How Small Businesses Shape Kittery (and Why We Love Being a Part of It)

Kittery, the first town in the state of Maine, is small but mighty. Something we love about the cozy, seaside town is the way that different parts of the small town have completely distinct characters and personalities. 

While many tourists (and even a lot of Southern Maine locals) think only of the outlets when they think of Kittery, downtown, aka the Foreside, is a bit more of a hidden gem. Don’t get us wrong, the outlets are great for shopping, especially if you’re looking for a good deal on a big-name brand, but just a few minutes away, there’s something we think is a whole lot more interesting and special.

Kittery Foreside is an amazing creative community filled with small business owners, and we are *so* happy to be a part of it. The Foreside is like a bustling downtown and a peaceful neighborhood combined. With restaurants and storefronts a short walk from residential streets, it feels both like home and like there’s always something to do.

We credit the local business owners with this perfect blend. Without the businesses, the Foreside would be just another street. Small businesses shape downtown Kittery, and the creativity that comes out of the businesses is inspiring. 

We’re lucky enough to have snagged up an office space in 7 Wallingford Square, a building filled with businesses that locals know and love. From Lil’s Cafe to Anju Noodle Bar and The Wallingford Dram, you could spend a whole day eating your way through the building – not to mention the shops and surrounding buildings. Festina Lente, Black Birch, The Juicery, Tayla Mac, Folk, and Kit Supply + Co are all right there, too. 

The result of all these awesome businesses being in one area? A community bursting with creativity, passion, and drive that’s fueled by kindness and connection. Since we moved into our office space in the Foreside (of which there is now more availability with Studio Kittery), we’ve loved collaborating with other creatives in the area and working with other small business owners on websites, photography, and marketing to help their businesses grow and thrive. 

Kittery truly feels like a community where people care about each other and want to help one another succeed. Small businesses and their owners are the beating heart of Kittery Foreside, and we are beyond grateful that we ended up in this community and can contribute to it every day.