I wasn't sure where to post this question, but I am so excited I can hardly type, or think. In September, my DH and I are taking a long awaited road trip from Central Alabama, to Kennebunkport Maine. We will be going the slow scenic route, and I really need some ideas for quilt "stops". I am always seeing topics about certain shops and wished I was there, so please help me out. We will travel through Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Penn., upper state New York, Vermont, and of course, Maine. Doesn't that sound fun? If you had rather pm me, that's ok, too. Thanks, friends.

detour through Lancaster Pa. You will not be disappointed. Alos the original Dear Jane quilt is in a museum in Vermont. I am not sure if it is on display right now but I would Love to go see it one day.

If you have an Iphone or IPad, there is a free app that lets you find quilting stores all over the country. Its great

I was just about so say, make sure you hit Lancaster. I've never been there to shop, but have seen some neat shops driving by. I can't think of any in my area though, Joann's is the closest for me (I think) unless I just don't see them

don't forget Keepsake Quilting in Center Harbor, NH - you'll love it!!

Ahhh yes . Keepsake. I didn't think of that one. Another must see for me some day.

So a Mapquest search - Quilt shops in (whatever city you will be passing thru) You might get some good results from this.

I agree, drive thru Lancaster, I'd encourage you to veer just into NJ . Exit 40 on Rte 95 in Pa. Olde City Quilts is a great shop that is mostly unknown....4000 bolts and growing...Gammill and Bernina Machines, 10,000 Sq ft We are worth the trip......theres also another cute shop right up the road!

Ohhh, that sounds like such a fun trip!!!! I hope you get to Amish country in Ohio- it's beautiful and they have lovely quilt shops and baked goods, jams, cheeses, oh yum!!!!!!!
Have a wonderful trip and be sure to tell us all about it :D

I love Joyful Quilter in Glenville NY!!! its a happy place wiht great service!

If you are near Akron Ohio the Akron Art Museum has Paul Nadelsterns Kaleidoscope Quilt display going through October. Also there are some truly amazing quilt shops in Berlin (Amish country).

I never leave Oklahoma without my Quilter's Travel Companion
book. It comes out every 2 years and gives names, phone and maps to shops in all states, Canada,Hawaii and Alaska.
Have fun and make them all!

If you have an Iphone or IPad, there is a free app that lets you find quilting stores all over the country. Its great[/quote]

Could you share the name of the app with us? Thanks.

wow, have fun on your trip

listing of quilt shops, I would call ahead to find out if they are still open and also hours

http://quilterstravelcompanion.com/q...ilt-shops.html

Whereabouts in upstate New York?

If you are passing through the Adirondacks, I believe there's a shop in Newcomb (near the high peaks). Not sure of the name of the shop, but the owner also runs Aunt Polly's B&B (a nice place to stay; I've been there twice).

If you're coming through the Buffalo area, you are most welcome to visit the shop I work at!

Lancaster County, PA, has the best shops. Old Country Store and Zooks are in Intercourse, Sauders is near the Denver/reading Turnpike exit, Hayloft Fabric is in Morgantown near the Morgantown Turnpike exit, Lady Fingers is near Oley in Berks County are all good choices. Hope you have a great trip.

If you go near Marcellus in NY (near Syracuse) you have to check out Patchwork Plus! They were in a magazine for one of the top tens and they truly are!

Are you located on 104? I stopped there last week on my way home but it was closed (Wednesday).

I would have to agree with all the people that told you to go to Lancaster, PA. The shops are plentiful and the prices are great.
Your last quilt shop before you get to Kennebunkport is in Cape Neddick, ME. It's called Knight's and is very nice. I can't forget to tell you though that you NEED to go to Marden's in Sanford if you come all this way. If you want more information on this let me know.

look for a mardens have heard wonderful things about them part of it is hardware and part a fabric so your dh may like that

I've heard good things about Sew Be It in Ringold GA. They just finished rebuilding after the tornado.

Consider shipping your fabric home. Some shops won't charge tax if you're mailing it from the shop.

Invest in a "Quilter's Travel Companion" It runs about $20 I think. It lists every quilt store in the country! Eight years ago, DH and I were taking a trip up the East Coast. We would stop at night and he would take out the map and the QTC. He would say "If we go this route, we can go to this store, and this one and this one, etc" And we did!
Also, when traveling in Lancaster, PA, remember that on Sundays, very few businesses are open!

Since you're heading up to southern Maine, a place NOT to miss is Marden's in Sanford, Me. It's only about 25 minutes from Kennebunkport. They have an amazing amount of fabric at wonderful prices and they are very generous with their cuts. I picked up 20 quarter yards (the girl cut them to at least 15" each) and also picked up 5 yards of white on white and 3 yards of another fabric for a bargello I want to make and it cost me $40.00. I used to live in Ogunquit and another place to stop in at is Knight's Quilt shop on Route One in Ogunquit. Very nice. Of course, I never head back to the northeast without going over to Centre Harbor and visit Keepsake Quilting. Enjoy your trip!!

I'm not sure of the route you are taking but if you are going through Tenn. check your map around Newport and make a little detour to Holloway's at Cosby. Wonderful little shop just jammed packed with fabric. Don't blink or you will miss it I think there are only like 3 businesses there. But it is beautiful country to see

Berlin Ohio is a must!!!!!!!!!!! A community full of Amish quilt shops, and a giant fabric warehouse called Zincks. Google Berlin, Ohio. I visit here twice a year to restock.

This is a great book. Had to visit inlaws in JUly. Took the book. Had to do a great deal of repacking to get it all back on the plane home.

Marion, Ohio......Good Wives is a must. They do beautiful work on their samples...makes you want to buy everything in the shop...LOL!!! They are the sweetest people. Always make it there a couple of times whenever I'm in Ohio.

Berlin...my cousin lives near there and I didn't even think of going over there looking at quilt shops when I'm home in Ohio.

If you get anywhere near Lancaster, PA, you'll see so many quilt shops you won't know what to do!! I live across the state, but when I get to that area, that's all I look for! Since I don't live there, I don't have exact places to shop, but just Google quilt shops in that area, and you'll have lots to choose from. Have fun!!! :thumbup:

You can find the "Quilters Travel Companion" in your LQS or look it up on-line to map out your route. I envy you. Have a wonderful trip and don't forget to tell us about it!

Are you going anywhere near New Hampshire?
Keepsake Quiting is in a lovley area of the country, mountains, small town atmosphere. Went there once.
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/

I think it would be worth the money to buy a "Quilters Companion".

there is also the "Quilt Shop Navigator." I do not leave home with out my copy. It comes out every 6 months and list quilt shops by towns, states and store names. Also has events listed in the same way. if you store does not have them a website is www.wrbqinc.com. they run about $8.00. They do have an "app" coming but I don't do them.

Sept 15-17 is the PA National Quilt Extravaganza in Oaks PA (suburb of Pennsylvania). 600 quilts and 200 vendors, need I say more ? I'm headed there from middle Tennessee...maybe we'll run into each other !

Last year we went to Kennebunkport, Maine, and drove over to Center Harbor, New Hampshire (only about 2 hours) and went to Keepsake Quilting. The drive was delightful (loved the different style of homes), and well worth the trip. We ate at The Canoe - and I had lobster mac 'n cheese - YUMMY! What could be better - visiting a wonderful quilt shop and have a delicious lunch. Definitely a fun day trip if you are in Kennebunkport. Also, you must try the lobster rolls anywhere in Kennebunkport....and for sure a lobster pound for dinner! (Can you tell I am a lobster lover??)

While in Maine plan to visit Mardens stores, nearest to Kennebunk
is Sanford Maine. You will be glad you did visit they have large fabric department and prices that you won't believe. There are more of these
Mardens in southern Maine

Depending on which way you head, Kutztown, PA has a nice shop called Wooden Bridge. It is located on a farm. Nothing fancy but good selection, great help and good prices. The area around Lancaster is loaded with quilt shops.

if u want material, go to FAYETTEVILLE, TN.they have a huge store.and very cheap.i love 2 go there.

Patchwork Plus, which someone recommended, is a wonderful shop in New York State
There are 2 shops in New Hampshire that I would recommend:
Quilters Workshop in Newport on Route 10 in the center of town - Gail Peck is a great gal, a member of this Board and she has a wonderful selection of fabric.
Quilted Threads in Henniker is a fabulous shop - great and vast collection of Japanese taupes
I'm not a Keepsake fan, but unless it's way off your track, it's worth a trip just to know you've been

several Mardens stores in Maine....btw, could you stop and pick me up in Md. ;-)

Paducah, Ky. The whole town is almost a quilt shop and the National Quilt Museum is a must see. It is in western Kentucky, but well worth the trip in my book.