Why more people don’t love The County is beyond me.

I have a friend who is occasionally forced to visit family up north, and to hear her talk about it, you’d think she was headed to Siberia for the weekend. And she’s a shopper. Which totally blows my mind.

My in-laws live in Presque Isle, and I, on the other hand, can hardly wait to visit. The County is beautiful. The people are supernice. And the deals are spectacular. Ann Taylor pants for $3.99? What’s not to love? In fact, one of the best shopping trips I’ve had in recent months occurred in the greater Caribou-Presque Isle area.

It all started, as these stories often do, at Mardens in Presque Isle. Not only did this store get the massive shipment of Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft items, but they were different from my scores in other stores. After trying unsuccessfully to piece together a navy suit, I settled on a pair of khaki Bermudas and a pale blue Esprit top – I ditched the seersucker shorts at the last possible minute, sensing that I would find an even better deal at Miller’s in Caribou.

There were plenty of deals to be found at Miller’s, including a J. Crew mini for $1, but the skirt was the length of a Band-Aid, so I skipped it. Then I headed over to Second Hand Rose, one of my favorite resale boutiques in Maine. There were a plethora of old-school Coach bags and new-school knockoffs, but what really interested me was a cute polka-dot top from Suzy Shier, a Canadian chain.

Unfortunately, it was less flattering on me than on the hanger. Bummer.

My disappointment lasted 1.5 minutes – exactly how long it took me to drive to Monica’s Scandinavian Imports. Not surprisingly, I spent about an hour in there, ogling the jewelry, china teapots and glass vases. I finally settled on a Swedish sparkling water and a huge, bedazzled, felted wool ring in the shape of a flower. It’s a gift for a dear friend of mine, and I’m quite sure she’ll love it.

Now, the flower ring was an easy find. Real-life flowers? Not so much. You see, there’s an amazing garden and shop in Caribou called Edged in Stone Perennials, and I’ve been dying to visit since it opened. Unfortunately, I got completely lost on my way there and, sans Gazetteer, gave up and headed back to P.I. I should’ve stopped at Mr. Paperback – always a pleasure – but I realized that about five miles out of town.

It wasn’t a complete loss, however. It had been a long time since I strolled down Presque Isle’s Main Street, and what I found was fabulous. A multiseller shop called Merchants on the Corner recently opened, offering knitting and embroidery supplies, handmade chocolates (the chocolate and coconut “baked potato” is something to behold), jams, antique books, handmade glass beads and a bunch of other cool things.

Next, I visited Morning Star Gallery and Framing and browsed the Maine Mountain candles, sun catchers by Kathy Finnemore (I have one that makes rainbows all over my walls in the morning) and Borealis Press cards. The nearby Crystal Compass Books, which sells new and used books, is under new ownership.

During my travels – this is so exciting – I discovered ShyAnn’s Boutique, a hip women’s shop that opened last summer. For the fashionista, the shop carries such lines as Hanky Panky lingerie and Tribal clothing. For the bargain-hunter, there are deals to be found. I scored a Tribal top for $10, and there were plenty of other adorable options for women of all ages.

For my final stop, my mother-in-law and I drove out to Myrtle Tree, a beautiful nursery on the outskirts of Presque Isle. We oohed and aahed over the coral-colored peonies. We scooped up bargains in the little garden shop, which, sadly, will close after this season, though the nursery itself will stay open. We ended up going home with cards, a bunch of Christmas ornaments and the most beautiful peony of the bunch, which my mother-in-law proceeded to give to ShopGuy and me.

See what I mean? Great people. Great shopping. Great in-laws. Is it any wonder why I love The County?

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 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. For exclusive online shopping tips, click on the ShopBlog icon on the bottom of the BDN home page: bangordailynews.com.