I'm flying to Columbus, Ohio this summer to spend time with my best friend (a quilter). We're driving from Columbus to Portland, Maine and have time to stop at quilt shops along the way. I'm not familiar with that part of the country, so if any of you (fellow quilters) would care to suggest quilt shops, historical monuments, galleries, museums, outlets -- any places of interest we should include in our plans, PLEASE do so!

We have to drive directly to Portland after I arrive, but can take all the time in the world for the road trip back to Columbus. Upon our return we're going to quilt to our hearts' content! I just learned to quilt, but she is a seasoned pro with a Husqvarna that will finish my quilt tops. I'll be flying home with suitcases tightly packed with my completed quilts and lots of fabric for my next projects.

I heard that Keepsake Quilts (NH) is a real disappointment. Anyone have personal experience?

All comments, suggestions, feedback are highly appreciated.

Are you going to any quilt shops in Columbus as well??
If so I can send you a list.

Absolutely!! ;-) We don't want to miss ANY quilt shop worth a visit and potential sale. She lives near Grove City. I believe there's a nice quilt shop in Dublin, OH. (Leave no stone unturned.) :lol:

I was in the Portland area on business last July and I found the greatest quilt shop; the Calico Basket in Wyndham Maine (maybe 20 minutes out of Portland)
It is totally amazing!!!
http://www.calicobasketquiltshop.com/

Another good shop is in the area is; Sew Portland;
https://www.sewmaine.com/productcart...ewportland.asp

While you are in Portland you have to go to the Portland Head Lighthouse!!!! It is beautiful there!!!

On the way back home going through Massachusetts I stopped in Quilts and Treasures, Inc;
great shop; a little off the Turnpike but well worth it!
http://www.quiltsandtreasuresinc.com/

I have never been to Keepsake.

In New York State
I know there are some shops in the Albany area but I am unfamiliar with them.

Not too far off the thruway (Fonda exit) is the Gloversville Sewing Center. Very nice shop!
http://www.gloversvillesewingcenter.com/

Then comes Tiger Lily in Utica (exit 31)
Great Shop!!
http://www.tigerlilyquiltco.com/

In Syracuse is Calico Gals (exit 35)
http://www.tigerlilyquiltco.com/
and Misson Rose Quiltery
http://www.missionrosequiltery.com/
You wont want to miss either one of these shops!!!

I know there are a lot more between Portland and Ohio but these are my favorites!!!

Have a great trip!!!!
Lee

I don't know your travel dates, but I've been to this show a few times and really enjoyed it.
http://www.mainequilts.org/Quilt_Show/index.html

Keepsakes? Meh.
I've been to bigger and better. Also smaller and better. If you happen to be passing right by, then go in. I vaguely remember a long ride on a 2 lane highway to get to Center Harbor.

The only shop along your route that comes to mind is:
https://fieldstonehousefabrics.com//.
The website doesn't look like much but when I was there years ago, it was unbelievable. You couldn't even walk in the place it was so paced with fabric. They vend at large shows, and the stock in their booth is usually more than most quilt shops. Definitely call before you go. It's right off Route 88 past Binghamton, so it's not out of your way.

Have a great trip.

My daughter (the reason for driving to Maine) lives right outside Windham and I HAVE been to the lighthouse. :-) Thanks. I'm adding your suggestions to my list! I doubt we'll go to MA, but definitely NY, possibly VT. Who knows. We're just crazy quilters with time on our hands, itchin' to discover America's best (fat quarters). :lol:

We'll be there in June this year. I'll plan to visit next summer (2012) when I'm in Maine. Thanks for the information on The Fieldstone House. I've added it to our agenda.

"I heard that Keepsake Quilts (NH) is a real disappointment. Anyone have personal experience?"

I love Keepsake. I live in Mass. about 2.5 hours away and go about 3-4 times a year. Tons of batiks which are my favorites. And if someone knows of bigger and better in the area, pleeaassee give me the name of it. I would love to go.

Keepsake was NOT a disappointment! It's huge and a little overwhelming but lots of fun. I made the mistake of walking in with no particular project in mind; if you know what you're looking for it will be a lot more fun.

in Glenville NY there is Joyful Quilter, there wonderful friendlist people ever great to place to do business with.
There website is www.joyfulquilter.com if you want to check them out, I shop there I am not affiliated with them.
the worst shop in Albany is Flying Geese, the most unfriendly unhelpful shop in the area I can continue bashing them but I'll stop. Have a safe trip and a wonderful time.