In the Woods — Local services in Bar Harbor

In the Woods... That is perhaps where the owner should stay. The owner was by far the rudest, most hateful person I have ever dealt with at any shop during our 2 year trip across the US. We’ve been touring national parks and enjoy supporting local artists who celebrate nature. We were very excited to find In The Woods shop in downtown Bar Harbor. At first. The storefront and displays inside were beautiful. My wife and I, along with a great friend visiting us on the road from Florida, went into the store fully expecting to buy numerous gifts for friends and family. At a glance, it appeared to be bursting at the seams with the kind of gifts we enjoy giving. Plus we love to support local artists. While my wife and friend walked ahead to explore the back of the store, my attention was caught by some wooden feathers displayed near the front. Feathers are a special symbol for dear friend of mine who has battled some health issues. I was hoping to buy one of the feathers displayed. However, next to the feathers was sign that asked customers not to touch the displayed feathers. I understand that. I can see how someone could break them. Since there were 4 different birds represented and 3 different sizes of feather, I looked them over and chose the small Nighthawk for my friend. However, before I purchased, I wanted to actually hold the feather, look it over and feel its energy. I asked the gentleman behind the counter if I could hold the small Nighthawk feather. His rudely dismissive response “what for?” “Well...so I can see it up close before I buy it”

He became annoyed and rolled his eyes, huffed and puffed and pulled some feather out of a shelf or cabinet behind him. He handed it over with a very angry put out look on his face. At this point, I had already decided I would not be spending a penny in this store and I would be advising my companions to avoid doing so. But...I looked the feather over. He stood there glaring at me while I looked at it. I handed it back and said “thanks, but I will not be spending any money in this shop” and I walked quickly to the back and told my wife and friend what had happened. They both set the items they had selected for purchase back in their spots and we walked out. My wife made eye contact with the owner on our way out and he was glaring...”glaring with venom”...as we left. What a pathetically unhappy soul. We mentioned something to the owner of a store a few doors down. They said we are not the first, second, third...etc to complain about him. This is when we learned he was the owner. Apparently, he has been nasty and rude to many people. Customers and employees alike.

Anyway, the products are beautiful. The spirit of the owner artist is dark, brooding and ugly. If you only care about the product and not the hands that made it, you might be happy buying from that...

Over many years I have visited and patronized this store. Spending a good amount on their nice wood crafts. My wife and I made two trips on our month in Acadia in October. Our first trip we purchased a number of items. I went back and wanted to buy a wooden spatula and was going to purchase other items as well. There were a number of them in a bowl, but one caught my eye hanging above the bowl by the register. I asked the lady if I could could purchase that one because I liked the wood grain. She looked at me, and after a few seconds said no. It was the same as those in the bowl, but different grain patterns. The price was marked on it. Same price. With only two others in the store she could easily have given it to me and displayed another. We left the store. Sadly I won't do business...

My husband and I were a little overwhelmed by Bar Harbor and we were so lucky to step off the sidewalk and into "In the Wood" this September. We are deep admirers of craft and this is the perfect place to be. There are wood treasures of all types, sizes, and shapes - and prices. It truly felt like a store for everyone and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We always try to find meaningful mementos when we travel, rather than "merch" or souvenirs that will just end up in the land fill. We were very happy to leave with some deeply appreciated items for our own home and...