It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it building, but well worth circling back around to. The Red Barn Baking Co., just on the Camden/Lincolnville town line on Route 1, is known for its insanely coveted baked goods, but the other half of the century-old barn is a treasure trove.
Inside the two-story barn, one quarter of the first floor is dedicated to the bakery. The rest of the space is for approximately 30 individual vendors who share it, featuring there an eclectic mix of upcycled art, refinished furniture, vintage repurposed housewares, textiles and original creations. Each “booth” has its own distinct personality —sort of like 30 micro-stores within a store.
“There’s a lot of unique talent here,”said retail manager Kris Brown.
Many of the people who have space in the Red Barn have full time jobs, but they go on search missions for unique items, are able to curate them and successfully use the space to display and sell them.
“It’s been amazing to watch what goes in and out of here,” said Brown.
There’s even gourmet food items, such as jams, jellies and sauces from Northwoods Gourmet Girl and the Maine Chef near the front entrance.
“From what I understand, this barn was an antique place for 40 years,” said Brown. “I’ve had several people come in and tell me about a restaurant that used to be opposite the road from this place so it’s well known.”
Co-owners Katie Capra and Dale Turk originally purchased the large barn in 2014 with the intent to just sell Capra’s baked goods.
“For the first year we were open, the other half of the first floor and second floor was just sitting open and empty,” said Capra. “Knowing that it used to be an antique store, we thought ‘why not make it one again and kick it up a notch?’ Not only would it support local people, but it would serve as a draw for the bakery.”
The idea and investment paid off and the first year of the marketplace, has been very successful. “The marketplace has definitely grown along with the bakery and we’ve been pleasantly surprised,” said Capra. “We’re always keeping our eyes and ears open for new ideas to do with it.”
For the holiday season, the biggest sellers have been homemade wreaths and vanilla candles. For people who love shopping local and supporting locals, it’s a place worth checking out.
“The energy is here is amazing,” said Brown. “Positive people, all around.”
Inside the two-story barn, one quarter of the first floor is dedicated to the bakery. The rest of the space is for approximately 30 individual vendors who share it, featuring there an eclectic mix of upcycled art, refinished furniture, vintage repurposed housewares, textiles and original creations. Each “booth” has its own distinct personality —sort of like 30 micro-stores within a store.
“There’s a lot of unique talent here,”said retail manager Kris Brown.
Many of the people who have space in the Red Barn have full time jobs, but they go on search missions for unique items, are able to curate them and successfully use the space to display and sell them.
“It’s been amazing to watch what goes in and out of here,” said Brown.
There’s even gourmet food items, such as jams, jellies and sauces from Northwoods Gourmet Girl and the Maine Chef near the front entrance.
“From what I understand, this barn was an antique place for 40 years,” said Brown. “I’ve had several people come in and tell me about a restaurant that used to be opposite the road from this place so it’s well known.”
Co-owners Katie Capra and Dale Turk originally purchased the large barn in 2014 with the intent to just sell Capra’s baked goods.
“For the first year we were open, the other half of the first floor and second floor was just sitting open and empty,” said Capra. “Knowing that it used to be an antique store, we thought ‘why not make it one again and kick it up a notch?’ Not only would it support local people, but it would serve as a draw for the bakery.”
The idea and investment paid off and the first year of the marketplace, has been very successful. “The marketplace has definitely grown along with the bakery and we’ve been pleasantly surprised,” said Capra. “We’re always keeping our eyes and ears open for new ideas to do with it.”
For the holiday season, the biggest sellers have been homemade wreaths and vanilla candles. For people who love shopping local and supporting locals, it’s a place worth checking out.
“The energy is here is amazing,” said Brown. “Positive people, all around.”
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