Welcome back Snow Bats! Carrying into the deep snows of winter, and barely making it out the other side, establishments on and near Main Street have been moving and shaking. We were sorry to see the departures of Aarhaus Gallery, Country Gourmet Girl, Out of the Woods, and Molly Amber; but in their stead have grown businesses willing to enhance the qualities of life of men, women, children, and their stomachs.

Justine Consignment Boutique

The paintings are gone from 50 Main Street, where Aarhaus held court, or at least art receptions. Seven weeks ago, however, the lights flashed anew. Justine Consignment Boutique has filled the space with the brilliant colors of women’s clothing and accessories. All items are sold by consignment, according to owner/operator Liis Massey.

Enter the store at any time, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and you’ll find a half-Labrador/half-Golden Retriever, also named Massey, presiding over the quality, seasonal goods of 90 consigners.

“My goal is for someone to find something good here,” said Liis, who happens to be from Estonia.

Quench...Provisions for the savvy 

Around the corner, at 9 Beaver Street, Quench owner/operator Jennifer Atkins Lisa is busy negotiating trade deals with area artists. Quench is filled with everything from leather wallets, lotions, shirts, and jewelry. Not only are items a step above pedestrian, they are also functional.

Lisa’s mission is to sell “well designed, primarily handmade goods, for men and women that enhance the everyday routine.”

Lisa has another business within her business. For the past six years, she has brought her Quench Metalworks jewelry and related items to retail shows around the state. See our previous story on Metalworks.

She continues to sell her creations, but now has the ability to sell the works of other artists as well. “I’m a Capricorn,” said Lisa. “I need roots.”

She’s got them now. Her brick and mortar “10 x 10 tent” will be open year round.

Minnows Childhood Goods

Downstairs from Quench is Minnows. Libby Dimond maintains this consignment store filled with “Gently used children’s and maternity clothing, toys, and more!” according to her business card. And indeed, there are. Many racks of clothing fill the store, along with strollers, games, stuffed animals.

This week there is a $1 rack of clothing, set up in the back, of merchandise Dimond is trying to move in order to make room for new seasonal consignments.

Dimond said, “I really enjoy the community aspect. It’s a feel-good kind of business.”

Man on Main

Men, here’s your chance to shed the flannel, the dungarees, and the construction boots, and feel like a CEO. Man on Main menswear, 103 Main Street, will get you ready for that power lunch, interview, or heck! breakfast with Mom.

Patina

Now that the family is dressed, it’s time for the home. Patina, 69 Main, sells home décor in styles ranging from new, modern, contemporary, and antique. Jerry Weaver, one of the four owners, told Pen Bay Pilot reporter Kay Stephens: “We’re all about antiques and uniques. We find things that are quality-made and have handmade aspects to them — things that you can’t really find around here.” See the entire article here.

Meanwhile in Belfast

Now that you’ve filled your closet, it’s time to fill your stomach. On the bottom floor of the old Ocean House at 2 Cross Street, scents of pizza waft from a wood-fire oven. Enjoy the Italian spices brought to Belfast by Italian owners, while ordering specialty slices called The Fisherman and The Harbor Master. See our previous article about Meanwhile here.