A successful outlet town not far from the Massachusetts border, Kittery is a bargain-filled day trip for many Bostonians, or a week-long stay for shopaholics who also want close proximity to the area’s woodland hikes, rivers, parks, and history (the town is Maine’s oldest, settled in 1623).

But for most visitors, Kittery is all about getting a good buy—not a real challenge in a town where the average sale price is 40 percent off the original. Clotheshorses can stock up on labels ranging from high-end (Calvin Klein and Geoffrey Beene) to sporty (J. Crew and Eddie Bauer); home decor fanatics will find fancy goods (china at Villeroy & Boch, cookware at Le Creuset) and practicalities (gadgets at Brookstone). Sales are ongoing, but the best deals are generally to be found right after holidays and at summer’s end.

Kittery Historical and Naval Museum

Nautical buffs ought not miss the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum (200 Rogers Road Extension, 207/439-3080, www.kitterymuseum.com, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. June–Oct., $3 adults, $1.50 children 7–15, free children under 7), full of seafaring gear, loads of intricate scrimshaw, ship models, and a collection of painted seascapes.