The building in the heart of Boothbay Harbor’s downtown waterfront district wasn’t vacant for long.
The store space at 41 Commercial St. is the new home of Finest Kind, a store offering a variety of vintage items, jewelry, contemporary clothing, antiques, and a number of other unique items to shoppers.
Finest Kind opened in Lincoln County three weeks ago. The store’s owners, Brenda and Chris Lee, first visited the area just six weeks ago.
“I just fell in love with the area. I am utterly blown away by the welcoming we have received in Boothbay Harbor,” Brenda said.
Chris added the merchants in and around town have also been welcoming and supportive to the new business.
Brenda also said the community spirit present around town helped to convince the two that Boothbay Harbor was a good spot for a new business venture.
“I think what really got me the most is the sense of community here,” Brenda said.
She said she was looking forward to utilizing the store’s space for fundraising events.
Despite the fact they are new to the Boothbay region, the Lees have extensive experience with similar operations, running a store in Boca Grande, Fla., and traveling to a number of exhibits and shows across the county.
The owners estimated they have around 20 years of experience in the business.
The store’s location on Commercial Street features two floors, both filled with the shop’s unique offerings. Brenda described the items to be found at Finest Kind.
“We deal in unique things,” Brenda said.
She listed estate jewelry, chic women’s clothing, quality furniture, men’s cuff links, and handmade jewelry as some of the products for sale at the newly opened establishment.
“You will see things you never have seen before,” Brenda said.
Among the interesting items available are old-time train posters, which once hung on the side of railcars. The posters depict a variety of western scenes, including images with famous showman Buffalo Bill Cody.
Brenda also said the couple is considering using a portion of the store’s top floor as a tea room, utilizing the building’s scenic view of the town’s harbor.
Though they have only been open a few weeks, both owners say their business is off to a promising start.
“It was a great test market,” Brenda said.
According to Brenda, the best part of her job is sharing her discoveries. “I don’t only get to find unique things, I get to share them,” she said.
The owners are planning to stay open through Columbus Day weekend and will close for the season following the holiday weekend.
Though this summer season is drawing to a close, the proprietors are looking forward to the future.
“We are really excited about the 2016 season,” Chris said.
The past denizen of the address, Gold/Smith Gallery, is still in Boothbay Harbor and located at 8 McKown St.
