookstore, it is small but it is filled to the brim! One of the owners was there and was so knowledgeable about all the books they had. The books are all crime based and she said between her and the other owner they had at least read all the authors. The books are very well priced and I think the experience alone is worth the trip.

Mainely Murders is a delightful little bookstore run by Paula and Ann (or is it Ann and Paula?),…read moretwo terrific women who say that they thought about opening the store for 35 years before they finally did it. It's a small independent bookstore that's tucked down a side street, but you're just about there if you're on Route 1 in Kennebunk. Just turn down Bourne Street and you'll find them. They've got thousands of books about murder and mystery, mostly used, sorted by the location of the story or author. There are mysteries that take place around the world or in New England, books where the main character is a dog, etc. In fact, they were having a food drive for a local pet shelter when we were there. If you're local and you didn't know about this store, get down there! And if you're a tourist who's looking for some reading material, you won't do better than Mainely Murders Bookstore. In any case, this is what bookstores were like before Barnes & Noble chased the little guys out of the business and then Amazon turned book shopping into an online experience. You might want to go to their website or call them to check their hours before you drop by. We went in October and their Fall hours had begun, so they were going to be closed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

Not only do they sell hard to find books, but they were collecting food for a local pet shelter!

Bookstore

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Bookstore

The Knotty Elephant

5.0(6 reviews)

0.1 mi

Awesome store in the heart of Kennebunkport! I love stopping in here when visiting town and they…read morehave some sharp new Kennebunkport clothing as well!

Charming bookstore with a unique history. Buy the book, it is worth the read. Be sure to ask the…read moreowner about his dad!

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Annie's Book Stop

4.8(8 reviews)

7.4 mi

Small little store, with an area for kids books, a small area for new books, and a small room for…read moreused books. The two older women that run the store aren't the friendliest people around, you feel like you're bothering them as you casually look around. Prices are kind of high, especially on their used books.

This was a small but well-curated bookstore with an assortment of new books and two rooms full of…read moresecondhand books. I was really impressed with the quantity AND quality of the used books-- it seems like they take care with what they choose to sell. I especially liked their mass market romance section-- perfect for the beach!

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One of the books offered for sale.

Barnes & Noble

4.7(7 reviews)

20.0 mi

I mean it's a book store…read more Always end up getting 2 or 3 books. Great selection, staff are always friendly and their recommendations allow for expanding your reading interest.

I think, if you're going to come to a chain bookstore, this should be the place you visit. It's so…read morenew; it's got that new book smell (not really, but... maybe, kinda, sorta?)! 1. So much easy, free parking in their huge shared lot. 2. There's a Starbucks-adjacent cafe. NOTE: it's NOT actually Starbucks though, so you can't order ahead or pay with your app. Just a heads-up! The cafe portion of the bookstore is spacious and clean, with the tables themselves also being spaced quite far apart from one another. It creates a real sense of privacy no matter where you sit! 3. The atmosphere/layout here is very modern and inviting; the selection itself is enormous. Genres are clearly labeled, and there's a tremendous amount of content available no matter what you're looking for (so be prepared to spend some time here wandering around and taking it all in... then you'll probably have to come back, because there's no way you'll actually be able to take it all in on the first visit!). They've got new releases, popular books, recommendations, board games, and more. And, of course, the random armchair for you to sit and peruse your possible purchase. Obviously, support local first. But if you're looking for a slow-paced, wide open, very quiet, very tidy spot to spend a little bit of time (without feeling rushed or forced to purchase something) finding your next favorite read, I'd suggest visiting here!

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RiverRun Bookstore

4.4(33 reviews)

24.3 mi

Friendly service, inviting atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, reasonably priced books... this is a…read moregreat local bookstore.

RiverRun is clean, bright and well-organized. The staff is friendly and helpful. But my goodness…read moreis it small. And with a significant portion of the space dedicated to children/YA books, there's just not very much to choose from. The last 3 times I've popped in there I've walked out empty-handed. It's a shame because it's a store I'd happily support if there was more to choose from.

Riverrun's new storefront at 142 Fleet Street.

The interior of their new store at 142 Fleet Street

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It was really good to see this sign!

Harding Douglas Rare Books

3.8(25 reviews)

4.8 mi

My brother and I were spending the day exploring Kittery, York, and Kennebunkport and decided to…read moreswing by Wells on our way back up to Portland to see if anything stuck out to us. We were driving up Route 1 and noticed a few antique shops when we approached Douglas Harding. Since my brother is a fan of bookstores, specifically ones that carry old and rare ones, we decided to stop and check it out. DH sits right on Route 1 in a prime location. It's kind of unassuming from the outside, but once you're inside it gives away to how grand the space actually is. There are rooms and rooms filled with books - I kept walking around thinking I reached the back of the store but it just didn't stop! The shop carries a big selection and is neatly organized by section. There are clear indicators as to what is where, and they keep their rarer finds behind glass cabinets. You can honestly get lost for hours in this place, there are so many shelves to browse, and they have something for virtually everyone - from historical encyclopedia to a tell-all guide to Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. They also have a side room that is filled with maps of spots all around the world for sale. From what I can gather, a father and daughter own/run the shop - they were both friendly and offered help looking for something if we needed it. Overall, this was a great find in Wells - all the times I had been here I had never thought to stop in and I'm glad we did. It's definitely worth exploring if you're in the area.

Lovely to meet and talk to the owner; he's a bit hard of hearing but happy to talk books. He's…read moremoved fully into a smaller building, so not as many books but still an interesting collection.

Wow yes

Many odd and strange books

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Lots of stuff to look at

Bull Moose

5.0(1 review)

8.1 mi

Bull Moose Music moved from its former smaller store in Sanford to a bigger plaza space at…read moreBiddeford Crossing. This bigger space was once a Nonesuch Books. This new employee owned Bull Moose store is way less cramped than its former Sanford location, where I've shopped for music a long way back. This store had their grand opening a few months ago. Like its old location except more spread out inside, the Biddeford location offers a pretty good selection of new and used music, movies, video games, and books to choose from. The store is well organized nicely by sections with vinyl records, books, CDs, video games, DVDs, Blu-rays and miscellaneous items in between. The music is organized by genre alphabetically with a mix of new and used CDs, They also carry used cassettes ($3 each) underneath the old vinyls. The prices including the sale prices here are very competitive to the online music stores. The Bull Moose website is a good place to search and find which stores have your item or title in stock. They also do special orders and accept used music, movies, and video games for $$$ if in good condition. I spotted several used CDs from 20 years ago being sold for as low as $2.97, which I have in my personal collection and are no longer made. As a holder of the Bull Moose Music FBC (Freakin' Buyers Card), I earn points with each purchase here and receive the Bull Moose Music weekly emails with their e-sales flyers, new releases, promotions, and events (chainwide). IMO, the new Biddeford Bull Moose location is a great improvement to the older cramped location, though it's not as big as the Scarborough Superstore location.

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Elements

4.7(160 reviews)

9.2 mi

My first time being made aware of Elements is actually due to them doing collaboration beers with…read moreBarreled Souls. This morning, my wife and I finally planned to go check out their space for the first time. What more could you truly ask for than a cafe/coffee shop meets bookstore meets beer bar! My wife is more of an avid reader than I am so she enjoyed the book aspect more. They have a large menu of offerings drink wise with everything you'd expect from a coffee shop. I do wish they did a rotating seasonal special drink menu, as places usually have one or more great sounding drinks on those. Both my wife and I settled on an iced blueberry latte. Overall it had hints of blueberry and tasted more like milk than anything. Would not be rushing back for it specifically that's for sure. Food wise they have some in-house baked goods as well as bagels from Rose Foods and corssiants from Little Spruce Baking. My wife got a plain bagel with cream cheese while I grabbed a chocolate croissant. I did mess up by not requesting it be warmed up but it was still delicious! Will be finding more spots that have goodies from Little Spruce. The bagel was also tasty. Book wise my wife enjoyed browsing but did not find any books she needed to grab. She did enjoy reading a couple chapters of her current book while we sat by the large windows (good spot for world watching outside). We enjoyed our visit but have other spots we would be happier to visit again.

My go to study/wfh spot for years. Plenty of outlets and seating, love that they stay open later…read morethan other coffee shops in the area. Love that they have local brews on tap + a good selection of books. The set up a few seats outside when it's nice out! Good cold brew, iced tea, chai, and matcha. Bagels from Rose Foods (aka delish). Their tapas plates are great for a snack!

Selection of cookbooks and local Maine products along the wall by the menu

Book selection is great!

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Bar seating, iced tea

Longfellow Books

4.1(54 reviews)

23.2 mi•Old Port

I was thoroughly impressed by the excellent selection of gifts and good-quality used books. I…read morewalked into the bookstore just to browse, and I ended up leaving with a bag full of souvenirs and used books!

Longfellow Books is in the heart of Portland- within walking distance to a number of my favorite…read moreshops and restaurants. They always have a great selection, and I especially love their bargain section. So many of my favorite books have come from Longfellow's, and I'll forever be thankful to them for that.

Back section

Used books section

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Sheafe Street Books

4.9(23 reviews)

24.1 mi

The second of third Portsmouth book stops for Indie Bookstore Day. This is a spot you could easily…read moreget lost in spending hours searching for that hidden gem/special book. Many older books in really nice condition. In what appears to be a house converted into a literary haven for book lovers, it's a spot that could easily be missed if you aren't directly searching for it! Despite having many older and used books they did honestly have a good selection of newer and popular books too! Compared to many other spots of similar nature I really appreciated the fact they had some newer and popular books in contrast to used books. It's a great way to bring in both those who want the popular and new and those looking to search through the shelves for that hidden gem! Prices seemed reasonable and while we did not interact with the owner nothing negative to say. A spot worth checking out if you find yourself in Portsmouth. One of a few Indie Bookstores you can support here in town!

I went in looking for a James Baldwin novel and an Ursula LeGujn novel and found both, plus a…read morememoir that I wasn't seeking. Not that I'd expect to find exactly what I wanted each time I go here, but this place has a wonderfully curated inventory and the feeling of a flea market too, among the used books. Who knows what you might find, browsing while independent radio plays in the background?

Books

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Books

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B L.

16 years ago

Very cool little shop. A fun place to go.

Jane E.

13 years ago

fun store for browsing

Daytrip Society - bookstores - Updated September 2026

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Beachology

4.5

(11 reviews)

•$$$$

Pepole we're great so much to chose from and not too pricey and all made in Maine So it says! And…read moresoo much selection to chose from! Definitely want to go back 10/10

Still the best spot for gifts and souvenirs in OOB! They have the nicest selection of T-shirts.read more

The Knotty Elephant

(6 reviews)

Awesome store in the heart of Kennebunkport! I love stopping in here when visiting town and they…read morehave some sharp new Kennebunkport clothing as well!

Charming bookstore with a unique history. Buy the book, it is worth the read. Be sure to ask the…read moreowner about his dad!

JAK Designs

(4 reviews)

JAK Designs - A True Gem in Kennebunkport…read more If you're in Kennebunkport, do yourself a favor and visit JAK Designs on Dock Street. This beautiful little shop is a haven for anyone who appreciates high-quality, handmade knitwear. Jen and Tanya, the incredibly talented owner-artisans, create each piece in their nearby studio using natural and organic yarns. Their designs are not only elegant and versatile--they're also proudly made in the USA. Everything in the store feels lightweight, soft, and wearable in any season. I was especially taken with the linen capelets, which come in gorgeous colors like lavender and wine. They're the perfect year-round accessory--whether worn as a shrug with a classic scoop neck, or draped asymmetrically for a chic, modern look. I treated myself to one of the wine-colored wraps, and I can't believe how it elevated my simple jeans and white shirt into a polished, stylish outfit. It's rare to find clothing that feels this good and looks this effortlessly beautiful. Whether you visit the shop in person, catch them at a juried art show, or browse their website, you'll find something truly special at JAK Designs. Highly, highly recommended!

Lovely shop full of clothing, leather goods, and jewelry handmade by American artisans. The owner…read morewas helpful, friendly, and clearly passionate about her work. I purchased a beautiful necklace and the owner shared information about the artist and how it was created.

Dock Square Emporium

(3 reviews)

•$$$

A Happy Place ~ Souvenirs & Memorabilia Galore!…read more Really nice Owners keep their store well arranged & pristine. A variety of Beach & Seaside Home Decor is featured. I loved the Seashell Collection.

Adorable little store in the heart of Kennebunkport. The manager and her daughter are personable,…read moreaccommodating, and most importantly, kind. I would definitely recommend stopping in the store if you are into crafty trinkets, little pieces of "Maine/New England culture," and hardworking owners that are naturally gifted in customer service!

Blue Willow Gift Shop & Antiques

4.3

(3 reviews)

•$

Ok... if your looking for a tacky tourist souvenir shop, Blue Willow Gifts is NOT the place to go…read more Products here are of a better quality and some local artist have displays here some with handcrafted one of a kind décor. The displays are well presented with plenty of room to explore about (which I can honestly say was not the case a few years ago). The price point on some items might be considered high, but then they are probably not made in China either. The staff is quite friendly and can assist with your shopping needs.

Great souvenir/ shirt shop. You need to look around to find some fair prices on some of their…read moreitems... Great for window shopping! Or looking for the perfect t shirt!

Wholesale Books

(3 reviews)

Cute book store which is far bigger than you might expect! Loads to choose from in many genres, and…read morethe prices are unbeatable! A definite gem for any bookworms in the area!

Awesome place! Mostly used books in great condition usually in the $4-10 range unless brand new and…read morepopular. We go here all the time to grab a book for cheap when we're on vacation at OOB. Nice people. Somewhat disorganized but in a charming way.

Lazy Daisy

3.5

(8 reviews)

Adorable shop in center of town. Really cute womens fashions. Shopkeeper was very friendly, no…read morepressure.

My very favorite store in Ogunquit. I've been shopping there for many years…read more They have a great variety of stylish and fun clothing, jewelry and accessories. Also unique hand-painted items. I always get compliments when I wear anything purchased there. The staff, especially the owner, are always very friendly and couldn't be more helpful.

Maine Originals

3.5

(2 reviews)

This shop has unique sweatshirts and apparel compared to other gift shops. I got a cute crew neck…read morehere, it was $60. Small shop with lots to choose from, they also carry stickers and post cards.

This is the cutest shop! It's a tiny store located in Perkin's Cove. I loved the designs -- these…read moreare not your generic shirts and sweaters. Unfortunately, the woman at the front desk was on a FaceTime call the whole time we were there. Whenever we'd ask a question, she seemed bothered, as if she were doing us a favor. It's a tiny store, yet she didn't engage with us once -- not even a hello -- outside of us asking a few questions about sizes and prices. It left us feeling uncomfortable, and we quickly left. We did not feel welcomed.

Trader Charlie’s

(1 review)

Love this shop right on the pier. Clothes are of the better quality that I've found in OOB. They…read morealso have up to 3xl which I've found some stores don't, so it's great. Awesome souvenirs and love me a humorous t-shirt!

Beach Grass

4.8

(4 reviews)