Treat Yourself to Kittery, ME

Coming out of the holiday season high and jumping back into the real world can be a hard way to start the year, but it doesn’t have to be. Let 2024 be the year that you prioritize to not only take care of yourself, but to treat yourself - after all, you deserve it. That being said, you may find that the selfless act of treating someone else is just the treat to make you feel happy and warm, so share the love.

While everyone is clearing the cobwebs from their head and getting back to work, take some time to treat yourself (or someone else) to a few of our favorite Kittery & Portsmouth things.

Something Sweet

Beach Pea 

The core philosophy at Beach Pea is that “Simple is Best”, but ‘simple’ has never tasted so good. To lump Beach Pea in with other bakeries simply does not do them justice, and that is evident very quickly after entering their shop where they bake fresh breads, pastries and desserts every morning. If you want to be the hero among your group, you can’t go wrong with a box of assortments - Bon Bombs filled with pistachio cream, raspberries and chocolate mousse atop a layer of our rich chocolate cake, mouth watering Lemon Bars combining tart and sweet lemon custard baked on a shortbread crust and dusted in powdered sugar, and if cheesecake is your thing, this might be your new go-to for desserts.

Byrne & Carlson

Long-time local owners of B&C Chocolate have achieved small batch, artisanal chocolate perfection. The traditional European production starts with only the finest chocolates from around the world, with unique blends and varying cacao percentages to create a delicate complexity for the palate in each treat. There is a reason they have stood the test of time for many years in the Kittery, ME and Portsmouth, NH locations, so if you’re in the area be sure to pay them a visit - Fresh Cream Truffles, Marzipan Bonbons, the infamous Caramellos - we’re sure you can think of a few reasons to stop in, but they also have gift box assortments if you’re looking to treat someone this Valentine’s Day!

Health & Wellness

Flōte

Find your sanctuary for wellness at Flōte - a soul gym where people train not only their bodies, but their spirits. Floating, or floatation therapy, is a sensory deprivation practice involving a pod filled with a foot of water and over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. The Portsmouth location is home to four floatation spaces—two pods, one starlit room and one open, double float room—perfect for a couples float together. Try a float to get in touch with your physical, psychological, and spiritual self, relax your body, and still the chatter in your mind.

Blush

Blush is an intimate boutique spa nestled in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, just a 5 minute drive from the Water Street Inn They offer everything from facials, waxing and massages down to lash and brow services. With a team of award winning lightworkers, motivators, and inspirers ready to make you look and feel like the best version of yourself, you are in good hands with the folks at Blush. Allow Blush to pamper your mind, body and soul to give you that glow you’re looking for to start the cold, wintery season.

Local Gifts

Tayla Mac

The Wallingford Square in downtown Kittery Foreside has become such a fun place to explore what’s new, and Tayla Mac is not a store you just walk past. It is an eclectic boutique sourcing from emerging artists, designers and gift makers around the country with each hand-picked item they sell. The owner has wonderfully curated a selection of beautiful jewelry, clothing, home goods, and much more, and there is always something fun and new to check out.

Folk

We love Folk for their unique selection of gifts and goods, showcasing and selling Maine made products, and their commitment to eco-friendly product lines. They specialize in handmade, modern ceramics, stationery, jewelry, cards and gifts, and recently an incredible natural wine selection. This unexpected little gem of a shop is bursting with color and charm, stop in for yourself to see what it’s all about.