Not too many places in the world hold the charm and majestic nature Maine does. So what’s so beautiful about it? Take your pick. Maine is plentiful in the department of breathtaking views, pine forests, perennial gardens and dense forests. Spend a weekend there and you’ll find yourself chanting the state slogan: “This is the way life should be.” But the majestic nature and quaint towns are only the tip of Baxter Mountain for Mid-Coast Maine. From Portland to Rockland – and all of the communities in between, the Maine Antique Dealers Association lists over 180 dealers. As well, this area has myriad of flea markets, annual shows and high-quality auctions. Wander North of Portland via Route 1 and you’ll also discover a number of antique havens, including Bath, Newcastle, Thomaston, Camden, Lincolnville and Rockland. If you haven’t hard your fill of antiques after that, the Main Antique Dealers Association sponsors two high-quality annual shows in this area: a midweek coastal show in Damariscotta in late August, and a Thursday through Friday show in Portland in mid-September.

These events bring together about 70 member dealers from Maine and beyond. The emphasis is on Americana, with country furniture, folk art, ceramics and glass. Another show you won’t want to miss is the annual outdoor/indoor Maine Antique Festival. Called The Union Show, it features over 200 dealers from Mid-Maine to the Mid-West and it’s the perfect show to find rustic furniture, European and Asian pieces, vintage, hooked rugs, china, silver, jewelry and more. If your idea of the way life should be is nature, fresh air and antiques – hit the road and head to Maine’s Mid-Coast.