Aroostook Holiday Shopping Itinerary
Itinerary Note
Note – we put some scheduled times in here just to give you some ideas. You can pick and choose what you want to do. Be sure to look at when they are open and if there are any COVID restrictions. In fact, it would probably be a good idea to call any that you plan to visit just to be on the safe side.
Day One
8:30 am: Breakfast at Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery
350 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769 | 207-769-2274
Start off the day with a delicious breakfast right in town. The menu at Governor’s is full of great options, and if you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, you can catch their all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet!
[ Travel Time: 20 minutes ]
10:00 am: Christmas shopping at Noyes Flower and Plant Shoppe
11 Franklin St, Caribou, ME 04736 | 207-498-2296
The short drive up to Caribou totally pays off once you enter Noyes Flower and Plant Shoppe. You will find the lovely store filled to the brink with holiday flower arrangements and all sorts of Christmas decorations for your home and ornaments for your tree, along with their own Christmas display!
[ Travel Time: 7 minutes ]
10:30 am: Christmas shopping at Wreaths by Natalie
998 Presque Isle Rd, Caribou, ME 04736
Wreaths by Natalie has so much more than wreaths – with a wide variety of locally made gifts and decorations, you’re sure to find something here for everyone on your list!
[ Travel Time: 15 minutes ]
11:15 am: Christmas shopping at The Olde Rustic Attic
641 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769
It’s time to take a nice, chilly stroll around downtown Presque Isle’s many great locations for Christmas shopping! Feel free to park back at the Northeastland Hotel and walk to the next few destinations. The Olde Rustic Attic has an amazing collection, including scrumptiously scented candles, unique Christmas decorations, indoor and outdoor furniture, and more!
[ Travel Time: 10 minutes walking]
12:00 pm: Lunch at Riverside Inn Restaurant
399 Main St, Presque Isle, Maine 04769
Enjoy some delicious comfort food for lunch at Riverside Inn Restaurant. Their menu features classic American fare including pizza, subs, and burgers. Before or after lunch, take a few minutes to relax and freshen up back in your room at the Northeastland Hotel!
[ Travel Time: 2 minutes walking]
2:00 pm: Christmas shopping at Merchants on the Corner
394 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Conveniently located near the Northeastland Hotel, Merchants on the Corner has an assortment of unique gift items, including local beer and wine, Maine-made yarn, and much more!
[ Travel Time: 1 minute ]
2:30 pm: Christmas shopping at Country Collectibles
387 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Walk right across the street to Country Collectibles, where you will find another great, unique collection of gifts, including a variety of Maine- and Aroostook County-themed items, pottery, and jewelry!
[ Travel Time: 15 minutes ]
3:15 pm: Visiting and Shopping in Amish Country
Easton & Fort Fairfield, ME
Before dinner, take a nice, scenic drive around Easton and Fort Fairfield! The local Amish community runs many shops in this area, which can be found on the linked map, offering Amish-made goods including beautiful wooden furniture, toys, baked goods, and more.
5:00 pm: Holiday Dinner at Canterbury Royale Gourmet Dining Room
Take the drive over to Fort Fairfield for a truly magical Christmas dining experience like no other at Canterbury Royale. This high-end French restaurant is considered one of the best in Maine and their luxurious dining room and holiday decorations will make you feel like Christmas royalty!
[ Travel Time: 25 minutes ]
7:30pm: Victorian Christmas at the Etsey
16 3rd St, Presque Isle, ME 04769 | 207-762-1151
Be sure to check the Presque Isle Historical Society’s site and time your visit to align with this wonderful event! The 1875 Vera Etsey House demonstrates a common upper-middle-class Victorian home. Vera Estey was known for her gardens, in which she grew tulips and lilies to sell at the Boston Fresh Flower Market. For its Christmas celebration, the Etsey house is decked out in Victorian style, complete with costumed actors, Victorian-era Christmas treats, and live music.
Day Two
8:30 am: Breakfast at Teresa’s Corner Cafe and Bakery
299 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769
As you get ready to head home, enjoy breakfast at Teresa’s Corner Cafe and Bakery. With french toast, eggs your way, homefries, and many other classic diner items, you’re sure to find whatever hits the spot for you!
[ Travel Time: 6 minutes ]
10:00 am: Christmas cookies at Confectionately Yours
2 Reach Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769
This stop is not-to-be-missed before leaving town. Confectionately Yours is beloved for its fabulous selection of Christmas cookies each year, just like grandma used to make!
[ Travel Time: 8 minutes ]
10:30 am: Christmas tree at Maple Meadow Farms
830 Mapleton Rd, Mapleton, ME 04757| 207-764-3276
Last but not least, don’t forget to pick up your very own, Aroostook-grown Christmas tree! Maple Meadow Farms is just outside of Presque Isle and offers beautiful trees at affordable prices, along with wreaths and other festive items.
[ Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes ]
11:45 am: Lunch at The Trough Food Truck
142 Oakfield Smyrna Rd, Oakfield, ME 04763 | 207-267-0431
If you’re driving south, make a pit-stop for lunch at one of Aroostook County’s premier mobile food destinations on the way out! The Trough offers up an awesome menu, including a range of hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and more!
Hotel Recommendation
436 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769 | 800-244-5321
Classic rooms and suites with pillow-top mattresses in a storied venue offering a cafe and a lounge.
Activity Alternatives
Shopping Alternatives
Packing Checklist
The weather in Maine can be unpredictable. Therefore, here are some ideas to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers, Maine is very casual, so you probably will not find any restaurants that require formal attire.
Spring/Summer/Fall: clothes, comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes for walking, sun hat, sunscreen, sweater or jacket, insect repellent, toiletries, and phone/camera
Winter: clothes (layers), ski pants highly recommended, winter boots, jacket, hats, scarves, gloves, warm socks, toiletries, and phone/camera. Please pack a helmet if you are participating in snowmobiling, skiing, or snowboarding.
Lodging Alternatives
Fun Facts
Did you know…
- “Aroostook is named for the Indian word meaning ‘beautiful river.’”
- Consists of 2 cities, 53 towns, 9 plantations, and 112 unorganized townships.
- 89% of the area is forest, 1% is water, and 10% is farmland.
- The County is known for growing broccoli, hay, and potatoes.
- “Aroostook County is larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.”
- Aroostook County is the largest County East of the Mississippi.
- Known locally as “The County.”
- The County was part of the Underground Railroad.
- There are two Indian reservations: the Houlton band of the Maliseet Indians reservation in Houlton and Aroostook County band of Mi’kmaq Indians reservation in Presque Isle.
- The economy is based on forest-related industries and agriculture.
- Average summer temperatures are in the mid 70s, while average winter temperatures can be below 0 Fahrenheit. Average snowfall is well above 100 inches.
