Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I N O. X X V I I I D E C E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 2 5 10 M I D C O A S T / D OW N E A S T ong known for its shipbuild- ing, the city of Bath also has a vibrant downtown retail and restaurant industry — which is relatively rare today among many Maine cities. Mainebiz visited "the city of ships" recently and met with civic leaders, business owners and retailers to learn what the secret sauce is that makes Bath an increasingly popular place to live and visit. Local owners and a healthy mix of businesses Bath's recipe for success includes a combination of ingredients — independently owned businesses that focus on staying relevant for year-round residents as well as summer visitors, strong support from city leaders and an active merchants association. e city's abundant historic charm, nurtured by local land- lords, gives Bath a solid sense of place and contributes to a grow- ing influx of younger families. Its population is 8,800. e heart of the downtown dis- trict is Front Street, where close to 30 shops, cafes and banks line four blocks of tidy brick buildings, many of which date to the 1800s. ere are four bookstores, a gallery, boutiques and gift shops, the very busy Cafe Creme, a toy store, a pet store, a brew- pub, a combination deli and ice cream shop, two furniture stores, Springer's Jewelers, Reny's department store, an IGA grocery store and a newly opened yarn shop, one of two now in town. e diverse mix includes service businesses, too: real estate agents, financial advisers, a framer, barber shop, hair salon, an optometrist and a yoga studio. Just around the corner on Centre and Water streets are the Bath Sweet Shoppe, a butcher shop, Bath Natural Market, another gallery, an Italian pas- try shop, a deli, several restaurants and a large co-working space that's become a vital community connector. All are locally owned and operated. More cafes and restaurants are clustered on surrounding streets, and one of two parks along the Kennebec hosts seasonal food trucks. e rustic riverfront Bath Freight Shed is home to a Saturday farmers' market. Misty Parker, the city's economic and development director, says the range of shops, restaurants and busi- nesses provides a healthy mix that's key to attracting visitors and perhaps most importantly, servicing year- round residents. F O C U S The range of shops, restaurants and businesses provides a healthy mix that's key to attracting visitors and perhaps most importantly, servicing year- round residents. — Misty Parker City of Bath P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Bath Economic and Community Development Director Misty Parker with Brett Johnson and his dog Mateo at 66 Front St. in Bath. B y T i n a F i s c h e r Independent businesses and invested landlords give new life to Bath's commercial district

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