Good buys abound in downtown Bangor

One of my fondest memories from last year’s Bangor Oktoberfest had little to do with sausage, beer, or Whig & Courier owner Chris Geaghan dressed up as Gretel (though that was a close second). It had to do with the downtown shopping.

Go figure.

See, it was raining. I had no option but to duck inside to stay dry. So duck I did – straight into the Grasshopper Shop. After an eternity of browsing, I picked up a great necklace. Then I headed across the street to the former Cadillac Mountain Sports (now Epic Sports), which was holding its annual gambler’s sale. I rolled the dice and got an extra 5 percent off a stocking stuffer for ShopGuy.

My best pal rolled the dice for a handsome discount off her now-trademark Columbia jacket, which, I should add, looks smashing on her.

Clearly, she hit the jackpot.

This year’s Oktoberfest shopping should be no different. Today and Sunday, Epic Sports will hold the popular High Rollers sale. Today, everything in the store will be 22 percent off, and you can roll a die for an extra discount of up to 6 percent. Tomorrow, merchandise will be 33 percent off. I may just mosey on in for a sporty harness for ShopPup, or perhaps a Life Is Good yoga T-shirt for myself.

Through the end of the month, the Grasshopper Shop is holding its annual October Outfit Sale – buy one piece of clothing, get 20 percent off, two items for 25 percent off, or three for 30 percent off. Savvy shoppers can also score deep discounts on summer clothes – 50 to 60 percent off, and adorable dresses for $19.95. Blame it on the Red Sox (everyone else does), but I have my eye on the wool-blend baseball-style raglan tops from Free People – cute as Nomar, without those pesky post-season woes.

The downtown shopping excitement does extend beyond the city’s biggest intersection, however. I’ve compiled a tour that highlights some of my favorite spots. It’s far from all-inclusive, so in the words of Bangor businesswoman Suzanne Kelly, I urge you to “stop, shop and stroll in downtown Bangor” to find your own favorites.

If you wander down Hammond Street (toward State), you can pick up an affordable bouquet of fresh flowers at Creative Flowers, Gifts and Antiques (next to the Hop). The shop has an eclectic mix of old and new gifts, and one of its specialties is lamp repair and restoration.

Just a hop, skip and jump over Kenduskeag Stream to 6 State St. lies a hidden gem – the Golden Fleece gift shop at the Bangor Museum and Center for History. The museum shop offers a well-edited selection of Maine-made gifts, including gorgeous felted bags from One Lupine in Orono, handpainted trays by Bangor artist Sally Lesko Bates, striking reproduction silver jewelry by Ken Hamilton, and intriguing necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches by Donna Tumosa of Ladysmith Studio. The shop also sells historic Bangor bond certificates, which look great framed, as well as a substantial offering of books on local history.

Speaking of books, head over to BookMarc’s and pick up something with a political theme – it seems they’re more popular than usual. Among the favorites are Michael Moore’s “Dude, Where’s My Country?” Al Franken’s “Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them,” and Greg Palast’s “The Best Democracy Money Can Buy.” Among the nonpolitical favorites are “Baseball’s First Indian,” and “Following Their Footsteps.”

If you don’t want to buy new, head upstairs at BookMarc’s, or stroll down the street to W.J. Lippincott on Central Street, where you’ll be greeted by a sweet cat and a treasure trove of used and rare nonfiction and fiction. A few doors down, and up a flight of stairs lies the sunny Sarah’s Books. During a recent visit, an Edward Gorey Christmas story caught my eye, as did a well-loved copy of Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” and several works of fiction that were either set in Maine or written by Maine authors.

Across the street, the Briar Patch boasts a huge selection of children’s books, as well as age-appropriate toys, adorable watches and bracelets, and some of the best notes, invitations and greeting cards in town. You could also check out Peruvian Link, where alpaca is king. There, you’ll find luxurious sweaters, yarn, rugs, even teddy bears made out of the silky soft fibers. In addition, there are adorable, affordable finger puppets, knit pants, and slippers that will make your feet look like Yeti’s.

Looking for something a little less fuzzy? Check out the mind-boggling array of gifts, candles and housewares at Rebecca’s. Honestly, I could spend hours in there. OK, I have spent hours in there.

By this point, you may need some comfortable shoes, so beat feet up Main Street to The Walk Shop, home of all things Birkenstock, as well as other sensible footwear. Once you’re done sole searching, get your knit on at Cityside Yarn Co. Don’t know how? Buy a book, and if you ask really nicely, the women who work there will help. Or, you could just buy a gift for your favorite knitter (hint, hint), such as the adorable “Girls Who Knit” coffee mug or a needle organizer.

If you’d rather buy a sweater than make it, pop into Best Bib & Tucker for something luxurious. Or, if you’re on a budget and you want something fun and funky, walk across Main Street to American Retro for some resale retail.

In the market for a new dining room set? Check out Ireland’s Furniture and More, a recent addition to Main Street. There, Frank Ireland sells new, used and antique tables, chairs, records, glassware, toys, lamps, and pretty much anything else you could possibly want. If he doesn’t have what you’re looking for at the shop, chances are, he can get it.

And if all this shopping hasn’t drained your wallet, you could buy yourself something dazzling at G.M. Pollack & Sons or Boyd & Noyes jewelers. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, after all – not to mention emeralds and pearls. And besides, after all that shopping, don’t you deserve a treat?

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476.