My hubby and I are traveling up the coast of Maine in early June. Portland to Bar Harbor with a stop in Kennebunkport. Would love to find some great Antique shops. The kind dealers like not touristy ones. Also, does Off Skintastic work for keeping the flies off? Has anyone stayed at the Newcastle Inn in Newcastle?

I suggest you get hold of a copy of the Green Guide to Antiquing in New England published by the Globe Pequot Press - you ought to be able to find this on Amazon. The book is a great info source, although entries are paid for by the shops so you need to keep your eyes open during your travels for "unadvertised" places. The stretch of Rte 1 between Oguquit and Kennebunkport is dotted with all sorts of little shops - many in the Wells area. There's a fabulous, large Antique Co-op in Brunswick and the Main Street in Bath offers a wonderful variety of smallish shops. There's an excellent Co-op in Rockport - check the Green Guide for exact location. We are avid collectors and have made some super finds over the years poking in and out of every shop we come to on Rte 1 - dont really pay attention to the names of the dealers - just make a point of never passing by one of those red white and blue "Antiques" flags!
We spent a couple of nights at the Newcastle Inn in the Fall of 2001. Very well-run place - pleasant hosts - well known for their fine cuisine. We were initially disappointed by its location on a fairly busy street, but found our room to be extremely quiet and the location a great base for exploring the Pemaquid area as well as antiquing adventures.
Cant comment on the Skintastic - but I think the flies are worse if you're hanging around in the woods - and you wont find too many good antique shops in the woods!

Just re-read my last post and think I ought to clarify what I mean by "Co-Op" - that's what we call a group shop where a whole load of dealers rent spaces - I think that co-op may be a regional expression. Also, some fabulous shops are further north along rte 1 in Searsport. Happy Hunting!

Off Skintastic is one of the best, but you'll find the black flies a bit less intimidating along the coast than inland. The sea breeze keeps them at bay. I like to spray a cap or hat and wear it, rather than spray my face. Also spray your sneakers and socks!

There are two very good co-ops on Rt. 1 at the turnoff to Kennebunkport, at Arundel Rd. (I believe). And on the weekends there is an outdoor flea market set up next to one of them. We always check these out. The strategy of stopping everywhere along Rt. 1 is the one we follow as well. YOu just never know where you'll hit a jackpot. Further up Rt. 1, but still south of Portland, there are two places I particularly enjoy in Scarborough. One is a barn, but very very upscale looking (can't remember the name, sorry) but has great inventory, both large and small items. Very well run. A second spot is another co-op (can't remember its name either...I'm so sorry) right on the northbound side of the road in Scarborough which is more of a lower level co-op (i.e. the dealers have small area, but not as many glass casess). Lots of fun to poke around. If I can remember the names I'll add them.

I'm up at the top of Mount Washington, NH this week, and I'm afraid the thin air is effecting my memory.