organic stores , Portland vs. Bangor? (Ellsworth, Belfast: co-ops, Home Depot, neighborhood)

[babybear]

Which has more availability of organic stores? We are making a move and it seems like Bangor is more for our needs. Can't seem to find any info on organic stores in Bangor area. Is this because everything is down in Portland? Any thoughts??

[Mark S.]

Hey, if you can't find one, then open one. When we end up moving to Bangor, we'll be some of your regulars.

[ontheroad]

I don't recall any organic up Bangor, but there is a very good food co-op in Belfast (very driveable in good weather).

Originally Posted by babybear

Which has more availability of organic stores? We are making a move and it seems like Bangor is more for our needs. Can't seem to find any info on organic stores in Bangor area. Is this because everything is down in Portland? Any thoughts??

[Acadianlion]

There are food co-ops and organic food stores in almost every town of any size in Maine. Belfast has one, Blue Hill has one, Ellsworth has John Edward's Market, and I am sure that there is one in Bangor since it is a much larger city than any of the towns. You may have to come and look around to find what you are looking for. You should also find it on line, either through its own website if it has one, or through the associations of stores like these...most are listed somewhere.

[MAINEr]

Babybear,

Bangor has the Natural Living Store which is out by the Bangor Mall. They sell organic produce, organic boxed goods (like pasta etc), they sell herbal supplements, bulk items like flours, nuts etc. There website is http://www.naturallivingcenter.net

Hope this helps

[vter]

Most supermarkets (in VT anyway) carry a large selection of organic & natural goods. Hannaford & Shaws are all over Maine so I'm assuming there are some in Bangor?

[chris]

like someone mentioned above, they're known as "co-ops" in Maine. They've been there since the late 70's - early 80's. I remember going quite a bit as a kid. "Organic" stores are for people who like paying a lot of money for things with nice packaging.

[stevenlear]

Yes, Hannafords & Shaws are here in Bangor, with decent sized natural foods sections and there is the Natural Living Center, which was mentioned above, out by Home Depot.

[karyn_barker]

I checked a couple of sites and it looks like there are some natural food places nearby:

Natural Living Center
209 Longview Drive
Bangor,Maine 04401
207-990-2646
207-990-5797

Bangor-European Farmers Market
100 Dutton St
Bangor,Maine 04401
207-326-4741
Buck Street-across from Bangor Auditorium,
parking lot at Sunnyside Greenhouse
Email: sunsetacres@prexar.com
YEAR-ROUND
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Clewley Farm Restaurant
999 Main Road
Eddington,Maine 04428
207-843-7446

I recommend these sites to look for natural or organic food places in general:

http://www.localharvest.com (has been around for a while, many types of listings, including farms)

http://www.realfoodfinder.com (newer, focuses on food, community-driven - everyone can enter your favorite neighborhood organic market, bakery, cafe, etc.)

http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/States/Maine.htm (farmers markets only)

[bigchuckie]

Whole foods is about to open in Portland I think it is the only one in the area