2 Best Shopping in Western Lakes and Mountains, Maine

Picture windows line the walls of this welcoming corner boutique that sells unique women's attire from the "USA and beyond" including cashmere and cashmere-feel print shawls, leggings in fun prints, and lively dresses for evenings out as well as running about. In business since 2009, Firefly is also known for jewelry: more than 30 of its jewelry and clothing lines are American-made. Several of the former are by Maine artisans.

Creative shop windows showcase an individual artist on a rotating biweekly basis, inviting passersby into Bridgton Art Guild's wide-open tin-ceilinged gallery in a former hardware store. Eclectic and fun—definitely not stuffy—the gallery opened in 2003 and represents more than 40 local and regional artists working in various media. Artists' displays have their bio and photograph. Don't miss the back-corner gift shop with cards, small prints, and the like. Along with hosting wine and cheese receptions and community events, the guild holds classes and workshops—many for a day or half day, so consider signing up.