Cabela's, the mega outdoor retailer, is set to plop down a huge store here in Maine at some point in the near future.

A 130,000 square foot store plus a variety of other retail and office space will complete the complex to be sited on Payne Road in Scarborough, not far from the Maine Turnpike.

I checked Cabela's online site, but couldn't find any new information on the proposed Maine location, but as far as I know, they're still coming.

I suspect that L.L. Bean and Kittery Trading Post might be a bit nervous, but hey, it's a free market economy. And I hope it proves strong enough to accomodate all comers, because competition helps keep everybody on the up-and-up, and prices down.

While I was visiting my Mom in Texas over the recent President's Day weekend I learned that a big Cabela's had opened a year or so ago on the outskirts of Fort Worth. So given Cabela's pending arrival on Maine soil, I thought we'd take a drive to the other side of Cowtown to check it out and give it a good look-see.

Well dee-yah, I've got to tell you, it was quite an impressive scene. Not just your ordinary retail sporting goods store. More of a shopping experience. Something along the lines of a mini-theme park.

Outside the Cabela's store in Fort Worth TX.
All photos by Carey Kish

I know that everything's bigger in Texas (or so Texans will tell you every time) but apparently the size of this store is Cabela's M-O. Sprawling indeed from the outside, cavernous on the inside.

Looking toward "Conservation Mountain" inside the cavernous Cabela's, Fort Worth TX.

We were immediately greeted by a smiley-happy employee (shades of Wal Mart?) who gave us a quick overview of the store, a map (yes, a map!), a full catalog, and a camping/backpacking specialty catalog (at my request). Then she sent us on our merry way to revel amongst the aisles.

The store is clearly geared to the sportsman (sportsperson?) with an abundance and assortment of hunting and fishing equipment that would make your head spin. Never mind the accessories and clothing, much of it blaze orange and camo.

Now mind you, I'm not hunter (nor do I play one on TV) and I don't fish anymore (although I would dearly love for someone to teach me fly fishing), But even I couldn't help poking deliciously through stuff I didn't need nor would I likely ever buy.

I did, however find a bargain (baaa-gan?) with a Cabela's brand leatherman, 2 for $9.99. Score! And 100' of much needed parachute cord. And Mom and I had a good measure of fun and a couple of belly laughs with the pop guns and big stuffed fish.

Mom takes aim at a deer with her pop gun.

Mom hooks the big one!

Conservation Mountain dominates the center of the store, with outdoor scenes and plenty of wildlife festooned on all sides of the mini-peak.

Upstairs I visited the camping department, a bit more to my liking, and found plenty of good quality, servicable equipment for the trail and campsite.

A swing through the food court (free samples of hot sausage), the footwear section and the museum and we were spent. So I paid for my goods and we breathlessly headed for the exit as if we'd been at an amusement park.

And happily hit the highway for home and a taste of Mom's pot roast...

Old time camping scene in Cabela's "museum."

So there you have it, a little something of what to expect when Cabela's comes to Maine...