2 Best Places to Shop in Down East Coast, Maine

Near the Machias River Bridge in downtown Machias, this longtime shop used to be a couple towns over in Columbia Falls, thus the name. Offsetting the creamy white earthenware are softly hued purple, pink, blue, and green pieces with hand-painted patterns that evoke the Down East landscape: blueberry, lupine, iris, pine cone, fern, and lady slipper. There are also decorative tiles and a line featuring an image of a loon on a pond. The potter herself will likely be on hand to help you select from mugs, bowls, clocks, lamps, and other useful pieces. Gift wrapping is free, as is assistance in packing items for safe travel; shipping is also available.

High-fire porcelain dinnerware and housewares in abstract designs, decorative raku pieces, yoga-inspired porcelain jewelry, and colorful tile backsplashes and tables are for sale at Connie’s Clay of Fundy Pottery. The potter and owner gives demonstrations in the attached studio and invites visitors to relax on the deck.