The next time you're looking for a gift with a flair, you might want to check out The Footbridge Shop, one of Boothbay Harbor's new shops this summer.

Owned by the same proprietors as Sweet Bay, Ken and Cathy Rayle, the shop is filled with delightful items that you won't see in Sweet Bay, or other gift shops in the area. Not that Sweet Bay doesn’t have its fair share of delightful items.

Sea Bags, made in Maine, are the best-selling item in Sweet Bay. They are large bags, embellished with many different designs, made from recycled sails. “They appeal to everyone.” Cathy said. “They're coastal themes, and they're durable. Everybody who buys them feels like they're taking a piece of Maine home with them.”

Tandem glassware, made in Dresden, is another big seller. The glasses are hand-blown, and each is unique.

Eight years ago, when they first decided to open a retail shop, the corner where Sweet Bay is was empty, and they decided it was the perfect spot. “When we first started we put a wall up to make it two spaces,” Ken said. “Now eight years later we've torn it down again.”

Now in its eighth year, Sweet Bay is twice the size it's been for the past seven years, because the The Villa, next door, closed and the spot came available. “We took a wall down and expanded into the space,” Ken said.

The Foodbridge Shop, at 8 Bridge Street, opened in May, and focuses on coastal-themed items.

The shop that was in the space before Footbridge Shop took over was Maine Made and More. The owners retired and the Rayles decided to take over the space and the inventory. “It was after we made that decision that The Villa would not be coming back, so we didn't think we could pass that up, either.”

The Rayles have added more, different inventory to the stock that was left by Maine Made and More. “The Footbridge Shop has more of a coastal flair,” Cathy said. “There are items that are of interest to a lot of people.”

There are home accessories, jams and syrups, ceramic dishes, and all natural soaps, made in Rockland. One of the best-selling items is a hook for a dog leash. It features a cast iron rear end of a dog, with the tail as the hook.

The Rayles said they attempt to keep most of their inventory 'made in Maine.' “If not Maine, at least New England, by individuals or small companies,” Ken said. “Not everything is made locally, but we try to make a point of that.”

Ken said they take pride in both their shops being bright and clean. “That sets the tone.”

Though they say they really don't know much more about retail than when they started eight years ago, one thing they can say for sure is that they love what they do. “We love the people and we're passionate about a lot of our products, and that makes it so much fun,” Cathy said.

Call the Footbridge Shop at 207-633-6362, and Sweet Bay, located at at 9 Townsend Ave. 207-350-4081.