Kittery means shopping, like chocolate means love and gaping wounds mean You Should Probably Get That Checked Out. It’s synonymous.

However, the town is mostly known for outlet shopping and while we love a good outlet, Bliss tries to be about Maine-based shops and peeps when we can, so hitting Kittery as the last stop on our virtual southern Maine road trip required a little extra effort.

But really, it’s shopping. Effort is so relative.

Without further ado: Whales, watermelons and (sumo) wrestlers. You know, those harbingers of warm weather.

Hey, gals can dream.

* Lobster boxers, Bob’s Clam Hut, $19

“I went to a seafood shack and got you underwear!” Now, that says thoughtful. Or quirky. Or something. Another $25 gets you lobster-print pajama pants to go over them. The hut is open year-round but closed for a few days next week for renovations.

* Whale watch, Seafari Charters, $1,500

First, a nod to the play on words. Seafari? Love it. The watches run from April to November, for seven hours, and the fee covers up to 10 people. You might be thinking, for that price, is the whale steering the boat? He is not, silly.

* Flexible Flyer Snow Castle Kit, Kittery Trading Post, $17.99

Where were these when we were young tykes playing in the snow, impervious to frostbite, runny noses and rumbling stomachs? Scads more snow will come. It will. And when it does, let there be castles.

* Bogs Women’s Waterproof High Rubber Boot, Kittery Trading Post, $86.89

A rain boot on steroids, made of neoprene, good to 40-below and with a pretty flower pattern on the foot. Basically, these kick rain in the butt.

* Watermelon slice earrings, G. Irwin Co., $199

The pink and green stones are wrapped in sterling silver. More importantly, watermelon, mmm.

* MailWraps magnetic mailbox covers, Kittery Trading Post, $14.99

Flowers. Flags. Country charm. What does it say that Bag Lady has eyed other people’s mailboxes with decor envy?

* 44-inch Sumo rocket, Maximus Hobby Shop, $119.99

It’s a rocket. Named Sumo. Full disclosure: Rockets named Mustang, Cheetah, Wart Hog and Barracuda were sold out, so sadly, Sumo wasn’t the first choice —I mean, Cheetah? Come on. Though I’m sure it’s still a good rockety time. Of course, careful with those fingers and toes.

* Snoopy Literary Ace photo-mosaic puzzle, 1,000 pieces, Maximus Hobby Shop, $15.99

The last puzzle Bag Lady tackled: Likely a 25-piece Anne Geddes. (Babies! Flowerpots!) The last puzzle Shopping Siren snapped into place: Something simple featuring fuzzy ducks in a field. So 1,000 pieces would be Herculean, but hey, you only live once.

Best find: Clam fritters, Bob’s Clam Hut, $6.95

Fritters are summer.

Think twice: Hunter Dan Turkey Hunter action figure, Kittery Trading Post, $19.99

An 8-inch camo-covered hunter with three turkey decoys. You can also purchase his accessories, Hank the duck-hunting dog and a nameless pronghorn antelope. Would the same fellow who shoots turkey and duck also shoot antelope? We’re not sure. We are positive about leaving this action figure on the shelf.

Calling You.

This bright, shiny new year and new-and-improved column? It needs your help! Start sending those links our way for your local business. If we can’t stop by in person, we’d love to e-shop there.

Bag Lady and Shopping Siren’s true identities are protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who can’t believe there isn’t a rocket named after them) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach them at baglady@sunjournal.com and shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.

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