The outlet shops in the town of Freeport are worth the trip. There are a variety of apparel, shoes, jewelry,housewares, gifts (etc.) shops throughout the town along with a nice array of restaurants- and they are all located within a 4-6 block area for easy walking. You may have to hunt through the merchandise to find the bargains, but they are definitely there- and they are much better bargains than those found at the nearby Kittery Outlets! The one exception was the L. L. Bean Factory Store where bargains are few and far between; but it is still a fun store in which to wander.
This is a lovely little village with a lot of shopping. Laid out a lot tighter (within walking distance) than the map I was sent pre-trip. Flagship store for LL Bean open 24/7/365. Some shops are outlets. Nice variety of shops and places to eat... Linda Bean (granddaughter of LL Bean) has a wonderful lobster roll. We also purchased a lot of LL Bean and they shipped home for free, easier on our luggage. Worth the visit.
Each outlet has its own individual store. Tons of stores to choose from, visited several LL Bean stores, Patagonia, North Face, J Crew, etc. I love to shop so this was the place for me. Visit the Bean store and check out the giant boot.
The markets were great. Don't be too quick to purchase tho. The further you go in the cheaper things get.
We got massive bargains at Crabtree & Evelyn, but the Gap prices were unimpressive if it's savings you're after
I just love the set up here. You park your car and can walk to all the outlets. We checked in at a hotel and were given a map and coupons. Also, there is an information tent across from LL Bean with a coupon flier. We had beautiful weather and got some great deals.
The shopping experience in Freeport is a 100% complete one-stop event. Just about every designer you can name and a few more too. All usually running special sales or coupon deals. Get on their email lists and you will receive coupons as well as special offers. Great deals abound with these incentives, especially in stores like Coach, J Crew, Old Navy, The Gap, Crabtree and Evelyn, Yankee Candle, Ralph Lauren, and many more. Of course, the LL BEAN flagship store is the center if everything...located in several buildings, you could easily spend the entire day shopping here. Always something going on here...exhibits, summer concerts, and educational fun. There is also an LL BEAN Factory Store...even greater bargains here. The dining options are endless...Most are very good. Some are expensive, so if you are dining with entire family, it can be quite dear. We love The Corsican and the Jameson Tavern as well as the Harraseeket Inn (pricey here, but lovely ambuance, quiet, and elegant). One of my sons loves Johnny Rockets, which is fine, but small and always crowded. Several great coffe/tea spots as well as several ice cream venues. Parking is available everywhere...best and easiest is behind LL BEAN, but also behind CVS. On street is there, if you are patient. Also down the road, as you exit 295, there are other outlets with ample parking. ..Carters, Osh Kosh...and on Route One there is Cuddledown. Try to go on weekdays, as weekends are very congested and crowded. If you are looking for something in particular, chances are excellent that one of the shops on Freeport will have what you are looking for.
Freeport was not crazy on Friday night and Saturday when we got around to do some shopping. We did head down to Portland to have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Street and Company.
The downtown of Freeport village has a good number of outlet stores that you can visit. It has a different feel than an outlet mall as the stores are all in different buildings on village streets. The main attraction is the LLBean main store but there are lots of other places to visit - the LLBean Outlet store, North Face, Gap, etc. There are some excellent deals to be had (North Face was good) if you find something that interests you. There are several very good restaurants in the area when you want to take a break. Parking is usually available somewhere off-street but in peak times it can take a while to find a spot.
My husband had a wonderful time going through all the fishing, biking, etc. LL Bean stores. It really was not my thing but I was able to find a few bargains at the Izod store. There are enough shops in the area to make the trip worth while.