2 Best Places to Shop in Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle, Maine

In addition to having a well-rounded selection of books, magazines, and stationery, this fabulous independent bookstore cosponsors many literary events throughout the year. The staff is unusually adept at helping with selections and making thoughtful reading recommendations.

You could spend an entire morning poring over the fascinating book selection here, but you'd probably get distracted by the shelves stocked with everything from gossamer sweaters and artistic gift wrap to leather-bound journals. This is also a magnet for local events, from regular author readings to community discussions. Don't miss the notably good coffee in the café or the fantastic locally-made pastries like flaky mushroom Gouda croissants, which pair well with the iced lavender tea.