McGrath's Variety Store

McGrath's Variety Store is a classic Maine variety shop tucked into downtown Bar Harbor, offering a fun, low-pressure browse for families who want souvenirs and novelty items without the high price tags of boutique gift shops. The store has the feel of a true old-school variety store — a little bit of everything, from local Bar Harbor mementos to small toys, candy, and quirky novelties that kids tend to find irresistible.

For families, this is a smart stop when kids are asking for something to take home but you're not ready to commit to a pricey souvenir. The selection skews toward affordable items that feel special to a child without requiring a significant budget. Parents will appreciate that a visit here is genuinely quick — you can browse everything in under 30 minutes and still feel like you've covered the store thoroughly.

The location in downtown Bar Harbor makes it easy to fold into a broader stroll through town, pairing well with a stop at the Village Green, a walk to the pier, or a post-dinner ice cream run. It's the kind of place that Bar Harbor locals and repeat visitors know about, but that first-timers sometimes walk right past. Worth popping in if you're looking for an affordable, kid-approved souvenir experience that doesn't feel like a tourist trap.

The store is stroller accessible and the staff are generally laid-back, making it a comfortable stop for families with children of all ages.