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Save for a brief interlude in Bangor, I’ve lived in Orono so long, I’m starting to feel like a townie.
I grumble about the traffic when the students return to UMaine in the fall. Never mind that I was one of those students not too long ago. I’ve been known to run outside, screaming, in pajamas, at the sound of beer bottle hitting pavement. And I’m not making dinner plans until October break.
But I chose to live in a college town, and since the students are back, I’d like to welcome them not by complaining, but by letting them in on some of my favorite downtown retail spots. Besides, today is Orono Festival Day, and what better way to celebrate my adopted hometown than to shop locally?
It’s been a while since my last Orono column, and a lot has changed since then.
For starters, The Pretty Woman has a new owner, Deborah Cousins, and her offerings will appeal to customers of all ages – and budgets. I picked up an adorable dress for $34, and I would have bought the pinstripe Bermudas ($22) if they had fit. The clutch purses are too cute, and I’m wild about Cousins’ own beaded jewelry.
After a midwinter fire and a lengthy renovation, the Orono Thrift Shop will make its triumphant return today. Regulars will be pleased to see an entirely new layout – everything is on hangers now. But the prices are still fantastic, and so is the selection (hint, hint: I just donated a fab pair of Lucky jeans). Plus, there will be a fill-a-bag yard sale for all summer merchandise today. Hooray! Even better? Proceeds benefit the Orono Health Association.
Alpenglow, a destination for the serious climber, camper or winter sports enthusiast, now lives in a lovely carriage house on Main Street. Looking for high-end packs, tents, snowshoes or outerwear? This is the place. Owner Jon Tierney is one of the country’s foremost mountain guides – and since he and his staff also run Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School, they clearly know what they’re talking about. Right now, tents are 25 percent off, and the end of September will usher in a storewide sale.
The story is much the same at Rose Bicycle, where owner Jim Rose and his staff are all hard-core cyclists. They won’t steer you wrong if you’re looking for a new bike or skis. My brother-in-law always makes a special point to stop here when he visits from Montana – it’s that good.
Judy’s Scrappin’ and Stampin’ has moved to new, much bigger digs in the former L&A Market space. This has allowed owner Judy Smith to expand her gift offerings – I love the painted furniture made by her dad, the lamps crafted from Bear Brew growler bottles and the locally made jewelry. Scrapbookers will appreciate the rainbow of papers at Judy’s, including Black Bear-themed merchandise for UM students – Go blue!
And in the former Judy’s space, we now have a head shop, Puff ‘n Stuff. There, you can find swords, incense and pasta in the shapes of various body parts. Who woulda thunk?
In Orono, stores are never just one thing – the Orono Pharmacy also serves as an ice cream parlor, grocer and movie rental store. Expect friendly service and an eclectic selection of merchandise (cute dog collars and Beanie Babies share store space with aspirin and shampoo).
Though it now only occupies one story, The Store-Ampersand is part natural foods store, part cafe, part gift and card shop. I’m wild about the vintage silk scarves by local designer Jessi Sader and the new ceramic travel mugs – a must for all the driving I do.
Parks Hardware, one of my haunts, also has a full kitchen section with high-end small appliances. College students will find dorm and apartment necessities, key-cutting services and starter tool kits. And everyone will appreciate the hardware tent sale, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. Paint, stain, power tools – you name it, 20 percent to 80 percent off.
Speaking of sales, Fiberphilia, the fabulous new yarn shop in town, will allow customers to sell off their stashes at a yarn yard sale today. Check it out. And while you’re there, try not to drool on the new cashmere and alpaca offerings.
Down Mill Street – and a bit off the beaten path – you’ll find two Orono businesses that have stood the test of time for one reason: quality. Byer Manufacturing makes wood and canvas camp chairs and cots, and offers imported hammocks at its factory store. Shaw & Tenney crafts world-class wooden oars and paddles that are works of art.
Interested in the literary arts? Head to another tucked-away venue: Front Porch Books on Pine Street. There, owner Victoria Erker sells a fine selection of gently used titles, and she specializes in cookbooks and gardening books. The shop is open by chance or appointment, but Erker will be at the festival, sharing a booth with Judy’s Scrappin’ and Stampin’.
And if you’re looking for bling, Degrasse Jewelers is the place. Here, you can find the expected gold and silver jewelry, watches and watch batteries. But you’ll find some unexpected treasures, too, including blue diamond rings, which are very cool.
What’s even cooler? Knowing there are stores downtown. And that you don’t have to go to Target to buy everything you need for your dorm, apartment or house.
If you stick around town for a while, you might even get to the point where everybody knows your name (and they’re always glad you came) – Oh, and Woodman’s is our version of “Cheers.”
Call me a townie, but I love this place.
Destination: Orono
Alpenglow, 92 Main St., 866-7562, http://alpenglowgear.com
Byer factory store, 74 Mill St., 866-2171
Degrasse Jewelers, 5 Mill St., 866-4032
Fiberphilia, 32 Mill St., 866-3423, www.fiberphilia.com
Front Porch Books, 67 Pine St., 866-3889
Judy’s Scrappin’ and Stampin’, 9 Mill St., 889-8000
Orono Pharmacy, 16 Mill St., 866-3800
The Pretty Woman, 24 Main St., 866-0275
Rose Bicycle, 9 Pine St., 866-3525
Shaw & Tenney, 20 Water St., 866-4867
The Store-Ampersand, 22 Mill St., 866-4110
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