The idea of Moosehead Marketplace came about a few months ago when I was wishing our local economy could become stronger. I wanted an opportunity for local artists, chefs, builders and crafters to market their wares worldwide, 365 days a year.  An online store is the only way to achieve that goal, since we are so remote. I’ve been focusing on makers in the Moosehead area, but a few others in Maine, such as my sister, fill in where needed. Some of the products from the various businesses are assembled in sturdy pine crates my family has built, a fun gift for you to send or enjoy yourself. These crates are a woodsy twist on the traditional gift baskets. Many of the products feature local sustainable natural resources.

One of our greatest resources in the Moosehead area are the year round residents. Independent, hardworking, kind and giving!  We have several small manufacturers such as Maine Mountain Soap & Candle, Northwoods Gourmet Girl, Moose Bee Granola, and Moosehead Balsam Fir. Add to the mix: seamstresses, crafters, woodworkers, painters, authors, and chefs, and then Moosehead Marketplace captures the flavor of these small northern Maine towns.

Moosehead Lake, Maine is a freshwater 40 mile lake, populated by a handful of small towns and settlements, Greenville, Rockwood, Seboomook, Lily Bay and Beaver Cove. The 100 mile wilderness piece of the Appalachian Mountain Trail runs just to the East of us, Baxter State Park to the North, and an abundance of forests, mountains, ponds and rivers surround us. Once a center of the logging industry, we are now a destination for vacationers. Traditional sporting camps, lodges and campgrounds are scattered around Moosehead and nearby ponds. Beautiful Inns and several motels are available.

There is something to do all four seasons: mountain and hiking trails, whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, canoeing and kayaking,  and moose safaris.  The forty mile lake to boat and explore, and plenty of local shops and restaurants. We even have a downhill ski area, resurrected several years ago by a local volunteer group. There’s snowmobiling, cross country skiing, a skating rink, snowshoeing and dog sledding tours. The Katahdin, a steamship that has been on the lake for over 100 years, takes passengers on cruises up Moosehead Lake. There is abundant wildlife, and the opportunities for birding are exceptional.

The area is loved by many, including the few thousand who live in the Moosehead area, and the many who visit us. We hope you enjoy and will share our gifts.