Little Village Gifts — Local services in Bar Harbor

There we were, on the prowl—on the hunt. A gaggle of tactless buffoons aimlessly sauntering and meandering about the bustling streets of Bar Harbor in search of a very particular shirt. “Why?” you ask in a tone that suggests condescension. “Why not?” I’ll snippily retort. The shirt in question you may like to know was only ever verbally described to our us, yet this did not deter our belief that we might, with a bit of luck, be able to procure it. It was described as follows, “there were two lobsters wearing suits with the caption reading: ‘Claw and Order.’” Naturally you will understand that we were resolute and devote to the task at hand as such gems are hard to come by this day in age. For almost a whole twenty minutes our journey and inquiries bore no fruit. However, tattered and weary as we were we by chance stumbled into Little Village Gifts. Approaching the counter, we explained our plight to two lovely clerks. A man and woman, who I imagine are in love; they listened with empathy, care, and thoughtful consideration. They said, “we don’t believe we carry that item but give us a second.” They disappeared into the back storeroom and emerged after a few short seconds with Loren aka “boss man”, the actual proprietor of this fine establishment. We explained our mission once more expecting to be shot down. To our surprise an infectious smile started creep across his face, and he started to giggle. He was in fact amused by our tale. Loren and the two clerks then started to fill us in on the local lore surrounding the shirt and why it geographically makes complete sense considering the Law and Order guy, Steven Zirnkilton, is actually a local to the Bar Harbor area. It was fantastic information and backstory to now be aware of. Loren not only empathized with our task but he decided to lend a hand. He told us if we’d leave our number he’d do some digging. Our gratitude for this act of kindness knows no bounds. So we carried on and checked on a few leads provided by these good folks. No luck. But ten minutes later we get a text from Loren. He had not been able to find that shirt, but he did have some shirts that might just work. And they really did fit the bill. We settled on a shirt that read: “Lobstercrombe and Pinch.” Anyway, the point is we failed but it was so lovely to talk to Loren and his staff over at Little Village Gifts. I can confidently admit that my faith in humanity was restored and boy oh boy it needed restoring. So if you are ever in the Bar Harbor area and need a silly shirt or some fun gifts to bring back to friends and family from your adventure I’d recommend dropping by and talking to these absolute legends and amazing people. We wish them nothing but the best and are so grateful to have been...

I was pretty bummed when I finally came to think that I may have missed them this visit during the off-season. Their sign on both stores had remained “closed” each day I drove through town. However, I decided to drive by one last time at noon today on my way back to Boston and THERE WAS A HINT OF LIGHT.

I parked, I ran-walked-skipped, and I barged right through those doors thinking to run into either Loren or Shawn. But nay, I was instead greeted by a sweet elderly lady with bright eyes surprised by the sudden intrusion of some random excited Asian dude.

“Oh sorry, I’m not really open yet. I hope you don’t mind the mess.”

“ME DON’T CARE.” Sasquatch-wannabe-tourist gleefully responds.

I came to find out shortly that it was Loren’s mom, Grace, and she was definitely a delightful way to end my trip this year. You see, I came to really like this shop last year when I got to extensively talk to both Loren and Shawn during several visits to the shop because they were so fun to banter with. Not only did I receive local tips to the area, I came to really appreciate what they have done here over time through their little business. Their gift bags are printed with Loren’s photography and Shawn’s paintings! Truly beautiful and different from the other stores in the area.

Definitely my favorite gift shop that I’ve visited so far and will continue to stop by and say hi whenever I’m in the area....

DON'T FALL VICTIM TO CHEAPLY MADE PRODUCTS AT OTHER SHOPS!

Our first trip to Maine during the off-season would not have been such a hit if it wasn't for the Hospitality and warmness from the family over at Little Village Gifts. Unlike all the other gift shops in Bar Harbor this shop is family owned and operated which shows in the quality and care of their products and costumer service.

They provided us with the very best recommendations on local eats and must try activities in Maine. Thanks to them we left for NYC with 30 pounds of Wild Maine blueberries. Once you hit the visitors center, stop into Little village gifts for great local recommendations on the freshest seafood and unique gift items available in their shop. They genuinely care about your visit to Maine and how you and your family experience the state.

Support local businesses owned by true Maine natives! Majority of shops in bar harbor are not owned by true locals, but by people who have moved in to exploit the locals and make a dollar by selling inferior quality products...