Go east, young woman With its variety of boutiques and galleries, Eastport offers something for every shopper

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What do you do when you get to the edge of the earth?

Shop. What’d you think I was going to say, jump?

That’s what I did last time I visited Eastport – shop, not jump. And for all you naysayers, all you pooh-poohers, all you “must-go-south-to-shop”-ers, there’s a lot to be said for the former sardine capital.

I’ve always been intrigued by this little city, and summer is the high time to visit. Whether you’re interested in fine art or fine food, the eclectic boutiques here offer something for every shopper. A trip down Water Street, the city’s main drag, is enough to occupy you for at least a few hours, but if you venture a little bit further, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

On Water Street, I started at the Tides Institute, which always has exhibits of artistic or historical interest. From there, I headed up to Quoddy Crafts, a co-op that sells everything from gorgeous hand-crocheted christening sets ($60) to the unusual but arresting “pootie pouch,” a cloth satchel that attaches to a leash and holds poop bags for dog walkers. Genius. I picked up a beautifully glazed pottery ornament in the shape of a fish, which was a steal at $3.50. I should’ve bought more, but I’ll be back.

After drooling over the architectural salvage pieces and very hip signage at Eastport Antiques, I meandered over to S.L. Wadsworth & Son, the oldest ship’s chandlery in the nation. Very cool. I’m not much of a sailor, but lucky for me, they also carry Burt’s Bees toiletries and enough pirate’s booty to make you say “Arrrr!” all the way home.

The goods at Captain’s Cargo, one of my favorite Eastport destinations, were enough to make me say “Aaaah!” instead. This place has everything from Vera Bradley bags to mock Crocs to luxurious bath and body products. Since I’m a toiletries nut, I pounced on the offerings from Upper Canada Soap & Candle Makers. After much deliberation – lavender? cranberry? olive leaf? – I settled on a bottle of refreshing Cranberry & Lemon Rind shower gel for me ($10.95) and a tube of Galaxie Goo finger paint soap ($5.95) for my editor’s 4-year-old twins. My mom used to buy me the same thing. I also picked up a stylish little initial key chain ($3) for my pal and fellow columnist Jessica Bloch.

Back across the street (I did a LOT of zigzagging in Eastport), I stumbled over a new shop, Without A Paddle, which carries lovely housewares, ultra-preppy jewelry and ties, and lovely, stylish and affordable jewelry by local artisans Julie Morang and Shannon Gove of Jewels by the Sea. I picked up a mother-of-pearl and silver necklace ($20) and a striped handbag ($4.50) – at that price, I didn’t really care what it looked like.

A few doors down is Port O’ Call, a gift shop that features primitive crafts, the lusciously scented offerings from Northern Maine Candle Co. and a full line of Baggalini travel bags. And across the street is The Commons, an elegant gallery of handcrafts and art. The quilted pieces are to die for, and the shop carries pieces by one of my favorite jewelers, Heather Perry of Calais.

Eastport is an artist’s haven, and art enthusiasts such as myself can while away the time at the intriguing Eastport Gallery, a member collective with a broad range of styles and media. I contemplated a print of a crow on pumpkins by Roland LaVallee ($72), and since I’m still thinking about it, I probably will return to buy it.

The city also has its share of individual artist studios and galleries. Among the highlights are Jim Levendosky’s studio in the former soda fountain. It’s crowded with his mesmerizing, miniature scrimshaw pieces, some done on piano keys, and his expressive portraits of people and pets. Truly a gem.

If you pop up the side streets, you’re in for a treat. Check out the Rose Garden Antiques on Dana Street, which sells shabby-chic antiques and the work of local artists. Plus, there’s a beer garden. Also on Dana Street is Earth Forms Pottery, which showcase’s D.J. Sutherland’s innovative sculptural pieces. On Key Street, check out Dancing Dogs Pottery. Or, head off the beaten path for a tour of Elizabeth Ostrander’s sculpture garden.

Of course, no visit to Eastport would be complete without a stop at Raye’s Mustard Mill, which I did on my way out of town. I stocked up on Old World Gourmet Mustard ($2.50). Then I perused the selection of truffles from Monica’s Chocolates in Lubec. I’d had them before, and they’re a heavenly indulgence.

A girl can get awfully hungry at the end of the world. So I bought two.

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: Eastport

Captain?s Cargo,

69 Water St., 853-4043

The Commons, 41 Water St.

Dancing Dogs Pottery,

5 Key St. 853-6229

Earth Forms Pottery,

Dana Street, 853-2430

Eastport Gallery,

74 Water St., 853-4166

Jim Levendosky?s studio,

Water Street

Elizabeth Ostrander sculpture

garden, 83 Clark Street, 853-4342, www.ostranderart.com

Port O? Call, 40 Water St.

Quoddy Crafts, 72 Water St.,

Raye?s Mustard,

63 Washington St., 853-4451

Rose Garden Antiques,

9 Dana St., 853- 9598

S.L. Wadsworth & Son,

42 Water St., 853-4343

Tides Institute, 43 Water St., www.tidesinstitute.org

Without A Paddle, 60 Water St.