The Plant Shoppe, a collaboration between Charlotte Legg and Ashleigh McKenzie, combines a wine bar and cafe with a plant nursery, artisan gift shop and antiques.
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Two longtime friends aim to bring a fresh experience to the Hancock County town of Castine with a new business blending food, wine, plants, art and antiques under one roof.
The Plant Shoppe, a collaboration between Charlotte Legg and Ashleigh McKenzie, combines a wine bar and cafe with a plant nursery, artisan gift shop and antiques. The venue opened in July at the corner of Sea Street and Main Street, in a space next to Auxford Market.
Legg told Mainebiz that the idea was sparked by a concern about the dwindling number of places in Castine where people can gather over food and drinks.
Joining 'the surge'
Legg, who spent 35 years coming to Castine as a tourist and now lives there full time, said the opportunity became clear when longtime mainstay Dennett's Wharf announced it would not reopen this summer as it continues recovery work from the severe 2024 winter storm.
"That was when Ashleigh and I just decided we had to join the surge," said Legg. "We had to try and create something that would bring people to the town and delight people who are already in town."
Ashleigh and her husband, Brian McKenzie, own Auxford Market and bought the Plant Shoppe space about two years ago. The couple, who split their time between Castine and Fairhope, Ala., had been using the space for storage. Ashleigh also owns a plant shop in Fairhope.
For Legg and McKenzie, the Castine venture represents more than a new dining option. It is an effort to help rebuild the social and culinary energy they remember from the historic coastal town on Penobscot Bay.
"When I first came to Castine 35 years ago, there were so many fabulous places to go to," said Legg. "It has just waned over time."
About the shop
Legg and McKenzie spent the spring renovating the space, transforming it into a colorful mix of plants, antiques, gifts and seating. The business also collaborates with Fig and Wasp, an art and antique dealer that regularly brings in new pieces to help shape the shop's decor.
The food and program are designed for casual gatherings rather than full-service dining. The Plant Shoppe serves curated old-world wines, with an emphasis on organic selections, along with beer, nonalcoholic drinks and mocktails.
The food menu includes shareable small plates such as charcuterie and a Greek plate, along with seasonal offerings including watermelon gazpacho. Daily specials incorporate food from Auxford Market, including sandwiches, salads and Maine potato chips from Taste of Maine.
The Plant Shoppe is open noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday. It offers indoor seating and an outdoor area with tables and a fire pit.
Reader feedback
As summer winds down in Maine, what food or restaurant-related experiences stood out to you this year? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to hear from you! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.
