When I go on a shopping trip, it’s more like a voyage. Last year, I hit Fredericton. Last month, it was Connecticut. This month, Caribou.

My poor car needs a rest. And so does my trunk.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the Caribou Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, and its organizers asked me if I could do a little shopping and talk about my finds. Let’s just say I found quite a bit. I had no idea there were so many shops in this Aroostook County town – and how accommodating and friendly everyone was – but I plan to make it a destination on my next trip north.

I admit, I find the downtown traffic scene a bit confusing, so I parked my car and did a little exploring. My first stop was Alyson’s Scrapbook Garden in the Downtown Mall, but unfortunately it was closed. From my standpoint the selection looked good, however.

Undeterred, I walked up the street to Share-A-Book, a small, sweet used bookstore with a great selection and even better prices. I picked up a novel for $2 – what a steal! Better yet, it’s right next to one of my favorite vintage shops, Secondhand Rose. Feeling victorious, I trotted (OK, teetered. I was wearing stilettos) down to S.W. Collins. Because I’m in the process of renovating my house, I spend quite a bit of time in hardware stores and lumber yards, and this is one of the best I’ve seen. You can’t get 6-inch solid wood crown molding at the big box stores for $2.99 a linear foot. And you rarely get friendly service like that, either.

I skipped the molding and bought a few seed packets, figuring if it’ll grow in Caribou, it’ll grow here. Then I teetered back up the street to my car and drove across town to Mr. Paperback. I went in looking for a gardening book and left with an adorable umbrella on clearance ($7.50) – perfect for April showers – and a stylish insulated tote bag ($6.95) which cost less than half the price of the one I liked at Old Navy.

Things were looking good, and they looked even better once I stopped at Miller’s Discount. There, two silk shirts from New York & Co. caught my eye. They were $11.99 each and they were gorgeous. On my way out, I spotted a cute, distressed blazer from DNA for $15.99. Adorable. And so affordable.

Have I mentioned how much I love Caribou?

The love grew when I went to Sleepers, and not because I needed macaroni and cheese, which you can buy in the grocery store portion of the store. I stuck to the clothing section and drooled over a pair of North Face running shorts before picking up a wicking T-shirt for ShopGuy. It was a bargain at $15. But as good as the prices are at Sleepers, you don’t go there for bargains, you go there for cute, chic clothes that you can’t find anywhere else.

My next stop was a perennial favorite of mine – Monica’s Scandinavian Imports. I can’t say enough about this place. I was thrilled to find a bright, Marimekko-esque tea towel for $12 and cute wooden Easter eggs for $1.50 each (to all you last-minute shoppers, Monica’s has everything you need to fill your basket).

My feet were starting to hurt, so I decided to resume shopping in the morning. In sensible shoes. It was a good choice because shops such as Mac’s New Age (crystals, herbs, incense – you get the picture) kept me on my toes. So, too, did Plourde & Plourde, which has all of the Harley-Davidson gear you could ever need – including a bunch of drool-worthy bikes.

I drove out to Phil’s Florist & Greenhouse – not sure why I’ve never been there before, but I’ll definitely go again. The selection of heirloom seeds, garden goodies and home accessories tempted me to part with a little more money – I chose a rusty tulip lawn stake and a cute little country knickknack in the shape of an ironing board that says “Freedom of the Press” – seeing as I’m obsessed with ironing and my job, I figured it would be a cute addition to my desk.

As I headed back to write my speech for the Chamber dinner, I knew I’d have plenty of fodder for my column. And plenty of reasons to return to Caribou – I didn’t have the chance to visit a few shops, including Caribou Trading Post and the new Edged in Stone Perennials. I’ll be back. And I’ll be sure to leave some room in my trunk for my haul.

ShopNotes

. Fenton collectors, clear your calendars. From 3 to 6 p.m. next Saturday, April 22, Lynn Fenton Erb will be at Rebecca’s in Bangor to sign new and old Fenton art glass. Because of the popularity of Fenton signings, Rebecca’s owner, Rick Vigue, booked the event two years in advance. But Fenton Erb is glad to attend. “I am really looking forward to coming to Bangor,” she said. “Rebecca’s is one of our best dealers.” Customers can bring new or previously purchased items to be signed, and Rebecca’s will have a limited edition “Topaz” basket and bowl, created exclusively for family signing events, on sale. The shop is located at 43-49 Main St. in Bangor. For information, call 945-3588.

. Ingrid’s European Imports on Buck Street in Bangor will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. The event will feature Maine artisans, live guitar and accordion music and refreshments. For information, call 947-4232.

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. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.

Destination: Caribou

Alyson’s Scrapbook Garden, Downtown Mall, 496-0288

Caribou Trading Post, Water Street, 496-0351, http://home.maine.rr.com/mainetrade/

Edged in Stone Perennials, Washburn Street, 493-4865

Mac’s New Age, Main Street, 498-4243

Monica’s Scandinavian Imports, Sweden Street, 493-4600

Miller’s Discount, Bennett Drive, 498-6411

Mr. Paperback, Skyway Plaza, 492-2080

Phil’s Florist and Greenhouse, Washburn Street, 492 4241

Plourde & Plourde, Laurette Street, 496-3211

Share-A-Book, Hershel Street, 492-1321

Sleepers Shopping Center, Lyndon street, 498-8182

S.W. Collins, Washburn Street, 496-6723, www.swcollins.com