{"id":49638,"date":"2015-02-02T17:40:29","date_gmt":"2015-02-02T21:40:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=49638"},"modified":"2025-09-02T00:15:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T04:15:36","slug":"things-to-do-in-freeport-maine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/49638\/things-to-do-in-freeport-maine\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Things to Do in Freeport, Maine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Freeport sits on the shores of scenic Casco Bay, just minutes from hipster-heavy Portland. If you\u2019ve heard of it, chances are it\u2019s because this tidy town has been home to the venerable megastore L.L. Bean for over a century. Thanks to a cluster of unobtrusive outlets, retail-rich Freeport has blossomed into a shopaholic\u2019s dream, attracting over three million annual visitors to this sparsely populated state.&nbsp;But you don\u2019t need deep pockets or even the slightest interest in shopping to enjoy a weekend here. Active adventures and a luscious culinary scene make it ripe for explorations.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>The Must-Do Experience<\/strong><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-49655 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/5491758398_d127bf58ff_z.jpg\" alt=\"LL Bean boot\" width=\"400\" height=\"266\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-49655 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/5491758398_d127bf58ff_z.jpg\" alt=\"LL Bean boot\" width=\"400\" height=\"266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/5491758398_d127bf58ff_z.jpg 640w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/5491758398_d127bf58ff_z-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/5491758398_d127bf58ff_z-37x25.jpg 37w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><\/h2>\n<p>Learn a new sport or perfect an old favorite starting at only 20 bucks at the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.llbean.com\/llb\/ods\/33?page=outdoor-discovery-schools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools<\/a><\/strong>. Want to cross-country ski or snowshoe through the Maine wilderness? How about stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on a crystal-clear lake? Archery or fly-fishing on your bucket list? No problemo. They provide all equipment, top-notch instruction and transportation from the L.L. Bean flagship store, mint for car-free visitors. Kids six and older are welcome to most classes, so bring the family.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>The Eats<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Portland catches the spotlight as the prime East Coast destination for foodies with a locavore lean. But lookout, Freeport is poised to be the next darling of the New England culinary scene. A new wave of chefs is drawn to Freeport\u2019s abundance of high-integrity seafood and collaborative food community.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-49658 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/10417705_10152912068772042_7669692559482932432_n.jpg\" alt=\"freeport me seafood\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-49658 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/10417705_10152912068772042_7669692559482932432_n.jpg\" alt=\"freeport me seafood\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/10417705_10152912068772042_7669692559482932432_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/10417705_10152912068772042_7669692559482932432_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/10417705_10152912068772042_7669692559482932432_n-37x25.jpg 37w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript>Azure Cafe\u2019s<\/strong> Executive Chef Christopher Bassett was recently named Maine Chef of the Year by the Maine Restaurant Association.&nbsp; One bite of his pan-Mediterranean cuisine and you\u2019ll understand why. He\u2019s inspired by Italian, Spanish and Southern French cooking traditions but not bound by them. His eco-aware philosophy means he serves only seafood that is found in abundance, so expect local lobster and sustainably harvested Maine Pollack. Buttery beef is sourced from nearby Pineland Farms and wild mushrooms are foraged by a neighbor. Azure draws crowds even in icy January, so reservations are recommended.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re interested in geographically authentic recipes, <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lindabeansperfectmaine.com\/mainekitchen\/restaurant\/topside-tavern\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Linda Bean\u2019s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern<\/a><\/strong> serves a reliable roster of classics. Lobster rolls, chowder, fried clams and Vinalhaven scallops are delectable, but leave room for homespun finales like low bush blueberry pie and warm Indian pudding.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Drinks<\/strong><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-49661 alignright lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/1653931_473069702797904_536932335_n.jpg\" alt=\"1653931_473069702797904_536932335_n\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-49661 alignright lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/1653931_473069702797904_536932335_n.jpg\" alt=\"1653931_473069702797904_536932335_n\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/1653931_473069702797904_536932335_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/1653931_473069702797904_536932335_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/1653931_473069702797904_536932335_n-37x25.jpg 37w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mainecraftdistilling.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maine Craft Distilling<\/a><\/strong> is a farm to flask operation specializing in small batch spirits. Maine agricultural products are married to traditional distilling methods to create spirits that echo the distinct <i>terroir<\/i> of this state. The post-and-beam setting is a cozy place to savor the robust Queequeg Spiced Rum or floral-forward Alchemy Gin.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Insider Tip<\/strong><br \/>\nOne of Maine\u2019s best food events takes place in the dead of winter.&nbsp;<strong>Flavors of Freeport<\/strong>&nbsp;(February 16-18, 2019) showcases the best of local chefs and food producers. Tastings, chocolate factory tours plus an ice bar featuring elaborate ice sculptures, a martini luge, fire pit and live music, promise frosty festivities.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>The Digs<\/strong><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-50185 aligncenter lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kerry4.preview.jpg\" alt=\"Harraseeket Inn\" width=\"401\" height=\"300\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-50185 aligncenter lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kerry4.preview.jpg\" alt=\"Harraseeket Inn\" width=\"401\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kerry4.preview.jpg 630w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kerry4.preview-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/kerry4.preview-33x25.jpg 33w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px\" \/><\/noscript><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.harraseeketinn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harraseeket Inn<\/a><\/strong> offers distinct accommodations in the heart of town. Book one of the 93 rooms directly through the hotel and a lavish breakfast and fireside afternoon tea are included in the room rate. The inn\u2019s <strong>Broad Arrow Tavern<\/strong> is packed with locals, with good reason. The New England-style cuisine is wonderful, the hospitality tip-top. Don\u2019t miss the award-winning Maine lobster stew or the plump bacon wrapped scallops. The Sunday buffet brunch is a sumptuous showstopper.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Getting to Freeport Maine<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Compact Freeport is a pedestrian\u2019s dream and accessible without a car thanks to excellent service on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amtrakdowneaster.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amtrak\u2019s Downeaster<\/a>. The train departs Boston\u2019s North Station. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/manhattan-to-boston-public-transportation-advisor\/\">Boston Transportation Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitfreeport.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">visitfreeport.com<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.visitmaine.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visitmaine.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Photos: <a title=\"Go to Scott Thomas&#039;s photostream\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/brewsterhousebb\/\" data-track=\"attributionNameClick\" data-rapid_p=\"70\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scott Thomas<\/a>, respective properties<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Freeport sits on the shores of scenic Casco Bay, just minutes from hipster-heavy Portland. If you\u2019ve heard of it, chances are it\u2019s because this tidy town has been home to the venerable megastore L.L. Bean for over a century. Thanks to a cluster of unobtrusive outlets, retail-rich Freeport has blossomed into a shopaholic\u2019s dream, attracting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":50184,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[772,759,783,761,786,758,787,773,835,1869,777,791,1485,790,788,364,781,853,778,774,780,748,316,782],"tags":[238,116,31,293,145,125,110,11257,133,449,282,204,58],"class_list":{"0":"post-49638","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-bakery-food-drink","8":"category-bar-activity-2","9":"category-barbecue-food-drink","10":"category-beer-activity-2","11":"category-boating-adventure-activity-2","12":"category-cafe-activity-2","13":"category-camping-adventure-activity-2","14":"category-chocolate-food-drink","15":"category-classes-culture-2","16":"category-editors-picks","17":"category-fine-dining","18":"category-fishing-adventure-activity-2","19":"category-freeport","20":"category-hiking-adventure-activity-2","21":"category-kayaking-adventure-activity-2","22":"category-maine","23":"category-outdoor-dining","24":"category-outlets-shopping-2","25":"category-picnic-food-drink","26":"category-restaurants-food-drink","27":"category-seafood-food-drink","28":"category-train-2","29":"category-weekend-getaways","30":"category-wine-food-drink","31":"tag-adventure","32":"tag-amtrak","33":"tag-bar","34":"tag-budget-friendly","35":"tag-dining","36":"tag-food","37":"tag-historical-sites","38":"tag-maine-guide","39":"tag-outdoors","40":"tag-restaurants","41":"tag-romantic","42":"tag-train","43":"tag-wine"},"acf":[],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":50184,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/547625_10151318876541277_1150358895_n-e1465267870824-300x169.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49638","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49638"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49638\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50184"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49638"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49638"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49638"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}