Tour de Thrift – Stage 3

We decided to head inland and visit the Lewiston-Auburn area of Maine (aka L-A) For the past few decades, after the shoe and textile industry moved out, L-A has been busy reinventing and rejuvenating itself. Home to University of Southern Maine and Bates College, L-A has an interesting vibe. We managed to pick up the fun radio station from Bates WRBC 91.5 FM, while driving around town and visiting our 3 thrift shopping destinations.

Shop #1
Goodwill Store
1035 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 782-3050
Map
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00am – 8:00pm Sundays 9:00am – 6:00pm

The Lewiston Goodwill store was not as large or new as some others we have visited recently, but I really liked the nice cozy book corner they had set up which seemed perfect for kids and adults to hang out and find a good read. This store is also neighbors with a Dollar Tree and a Ch.11 Store. Definitely a discount shopping center…yahoo!

Best Finds: Polaroid camera, Super 8 Movie camera and 2 bright orange mini-lunch trays.

While here, I finally got to use my new Club Goodwill Membership Card. The card costs only $10.00 per year and entitles you to 10% off every purchase – which I feel a little guilty about using, since the prices are usually so good and it all goes to such a wonderful cause. Since we are frequent shoppers this will definitely help. Don’t forget to shop Goodwill on your birthday with your membership card and get 25% off your purchase! The card I have is only valid in Northern New England stores. If you shop Goodwill in other areas of the U.S. find out what membership card program they have in your area.

Shop #2
Auburn Flea Market (indoor)
67 Minot Avenue
Auburn, ME 04210
Map
Hours: 9am – 5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday

The Auburn Flea Market is the new kid on the block. The indoor market has only been open since November and started out with only 4 vendors. They have had fantastic growth in the past few months and have grown to over 25 booths. We were lucky and just stumbled upon this market by using one of the new iPhone apps I’ve been testing (will be posting a review soon), which pulls in all the listings from craigslist and thrift stores in your current location, to your phone or computer. The vendors are super nice and there is quite a variety of goods for sale. There also seemed to be a steady stream of shoppers which is nice to see – especially on a cold winter weekend.

I spoke with Diane, one of the vendors with some great vintage items on display, about her Eco Chic line of wonderful re-purposed, up-cycled vintage goods and her plans to expand her exisiting food service at the flea market. Can’t wait to come back, shop and have a bite to eat when she is up and running!
I also chatted with Charlene from Glitz ‘n Glam Vintage Designs. Her booth was jam packed with beautiful vintage jewelry, handbags, accessories and unique gifts. She is a super creative lady busy creating new things from old treasures.

Best Find: Vintage mini-Minolta 16mm slide projector – 1964

Shop #3
Goodwill Store
939 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 783-1702
MapHours: Mon-Sat 9:00am – 9:00pm
Sundays 10:00am – 6:00pm

Initially we had a hard time finding this Goodwill store. The iPhone app I was using doesn’t have the new location listed ( I’ll make sure to let them know), but we did get directions from the nice folks at the Auburn flea Market. The Auburn Goodwill has moved to a very large new location behind the Auburn Mall and across the street from Starbucks!

Best Finds: 6 Nestle globe tea cups, Hammered aluminum glass lined dish with lid, Vintage Florida souvenir map tray, Teak handled salad servers, 8 Vintage tropical bird juice glasses.

After spending the day thrift shopping in the Lewiston – Auburn area, we realize Maine is huge and there are so many hidden gems yet to be uncovered. The internet and craigslist offer information on some, but I wonder how many we may be missing?

If you have any suggestions for places we should add to our Tour de Thrift we would love to hear from you.