Go Down Those Freeport Side Streets: My Visit to Gingham

Sometimes the best finds happen when you get off the main street and that is exactly how Fae and I found Gingham in Freeport, Maine.

Fae and I were on our way up to the cottage, and I thought it would be fun to stop in Freeport and get a little treat for each of us. Naturally, Fae got to go first.

We stopped at Island Treasure Toys, where owner Emily helped us pick out some great toys and activities for Fae to bring to the cottage. While we were there, Emily gave me a little Freeport advice. "Don’t just stick to the main street. Wander down the side roads because that’s where you’ll find some of the real gems."

She was right.

It was while exploring one of those side streets that I found Gingham, and the second I walked through the door, I knew this was my kind of store.

I immediately started spotting pieces I wanted to try on. The shop is colorful and inviting without feeling overwhelming, and everything feels thoughtfully chosen rather than like racks and racks of the same things you can find anywhere else.

Gingham actually began in 2016, when Heather Veitch opened the original store in Yarmouth, Maine. Over the next seven years, she created a comfortable and welcoming shopping experience in her hometown. When Heather decided it was time to close the Yarmouth location, Caitlin approached her about continuing Gingham and bringing it to Freeport.

Today, Gingham is tucked inside the sweetest standalone building in downtown Freeport with its own parking, which is always a bonus!

The shop carries a curated collection of women's clothing and accessories, with a special expertise in denim. You'll find colorful prints and fun statement pieces mixed with the everyday basics you'll actually wear again and again.

They also make a point to support local makers, carrying Maine-made jewelry, artwork, handbags, blankets, scarves and more.

One of my favorite things about Gingham? The kids' corner.

If you're a mom, you know what a difference this makes. Fae was perfectly happy hanging out and keeping herself occupied while I actually had a chance to look around and try things on without feeling like I needed to rush.

Gingham has really created a space where women can feel comfortable. The staff is there when you need help but there isn't that pressure you sometimes feel when shopping in a boutique. It's warm, welcoming and low-key and that made the experience even better.

Then Caitlin, the owner, started helping me shop.

And this is where things got dangerous. 😂

We were heading to Boothbay the next day to sail aboard the Schooner Eastwind, so obviously I decided I needed a cute sailing outfit.

Caitlin immediately understood the assignment.

She started pulling pieces for me to try on, and I honestly loved so many of them that the hardest part was deciding what not to bring home.

I ended up choosing a pair of navy linen pants that may be one of my favorite purchases of the summer. They're incredibly lightweight, comfortable and perfect for warm New England days and I've already gotten so many compliments on them.

I also found the cutest pink lobster sweater, my new favorite T-shirt and a summer hat that I am completely obsessed with.

Put it all together and it was the perfect outfit for sailing around Boothbay Harbor the next day. Isn't that the best kind of shopping? Finding pieces that feel special but that you know you're actually going to wear?

There were so many other things at Gingham that I had my eye on, so this definitely won't be my last visit.

Especially because fall clothes are my absolute favorite.

The way Caitlin chooses pieces and curates the shop is what really makes Gingham stand out. She carries things that feel different from what I'm seeing everywhere else. Pieces I wouldn't necessarily know to search for online, but the second I see them hanging in the shop, I want to try them on.

So yes, I will absolutely be making another trip when the fall clothes arrive.

If you're heading to Freeport, take Emily's advice like I did and get off the main street and explore those side roads. Freeport has so much more to discover beyond the stores everyone already knows.

You might just stumble upon a new favorite shop.

I know I did. ❤️

-Kate

https://ginghamshop.com/

25 Bow St. Freeport, Maine 04032

207.417.8010