will we regret staying in freeport maine if we don't love shopping?
 

We are going to the Freeport, Brunswick, Harpswell area mid April. While we are very familiar with the Portland area, this more northern location will be new for us. We have an idea of places to explore, hike, visit, walk, tool, and so on. The question is, should we stay in Freeport, or choose Brunswick or Harpswells? While some shopping is all right, it's not the point of our visit, and wonder if Freeport is just so dominated by stores. Or, does it have another, more quintessential side to it? We're wondering where to set up our base for 3 nights. I know all three areas are in close proximity. Should we just go with Haraseekset or Hampton Inn? Or venture to Harpsell? Brunswick on Maine St? Any suggestions for location, and then inn, hotel, or B&B out there? We are a couple with our adult daughter. Thanks.

If you don't love shopping, then you may not be happy staying in Freeport. I responded to your other post; I think you would be happier in Brunswick or the Harpswells. I recommend Brunswick; there are nice B&B's on Maine Street or the other 2 places I suggested in my other post. But I admit I am partial to Brunwick because my daughter graduated from Bowdoin :-) If the weather isn't nice, I think you would be happier staying in Brunwick as opposed to Harpswell. Also, Brunswick is close to both Freeport & Harpswell. From Harpswell to Freeport is a longer drive. Brunswick is equidistant from Harpswell and Freeport.
Hope this helps.

Agree with Kwoo. Stongly. It will be cold in Harpswell. Or it won't, but I am betting that it is unlikely to be shirtsleeve weather. But well worth visiting.

Absolutley do not stay in Freeport if you're not into shopping -- its packed and really not very representative of the rest of the beautiful area. Have you thought of Bath? It's a neat Maine small town. Nicely located, some good restaurants, cute shops, not crowded and a charming town.

Why not Boothbay Harbor? Friendly and quiet and lots
of great places stay and to dine. I don't think Freeport should be considered 'Down East"...it could be anywhere.

The Harpswell area may be too quiet and too rural in mid-April. We have enjoyed driving around that area. Brunswick is a great college town with some interesting shops although we've only visited in the summer. You are more apt to find something to do at night, more restaurants open and it's handy to Rt 95. We like Bath, too, and have visited the Maritime Museum but we usually camp in Wiscasset. Boothbay in April might be nice (too crowded for us in summer) and you might look at Maine Coastal Gardens for a nice place to walk.