What You’ll Find at the Southport General Store (and Why It’s Everyone’s Favorite Stop)
You can’t spend a week on Southport Island without winding up at the general store at least once. (Realistically: three or four times.)
It’s the kind of place that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been—part market, part deli, part bakery, part boutique, and somehow still the most down-to-earth spot on the island. Whether you forgot something basic, need a snack, or just want to browse, this is the place.
Come Hungry
The deli counter is the main event here. Grab a made-to-order sandwich or breakfast wrap (we’re partial to anything with cheese), or swing by in the morning for fresh pastries and coffee. There’s a cooler with drinks, a case with quiche, and shelves with locally made bread and sweets that rotate often, plus takeout pizza. Perfect for packing a picnic or grabbing lunch before a day out on the water.
Restock Your Essentials
The store carries just enough of everything to save you a trip into Boothbay. Sunscreen? Check. Bug spray? Of course. A bottle of wine for deck happy hour? Definitely. It’s also the only place on the island where you can pick up household items like paper towels, sandwich bags, or allergy meds if something slips your packing list. (They’ve also got adorable branded Southport Island canvas totes for sale — y’know, just in case you need something to carry your groceries out in.)
Gifts + Local Finds
Head outside to the barn and you’ll find a curated selection of gifts, books, kitchen towels, t-shirts, jewelry, and all things Maine. It’s one of the best places to grab souvenirs without leaving the island — and we won’t judge if the gift ends up staying with you.
Bonus tip: check in at the barn to find out if there are any workshops happening during your stay! As of 2025, they’re offering classes on knitting, needle felting, mosaics, and more.
Insider Tips
There are a few Adirondack chairs and picnic tables under the trees out back next to the parking lot — just in case you’re too hungry to wait to eat until you get back to the house.
You can call ahead to place a sandwich order if you’re in a hurry (especially helpful on weekends).
The earlier the better if you’re after pastries — when they’re gone, they’re gone.
It’s an easy drive from Camelot — less than 10 minutes, depending on how many deer you stop to count along the way.
The Southport General Store isn’t flashy or big. But it’s got what you need and a little bit (maybe a lot, depending on who you ask) of what you didn’t know you needed. Around here, it’s less of an errand and more of a ritual.
Looking for more local favorites? Browse the blog or check availability and start planning your week around snacks, swims, and spontaneous stops like this.