Land's End Gift Shop — Local services in Harpswell

May 24, 2021 - Whether you’re from Maine or from “AWAY” . . . folks enjoy the scenic trip on Rt. 24 through Harpswell to Lands End (store in Maine). Since 1959, vacation shoppers trek to LANDS END for all those Maine treasures! My two young daughters loved their annual summer pilgrimage with Grandma to Lands End for new “ Bailey Island” sweatshirts ! My memories included the spectacular seacoast views of Jaquish Island, Halfway Rock Lighthouse, and Casco Bay. This is a solid 4.7 rating experience for those of all ages! There’s even an ice cream stop, and Orr’s Island Candy shop ( also sells ice cream) for all ages to enjoy!

Lands End offers an eclectic mix of Maine treasures . . . from homemade fudge, maple syrup, jams, stain glass lobsters, lighthouse puzzles, to pot holders & wind chimes! I believe the clothes may not be of Maine origin, but you’ll be pleased with the quality. Take a few moments outside, at the Fisherman’s Memorial statue, a replica of Victor Kahill’s 1939 original at the NYC World Fair. Which was based on Elroy Johnson, a native born Bailey Island lobsterman (1894 - 1973).

You might find the story of Bailey Island’s origin fascinating? Several sources offer differing versions, but in a nut shell . . .

Wealthy merchant & Quaker Nicholas Shapleigh owned a slave, Black Will. The story continues with ownership of Black Will passing to the son, John Shapleigh of Kittery. Black Will had a son named Will Black, who grows up and moves to Newaggin (Indians term for the area of Bailey Island) in 1727. As a freed slave Will Black builds his reputation as the squatter/owner of Wills Island, until 1742 when Deacon/Reverend Timothy Bailey purchases the land with “tobacco and/or a gallon of rum”? Now known as Bailey Island.

So many photo stops in the Harpswell area along the way to Lands End on Bailey Island . . . Mackerel Cove, Kellogg Church, Episcopal Chapel on Bailey Island, Cribbstone Bridge, Giant Steps, Bailey Island Library, Nubble Bait Shack, etc. ...

We checked the closing time online and called to confirm they would be open until 5pm. We arrived at 4:35 and they closed the doors just before we entered even though they saw us coming. Other people were still shopping inside at that time. Other customers had also arrived and they knocked on the door. They workers knew we were outside as they could see us through the window, but they ignored us. More knocks were made and finally a women came to the door. We stated that we were told they would be open to 5pm and that the website stated 5pm. She told my friend that the website was wrong after showing her that it stated 5pm. She finally stated she would let us in. After entering one of the clerks come up to me and told me we were trespassing and on private property and to get out, even though we were told we could go in. I have never been treated so rudely my a store before. I have been going to this store since I was a kid and have spent many dollars there over the years. It’s clear that if they treat other customers this way they will not stay in business much longer. If a store states a closing time of 5pm and there are customers wanting to shop and spend money why would the owners allow there employees to close early. Sure its the end of the season and Im sure these girls didn’t really care whether they closed early are how rude they were to their customers. Do not waste your time or support a store that treats...

I'd be lying if I said this wasn't my favorite place to go shopping for gifts and souvenirs in the entire world! Land's End Gift Shop is so perfectly nostalgic and quaint, and its location perched above the rocks of Bailey Island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is second to none. The panoramic views are just part of the joy of shopping here. From a great selection of tourist-centric supplies (like t-shirts and branded novelties) to Maine-made artisanal products, you can find a present for anyone on your list here. During the on-season, the upstairs is filled with Christmas ornaments and decor, a perfect way to remember the coast of Maine when you're sitting by the fireside around the holidays. When you visit, plan to spend a few minutes on the porch overlooking the ocean, or checking out the rocks below. It's the closest you can get to perfection in New...