Perry’s Nuthouse

Perry’s is a goofy tourist trap along the famous route 1. It’s full of strange things like gorillas and alligators and whatnot. While certainly a bit outdated, it still has some charm and is worth a brief stop.
Make sure you go straight up to the fudge counter with big puppies eyes, as you will be asked if you would like a sample of fudge. Then you can munch as you go about the store.
Warning for those with nut allergies (such as myself): they have a lot of nuts. This is the only place in my life where the smell alone almost makes me have a reaction.
Tourist shops shops, in my opinion, shouldn’t exist (unless we start a sport where we trap tourists and make them fight each other in the defunct Rumford mill). But since they exist… I will give my endorsement. Dear tourists, if you stop anywhere, may it be here. Nice folks, nice fudge, nice place.

Several years ago I would have given Perry’s five stars. This was a regular stop on our family vacations up Coastal Route One in Maine. I can remember the early days of Perry’s when the second floor of the old house was a museum of sorts. It was a bizarre museum, however, showcasing a variety of animals which had the unfortunate fate of crossing paths with a taxidermist. Creepy, but as a child I was amazed and actually looked forward to this. It was also somewhat educational as the exhibits did offer some fun facts about each animal.
Today the second floor of the home is closed and all that is left is the gift shop. Beware this place is a total tourist trap, but yet still should be experienced by all. To the best of my knowledge the old home has changed ownership over time. There has been a «for sale» sign out front the last couple times I have visited and I hope Perry’s manages to keep its doors open into the future. Sadly though, the shop is not what it used to be and lacks a lot of its original charm.
The gift shop is an unusual assortment of candy, mixed nuts, cheesy souvenirs, and odd décor. Although most of the animal exhibits have gone extinct, you will be greeted by a large gorilla at the front door and a stuffed bear looms out back baring his teeth. Oh and I cannot forget the poor decrepit Albatross in the glass case. No guarantees on the freshness of the fudge although I think it is one of their specialties. My mom and I were the first customers in the store at 9am this past Tuesday. The fudge sat in the case from the day before (or maybe longer) uncovered with several pieces already cut. Perhaps it keeps awhile? I don’t eat it so I’m no fudge expert. It just did not appear super fresh.
Despite my three stars I do believe everyone should experience Perry’s at least once. I just do not want to set anyone’s expectations too high. It is not the same place it once was, but yet is still unforgettable.

Great place to stop for tourists, and still fun for locals. Lots of bizarre and interesting trinkets await you here, the fudge is a good to go snack for later on that night.

After reading the other review, I guess we’re all fortunate that there are «only» a couple of disgusting, badly decomposed taxidermy animals in there. The albatross is literally falling apart, it’s back half is practically all the way off. I’ve only been there twice. The first was last year. I was so horrified at that poor, decomposing stuffed bear that I hurried out. It seriously looks like it’s some sort of screaming mummy. Speaking of mummies, yes, there is now what looks like a human mummy underneath the register. Horrible. I went in to try again, figuring I’d buy some fudge. God, just as cheesy as I remember. The guy at the fudge counter refused to put my two pounds of fudge in two separate boxes. He couldn’t figure it out; I suggested he use two 1 pound boxes. He rudely said, «Hey, I’ve been doing this a long time!», and stuffed a quarter pound in a bag. Stupid. Good for you, perhaps you’ve been doing it too long. I will never set foot in that place again, totally disgusting, nothing at all there to buy except made in China junk. Horrible place, just horrible.

Wow. Just, wow. From what I’ve read, this place used to be crazier. Which is insane, because they’ve already set the bar so high.
If you’re looking for some silly silly touristy gifts, this is the place for you. Maybe you’ve got children and you need to placate them with some cheap silly toys. Perry’s will fit the bill. They’ve also got some bulk candy and nuts.
Come for the crazy, stay for the fudge. Seriously, the fudge is reeeeally good. We sampled a few kinds (my favorites were the Pirate– aka buttered rum, pistachio, and the chocolate orange) before picking up some for ourselves and some for gifts.
All kidding aside, I am always down for a kitschy place that’s full of local lore (ask about the elephant). We ended up taking home a couple of souvenirs for ourselves because we happen to have a thing for nuts. Heh heh. It’s worth it to pop in.

I have been stopping here on my trips to Washington County for more years than I care to remember. Although I do miss the nut museum and the taxidermy collection it is still a good place to get some salty nutty treats and an assortment of candy and fudge of descent quality. A fun place for kids to pick up their kitchy Maine souvenirs.

Regarding Sage’s review, I must add that as a neighbor of Perry’s Nut House, I just want to update everyone on a few things. First, we are very fortunate that a longtime Maine landmark is still around for us to enjoy. The loss of many of the favorite features has been diminished by the energy and desire of the new owners to bring back the nostalia of the «good ol’ days». There is so much to see!
Second, memories fade, and there were things about the former store that were not so cool*. The current owners work hard to offer a consistant, affordable array of interesting, fun and funky merchandise. And they make award-​winning, awesome fudge! And free samples so you don’t have to guess which one of many to choose!
(*Those old, dusty taxidermy animals didn’t age well…)
Come again, Thursday Warrior, and remember that nothing stays the same for 80+ years. Nothing. The overwhelming percentage of visitors are happy they made the trip!
Thanks!

Perry’s used to be a staple in Belfast (and of the Maine coast) but I was seriously disappointed to find out that there had been multiple shake ups in terms of ownership and management. If you had come here as a child and were amazed by the 2^nd floor full of taxidermy animals, you’re out of luck. It’s unfortunate that this great little tourist shop has become an overpriced shell of souvenir key chains and salt water taffy.

Ok, it’s a cheesy touristy place but hey, chances are, if you’re in Maine between May and September, you’re a cheesy tourist, so why not?!?
Perry’s has a lot of cool (if mostly useless) memorabilia for you to take back home with you to remind you of your time spent in Maine. It also has some of the best fudge I’ve ever tasted. Fudge they make right there! It almost looks like a Baskin Robbins, there are so many flavors on display. You end up taking several because you can’t decide on one! Clever those Perry’s Nut House people!
Your trip to Maine could be complete without a stop off at Perry’s but it won’t be near as fun. Heck, go for the fudge if nothing else!

Take a cool break and have some fun checking out the very interesting items! Must have some of the Perry’s Nuthouse «Best of the Best» amazing (made on the premise) fudge! Purchase a selection of two or three for the road! On the north side of Rte One, adjacent to a very cool little jewelry store, in East Belfast!