Shopping & Galleries
Photo: Penny Polokoff Photography
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TaleSpinStudio, founded by artist/photographer Amy Kelly, is home to brilliantly colored large-scale multimedia artworks of lobster tails, buoys, and coastal scenes based on her breathtaking macro photography.
Vibrant multimedia artworks began as an offshoot of the artist/owner’s high contrast, macro photography of lobsters, the multi-hued buoys, and Ogunquit coastal scenes.
As she began to experiment with her photography, what morphed was fantastical. Asked about the process she explains, “I abstracted a tail, changed the colors, and posted it on social media. People liked it. So, I started playing with colors.” She found an immediate audience for her unique and inspired art and her TaleSpinStudio gallery has quickly become a Perkins Cove destination. The process: First the canvas is painted, and a chosen large-scale photo is glued to it. Some of the works are embellished with nets to give texture and to recreate the feel and visual of fishing nets. Finished with varnish the pieces are sun and fade resistant to ensure they become cherished heirlooms.
Other treasures in the gallery include license plate art spelling out locales like ‘Perkins Cove,’ ‘Ogunquit,’ and ‘Wells,’ as well as ornaments and stained-glass art.
A Perkins Cove shopping destination, Kiki’s Ogunquit promises to delight with thoughtfully chosen soft goods and unique artisan fashion and jewelry. Kiki’s is filled with irresistible finds including designer casual and fine clothing, outerwear, handbags, and accessories. Names like Kole, Vine Street, Two’s Company, Maruka, and Pomegranate Moon are what shoppers will discover in this fun and friendly shop.
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Kiki’s Ogunquit promises a friendly environment and is described as featuring, “Exceptional customer service and gorgeous clothes and unique gifts!”
Looking for a special gift for a friend or a little treasure for yourself? Kiki’s Ogunquit is laden with irresistible finds. A taste of their bounty: hand-sewn leather purses, nouveau fairy pins, starfish scarves, porcelain wishes. To wear: softly hued linen palazzo pants, dresses, and tops. Peppered with fun baubles and local art, this unique boutique promises to send you home with treasures.
Hand-crafted pottery, art, and collectibles
Tucked into a renovated fisherman’s shack, this charming shop is packed full of delightful finds from local artisans. Potters Chris Davis and her husband Alex established The Pottery Shop in Perkins Cove in 1984 to showcase her high-fired stoneware pottery. Over the last 30 years, Chris has developed an avid fanbase. Now people from across the country collect her beautiful creations.
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Curated for artisan craft lovers, finds include African Olive Wood - hand-carved, fair-trade bowls, salad bowls, serving trays and utensils; charms and keepsakes – hand-crafted jewelry, cards, and glass spirit bottles; Maine stone crafts, glass mobiles and sculptures, mixed media art and prints; Home goods – soaps, table accents, serving pieces & cutlery, and beautiful wooden cutting boards and platters.
A toy store for kids of all ages
When the phrase “Big things come in small packages” was coined, it was surely said with C&S Toy Chest, in Perkins Cove 03907, in mind. That’s because, as “the tiniest toy store in Maine,” they say they pack a huge variety of toys in their postage-stamp-sized building and leave guests, both young and old, with big smiles on their faces, time after time.
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A family owned and operated business and a jewel of Perkins Cove for more than a decade, C&S Toy Chest is where shoppers can find not only the hot items of the day and cool relics of days begone, but everything in between. Find the goods for baby showers, days on the beach, long journeys home, Maine themed children’s books, plushies; and discover things that make you think, things with wheels and things that you just want to squish.
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More than just toys... The shelves are lined with books for young readers; and many are written or illustrated by fellow Mainers. You can also find children’s jewelry, beginner musical instruments, even Maine lobster hats!
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No wonder their loyal visitors insist, “It wouldn’t be a trip to Ogunquit without coming to your store!”
You can find Dunegrass Collection at the end of the Cove in the space that previously housed Swamp Johns.
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Following their retirement, Carol’s sister, Marian has kept the continuity of a fine jewelry store complemented by an array of nautical themed collections of glass sculpture, seaglass, seabags, and wall art.
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Our sterling, karat gold and gemstone jewelry is a collection of the works of many fine craftsmen, including the High Karat Gold and Maine Tourmaline Jewelry from Fretz Goldsmiths, a Kennebunkport Jewelry/Artist Gallery for over twenty years.
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We hope you will stop in for a visit when you are planning your next trip to Perkins Cove. Come in and say hello to Khanh, our very talented store coordinator and manager.
Out of the Blue in Perkins Cove is a jewelry lover’s dream. Hand-forged and cast sterling silver and gold jewelry and gemstone jewelry that nods to the rhythm of the sea.
A favorite: Your love for Ogunquit can be worn near your heart with an Ogunquit script necklace in sterling silver or silver with gold plating. Pendants of silver and gold such as the darling Maine map pendant or those with knobby starfish, or ocean waves will enchant the ocean lover in you. Other pretty finds include rings featuring waves, anchors, and even a Maine lobster; toe rings and anklets, coastal themed earrings along with bangles and bracelets, in silver and gold plate, some with gemstones.
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Out of the Blue has a sweet collection of Larimar pendants and earrings. The soft water-blue stone is reminiscent of the color of shallow water seafoam as it rolls onto the beach; perfect for those who want to bring home a treasure to remind them of days spent in Ogunquit ― “Beautiful Place by the Sea.”
Fine estate jewelry and unique gifts
The Whistling Oyster has been a name synonymous with Perkins Cove for generations. Once a famed dining destination and gift shop at the head of “The Cove,” today’s Whistling Oyster is a cozy gift shop tucked in near the footbridge in the back of cove shopper’s row. Filled with charming gifts and estate piece, it offers collectibles to ensure you can hand carry a memory home from your Ogunquit vacation.
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Their sister shop, Stonehome Estate Jewelers, in downtown Ogunquit, Maine offers long-loved estate jewelry and watches. These are heirlooms of the past and the future, lovingly cared for through many decades or centuries. These jewels take nothing from our modern world, are part of our cultural history and preserve something of quality and significance.
Surf & Beachy Tees and Comfy Threads
For warm summer days and cool coastal evenings nothing beats the soft washed goodness of cotton and cotton-blend T-shirts and hoodies. Even better if they have a fun vibe like the signature Locals Only line. New to Perkins Cove, opening in spring 2023, Beach Bum Threads Surf Club is expanding from their popular shop location in York, Maine.
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Beach Bum Threads Surf Club says their threads are, “crafted to take you from day-to-evening, and are perfect for stepping right off the beach and to the bar with friends or for a nice after beach snack.” In addition to their soft goods, the shop features jewelry and planet-friendly body lotions and scrubs.
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Founders, Michael and Justine are committed to “sustainability through style.” They say, “At Beach Bum Threads we believe in giving back. That's why a portion of our profits are donated to the Surfrider Foundation.” Find them in their new spot the back of “The Cove” this season!
A Perkins Cove retail destination that opened its doors in 1977, Dock
Square Clothiers, a family business now in its second generation, serves
as summer visitors’ go-to source for style influenced by the latest
fashions. With styles from high-quality brands like Tommy Bahama,
Southern Tide, Wanakome, Binghamton Knitting, it’s the perfect spot to
find unique styles for men and women alike.
With sizes from small to XX-large, Dock Square Clothiers provides a wide
variety of popular unisex “Maine” and “Perkins Cove” print sweatshirts,
tees, and long sleeves. Their ladies wear includes selections of
nautical inspired, classic coastal apparel fit for a day at the beach, a
night out, or a cozy night in. Their large collection of menswear
includes pants, polos, sports shirts, swimwear, and similar styles that
cater to overall comfort, durability, and style.
Dock Square Clothiers is an essential stop in the heart of Perkins Cove
03907 or Dock Square, Kennebunkport Maine. Shop their website
year-round.
Perkins Cove Candies: Great little candy shop with favorites for everyone. Specialty chocolates, gummies, barrels of taffy and more from hard and soft candies… Adorable old school candy shop vibe.
Tailspin Studio: Amy and her art exude creativity and a one of a kind talent!!
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Kiki’s Ogunquit: Very unique pieces. Cute boutique with a wide selection of items. Very friendly staff!
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Perkins Cove Pottery Shop: This shop is adorable! Something fun for everyone and the most unique treasures around every corner. The staff was sweet and knowledgeable which made it that much more perfect!
Photo: Denise Smith, Mrs Smith Travels