Fun fact, Camden is home to the only ocean-view ski arae on the Eastern Seaboard Camden Snow Bowl! Just dress warmly. Departs three times daily Monday Thursday, June September. There are plenty of scenic areas around Boothbay. You might want to remain a little flexible depending on the weather. Departs once daily Friday Sunday, June September. It's less than two hours' drive if you plow straight through, but of course that's not what you're about. Reservations are a good idea unless you plan to show up after 4 p.m. We'll be making a day trip to Camden in a few weeks but we're staying in Wiscasset and also doing a day trip to Rockland/Owls Head. Visitors may choose to charter their own ships, or sail for several days on a majestic ocean vessel, learning to hoist the sails or relaxing on deck in the cool ocean breezes. The beautiful Kennebec Moose River, Read More Guide to Caratunk Maine Hotels, Inns, and LodgingContinue, Lincoln is famous first and foremost for its 13 lakes. I have a soul that likes to wander, a desire to experience the unknown, and a curiousity to discover things off the beaten path. Go for a pain au chocolat, but the brioche and croissant are great too, and if it's Thursday or Saturday you'll find rugalachall baked fresh, of course. Skiers and snowboarders alike will enjoy this picturesque ski mountain in Camden. Battie for panoramic views of the Bay and nearby islands. Camden weddings have become very popular, as the town is such a picture perfect spot for your rehearsal and wedding reception, and the ideal starting place for your honeymoontouring the Mainecoast. Renys is a Maine shopping adventure in Camden you wont know you need it till you find it here! The Harbor Arts and Camden Jazz Festival draw a large community to appreciate the local artists and musicians. Locatedmid-coast Maine, Camden is a haven for ocean lovers, foodies, shoppers and outdoor adventurers. someone once told me to always Get a mojito to start.

There is no other commercial activity on the road. Be sure to treat yourself to the burrata starter (exact composition will vary by season and chefs whim), one or more of the crudo small plates, the Korean-inflected house frites, and rhubarb cake if its in season. There are so many things to do in Camden that we recommend staying at least a few days. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Once you're checked in, cross that lawn to the Shore Path. Battie. Here things get a bit tricky: From 131 you'll grab 73 at St. George, and you'll follow it to Spruce Head Island, where you'll track down McLoon's Lobster Shack right on the water, south shore. Isle au Haut is home to Isle au Haut Light; visitors to this light may also choose to stay at the original Innkeepers house, which has been turned in to aquaint bed and breakfastwith no electricity! Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Rich with history, you can trace, Read More Guide to the Best Castine Maine Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, and HotelsContinue, Millinocket Lodges, Inns, Cabins and Accommodation Located in north central Maine, in Penobscot County, Millinocket is the gateway to the Katahdin Region and Baxter, Read More Exploring the Best Millinocket Maine Hotels, Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, and LodgingContinue, During the summer, Danforth hosts their own Summerfest with a weekend long events including limbo, hula hooping, chili cook offs, public movie showings, parades,, Read More Exploring the Best Weston and Danforth Maine Lodges, Hotels, Inns, and LodgingContinue, Your email address will not be published. Lincolnville is Camdens neighboring town to the north Coast with severalgreat lodging establishmentsand aMaine winery. dfrostnh - what is the name of the lobster shack near Owl's head?

As sails are raised, the wind is in your hair, and you see wildlife, and the coastline, with only the power of the wind on this authentic 1918 race ship. In February, Camden Snow Bowl is home to the North American Toboggan Championships.

Still, theres no great case for delay. Follow it to Thomaston, where you'll detour to 131 on the far side of town. In fact, there are 18 lighthouses within a 40-mile radius of Camden. Your email address will not be published. Camden Hill State Park encompasses 5,700 acres, including over 30 miles of hiking and walking trails. Camden is full of rich history, which can be seen throughout the towns many museums and architecturally stunning buildings like the library and the Camden Opera House. (It won't take long.) June through September are when the weather's best, and when the flora are at their most enthusiastic. Bring a towel, or even a chair, because it's exactly what the name implies: a wide expanse of yellow sand with crystal-clear water that, depending on the time of year, just might be warm enough (low 60s on a good day) for the brave to swim in. When you're tired of sunbathing, give your inner amateur climber a workout on the south-side rocks. Theres an Amphitheater here for Camdens frequent outdoor concerts . Our most favorite lobster shack is near Owls Head but it might close after labor day. Laite Beach is small but scenic, overlooking beautiful views of Camden Harbor just a short distance from downtown. Camden to Bar Harbor takes roughly two hours, and while it's a decidedly scenic routeyou'll be curling up Route 1 right along the coastthere's so much jaw-dropping scenery where you're headed that you'll be forgiven for keeping it brisk. A Camden harbor cruise is a fun way to see the beautiful boats and schooners that port here, and venture out to a few lighthouse and beautiful Penobscot Bay one of our favorite places to sail in all of Maine! It's a small but perfect work of Bar Harbor genius: about 1.5 miles of well-manicured walkway tracing the coastline from the Town Pier to Wayman Lane. The Best Things to Do in BethelContinue, Castine is a charmingMid Coast Mainetown, located on a scenic peninsula on the northern edge of Penobscot Bay. Or simply pack a picnic, get your selfie at the summit by the fortified tower, and enjoy splendid Atlantic scenes. If you do feel like indulging, and you're going in the height of summer, a convertible will pay off nicely, especially on the mid-coast and in Acadia National Park. You may choose to tour the park on your own or with a local Maine Guide. Laite Beach is part of a grassy park that slopes down to a pebble beach along the water, perfect for searching for shells, sea glass and other ocean treasures. Ad Choices. It'll be crowded (for good reason), so put your name in and use the time to pre-tour the Old Port. In Camden, you owe yourself a walking tour. Portland isn't my fav place along that route, but you would probably enjoy spending at least your first night depending on what time you fly in. Specialties of the house are tea and popovers, which are like the delicious mutant love-children of muffins and croissants, and which can be added onto nearly any dish on the menu. Take Main Street as your artery. Waterfront You won't find a lot of shops and fancy homes. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. The Village Green has a charm worthy of its name, and is worth a (brief) pause. The first year we found it there was just the cook shack and some picnic tables next to the water. The restaurant is spacious; it sits above a wide meadow with access to the pondand if you have time, by all means make the short hike to check it out. In the summer months, the population more than triples due to visitors and seasonal residents, many of whom reside in gorgeous ocean view estates around the Harbor. Hi yestravel, it's Waterman's Beach. dfrostnh, thanks, love that place. Camden Hills State Park is great for families with children because the hiking trails are not very strenuous or long and usually have very moderate inclines. Located right on Penobscot Bay, Camden is a sailors dream.

Vinalhaven is also famous for its resident swordfish captain and author Linda Greenlaw who wrote The Lobster Chronicles, A Hungry Ocean, Slipknot, All Fishermen are Liars and her own Maine Cookbook, Recipes from a very small island. Natalies at Camden Harbor Inn For larger groups or families, motels, hotels and waterfront resorts are able to accommodate and please all guests at affordable prices. Owner Alice Amory is generous with local recs; you're likely to find her in one of the book-laden common spaces (where you'll also, yes, find Wi-Fi if you really need it). Kennebunkport is about an hour south of Portland. Hit up CJ's Big Dipper for an ice cream. After lunch, make your way back to 73 toward Rocklandbut tack east on North Shore Drive before you arrive, to get out to Owls Head State Park. I like Portland, its a charming smallish city -- 1 night there is fine. The park itself has swings, picnic tables, grills and restroom facilities. That's lunch. Theres a 1.5 mile loop hike. The truly ambitious will get up before sunrise to watch dawn roll in from the peak of Cadillac Mountain.

Next day, youre off on your grand one-day tour of Acadia. All good suggestions. Some dayssome tripsjust need to end that way. There is a swimming platform off shore for those brave enough to swim in the chilly harbor waters. So head on 295 North out of the city but jam over to Route 1 around Brunswick. Primo in Rockland, Best Spots for a Cocktail and a viewRhumb Line16 Bayview Rooftop Bar40 Paper, For theBestin Coffee in CamdenFrannysOwl & TurtleZoots. There'll be a line, but look for a table on the streetside balconythe seating there's self-service, and often overlooked. (Go early. The sweeping slope of lawn runged with adirondack chairs lends it the genteel grandeur of an era bygone, and there's no better place than the Terrace Grille to grab a leisurely drink with an absolutely killer view of the harbor. All of Rockland has an artsy cool vibe and several exceptional galleries like the newer Center for Maine Contemporary Art across the street! The VisitMaine.Net team is the small team of authors and editors that research and write our in-depth guides throughout the site and update past articles to make sure they're still super valuable to you. (The joint's name should give you confidence, but don't be fooled: The menu's more pan-Caribbean than strictly Cuban.) Don't be surprised if you find a line. I like Mount Desert Island Ice Cream Company on Exchange Street, where the flavors are original and everything's handmade. but her soul is a, There is nothing more powerful than a daydream , Walks hit different on a summer morning in a state, A few of my favorites from my morning in Camden, What I hope to see the next time Im in Camden , The First Timers Guide To The Grand Canyon, 14 Things You Didnt Know About Thanksgiving, 10 Things To Do At Badlands National Park, 9 Things To Know Before Visiting Salem in October, Cost: $$$ but justified because these are really high quality products. And there's no better tone-setter for this trip. We will be flying into Portland and out of Bangor and will be spending 5 nights. Grab your breakfast at the Standard Baking Company on Commercial Street, where the smells alone will warm your spirits. But the trio of cities herePortland, Camden, and Bar Harborform what I think of as the heart of the state's allure, those top three tracks on the greatest hits compilation you can't stop humming. There are plenty of things to do in Camden during the winter as the town becomes a hot spot for winter sports. Don't miss Portland Head Light, and just south of Portland is Cape Elizabeth, check it out for Two Lights, great lobster in the rough on the rocky shore. For dinner, head to Havanaalso on Main Street, but away from the center of town. There is also a grassy picnic area with tables and outdoor grills and a playground for the kids to enjoy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); VisitMaine.Net The unofficial guide to experiencing Maine. I love to bike down there, but I made my suggestions knowing that you had limited time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Same with Harpswell. Its the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard and, with its sweeping views of the harbor, one of the parks most impressive features. We tend to like the quieter, more rural areas which is why I suggested the Harpswell area for exploring. Later they added a covered porch in back. The Park is alsohome to over a hundred campsitesand a large picnic area for those visitors who wish to stay a little longer. Ogunquit, mentioned by Tanya, is 20 min further south. Probably the smallest one we've been to. Top Places to Dine in Camden

Looking forward to a visit in August. More on our Top Towns to Visit in Maine as you Tour the Coast. Yep, that's right: Skip the lobster (this time), and order their Pad Seuw, whose noodles are hand-made daily, and the Maine crab fried rice. A ride around the harbor will pass island ferries, mega-yachts, powerboats, fishing boats,Maine windjammersand more! Afterward, do some exploring. It is a nice town with a big sandy beach and the Marginal Way - a coastal walk, maybe a mile, with nice views for a photographer. This is the coast road. Enjoy a Schooner tour in Camden aboard Schooner Surprise we suggest a sunset cruise. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Then head up Congress Street to the Portland Museum of Art. Then try the seafood paella and the lobster curry; they're both loaded with flavor, and loaded with lobster, which lets you get a dose without resorting to yet another lobster roll. Maine's coast hardly needs a sales pitch. Lovely picturesque town with the best Lobster restaurant : BARNACLE BILLY'S! You can certainly do this trip in Octoberthe leaves are likely to have peaked by then, but they'll still be spectacular. Portland, Camden, and Bar Harborthe top three tracks on Maine's Greatest Hits albumare the ones you want to revisit again and again. The best things to do, great lodging, unique restaurants, and more. Sand Beach, living up to its name in Acadia National Park. (Shoes recommended.). Many of these islands are home to great hiking and biking trails, quaint seaside villages andpicturesque Maine lighthouses. Every flavor has its fans, but I'm partial to the blueberry soft serve, because there's nothing quite so summer and there's nothing quite so Maine. These days, they go way beyond conventional Downeast charm. Thanks for the comments/suggestions. I'm Vanessa, a 30 something, sunset chasing traveler. Your route really depends on what you want to see.

Required fields are marked *. You could do both in a day and back to Portland. Just remember to put the top up when you park: Summer thunderstorms aren't unheard of.

Here are our favorite things to sea and do and eat in Camden. I hope you'll stick around for awhile! For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. It is often not crowded and the lake water remains relatively warm during prime season. The trick is to get out early: Grab your coffee at the Inkwell in the Press Hotel's lobby and get moving up the coast before it cools. (Grab a map at the Visitors' Center.) Here the annual National Toboggan Championships are held every February! The beach is open to the public with designated swimming areas, public restrooms and showers. It's all a reflection of the quiet artistic spirit and fierce independence that define Mainers: tough but beautiful, like their coast. In September things won't be too crowded. Camden Harbor Park by the beautiful Camden Public Library is a lovely setting for a stroll or a picnicwith a picturesque view of all the sailboat masts in the harbor. Other Loop features include Thunder Hole, a rock crevice that booms spectacularly when the tides rush in (it would be worth visiting for the surrounding geoformations alone); the precipitous Otter Cliff; and pristine Echo Lake. Nights are almost invariably cool. Although the summer months bring thousands of visitors to Camden, it truly is a year-round community with something fun to do in every season! A lobster roll's the order here; it's generous and well regarded with plenty of tender claw and body meat dressed simply in butter. Guide to Caratunk Maine Hotels, Inns, and Lodging, Exploring the Best Lincoln Maine Lodges, Hotels, Inns, and Lodging, Your Guide to Bethel Maine. Vinalhaven is home to Browns Head Light and Heron Neck Light. However, if you dont feel like hiking, drive the Auto Road up Mt. Settled in 1810, Caratunk is a quaint little town in Somerset County which boasts big outdoor adventures for all. Both Bar Harbor and Acadia are on Mount Desert Island, a big volcano- and glacier-carved bulb dangling into Penobscot Bay that's nearly sliced up its center by Somes Sound, Maine's only true fjord. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. We prefer the mid-coast area. Once you're in you'll want a sampling of oysters, of courseas many as your party can manage, and stay local; it's why you're here. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. This beach is a quiet and relaxing escape from notoriously busy Camden in the summer months. Other stops should be Fair Trade Winds for handmade crafts; and Cool As A Moose for amusingly kitschy (and sure, sometimes serious) Maine and Acadia gear. It provides access from most major regions of the country, making Portland the perfect in and out. Curtis Island Light is located at the entrance to Camden Harbor and is still actively used by the US Coast Guard. It's cleverly styled with typewriter and printing-press motifs, and well appointed with locally crafted leathers and textilesbest of all, its close to everything you'll want to see. Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world. Even though it still makes me smile a little each time I say it, the single-terminal, 11-gate Portland International Jetport is Maine's biggest airport. Not much on the menu besides lobster and pie! But Ill assume that, like me, youre only of modest ambition; and so I'll suggest that, like me, you do Cadillac at the end of the day rather than the beginning. If its a bad day you might want to be in an area with indoor attractions - museum, etc. If you are in Camden on a weekend, expect the restaurants to be very busy. The game is small plates, heavy on seafood and veg; and while the front of house is relaxed, the kitchen's serious in its imagination and techniqueand its flavor. My Huskies, Loki and Freya are usually along for the ride. Cindyj makes a good point about limited time but I think it would be a shame to miss a quiet drive like the one out to Pemaquid Point or Harpswell. Check out Yankee Magazine's website for more ideas. Fresh & Co By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Five Islands is probably a prettier setting but Waterman's is quieter. The game is small plates, heavy on seafood and veg, at Central Provisions on Wharf Street in Portland. We prefer the picnic tables and being in the sun and breeze so we make sure to wear a hat and sunglasses. Ice-skating and cross-country are alsopopular winter activitiesthat many Camden visitors enjoy. You'll be spending some time on scenic coastal roads, but this isn't northern California; Maine's not an ideal testing testing ground for performance-driver chopsno cliff-hugging curves hereso save the Porsche 911 splurge for another trip. Stroll Main Street, aka Route 1, for the shops and scenery, and be sure to stop at Sea Bags to pick up one of their funky-chic tote bags made from recycled sails (the combo of design charm, water resistance, and ruggedness makes them the best all-purpose personal-item carry-ons I've ever found). In the summer, Camden is home to the annual Parade of the Tallships and Maine Windjammer Days, festivals celebrating the rich sailing history of Camden and a chance to show of some beautiful ships. But I like the quaint intimacy of the Balance Rock Inn, just down the coast a few hundred yards. They may seem like dishes you know, but theyre done here with a level of care and imagination thatll render them fresh again. Well, maybe there is but our big decision each visit is how big a lobster to get. Finish your long weekend off with an evening snack at Jordan Pond House. Park yourself at the Press Hotel, a boutique spot that opened in 2015 in the building that used to be home to the Press Herald. See if the Maritime Museum in Bath has any lighthouse cruises that time of year. If location's your priority, the Bar Harbor Inn's tough to beat, slung as it is along the waterfront's ridge just below the town's center. (If you're feeling landlocked, book a sunset sail on the schooner Margaret Todd or Bailey Louise Todd, both from Downeast Windjammer Cruises, on the pier just in front of the Bar Harbor Inn.). Your pre-dinner cocktail should come from the Portland Hunt and Alpine Club just across from cute Post Office Park. You'll find some of the most creative and delicious food in the country right now in Portland, and that restless urge for invention has begun working its way up the coast. Dinner's at Central Provisions, just off cinematically bricked-and-cobblestoned Wharf Street. The town of Camden is the self-described Jewel of the Maine coast. Try to get out on the water. Looking for things to do in Camden, Maine? Maidens Cliff is one of the more popular hiking trails, an 800-foot rock cliff that provides spectacular views of Lake Megunticook and the Maine countryside. The decor's Scandinavian and the seasonal drinks are wide-ranging, creative, and refreshing, like the Lavender Collins, made with grenadine and aquavit instead of gin. Downtown Camden is delight of upscale shops,antique shops, general stores, seafood eateries and cafes, plus the most beautiful waterfront Camden Public Library which is surrounded by a lovely park for picnicking. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, stop by Bard Coffee on Middle Streetthey roast in house, and the digs are airy and welcoming. Lodging in Camdencan be very unique, as there are manyHistoric Innsandcharming Bed and Breakfaststo stay at. But if the day's been hot and you've done the South Ridge Trail and you're feeling both tired and righteous at once, consider yourself in possession of permission to order a beer. It is worth a day trip to visit one of Camdens outlying islands, Isleboro, Vinalhaven, North Haven, Isle Au Haut or the many other smaller islands in the area, accessible by boat or ferry out of Camden Harbor. Seats are deservedly in demand.) Long Grain Copyright VisitMaine.Net 2022Images Courtesy Greg and Heather Burke unless otherwise noted. My husband and I are traveling to Maine (first visit for us both) in September. Eating our way through New Orleans, a brief trip report. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Theme by 17th Avenue. This Maine State Park of Camden is over 5,000 acres, with 30 miles of trails. The views are only slightly less epic, but you get a sweeping lawn, a small but lounge-ready pool, and the dormers and eaves of small(er) scale New England architecture. or be driving. live for the lit, When everything feels like an uphill struggle, jus, She might be down to earth We've stayed 2 times at Morrill Mansion Inn --very nice little B&B and easy to walk into the main part of town. You'll get great views of the rock formations along the shoreline, and of course the sweeping harbor, the islands, the ships tacking in and out. Stay just north of Camden at the Lincolnville Motel, exactly the brand of hipster retro you'd expect to find in Maine: laid back, warm, and friendly in an quiet way. You'll believe the hype. Goose Rocks Light is located between the islands of Vinalhaven and North Haven, marking the dangerous rock ledge beneath it. It's made on premises. Owl's Head Light is a great recommendation. Archive - Cookie Policy - The southern coast such as Ogunquit and Kennebunk are nice but also crowded (except mid-week in many places). Visit Rocklands Breakwatermade of gleaming granite harvested locally, and then browse the Farnsworth Museum home to Andrew Wyeth and his familys artwork. cindyj - thanks for the lighthouse link - great information! Peter Otts on the Water The former home of Maine's biggest newspaper transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel downtown. For lunch, head to Side Street Cafe in the center of town. Save some time (and energy), though, for that trip up Cadillac Mountain. Get off the streets for a walk through well-manicured Harbor Park, which gracefully notches the top of postcard-pretty Camden Harbor, on your way to grab a drink with a water view at the Rhumb Line (bar seats are best), then do dinner at Long Grain, a no-frills-in-the-dining-room, high-class-in-the-kitchen Thai joint on Elm Street. There's a strong list of beers, including several local options like Atlantic Real Ale on draft, and cocktails. That juxtaposition of quaint and cozy against the ruggedly elemental has been the region's primary draw for nearly two centuries. A trip to Camden is one the whole family will enjoy and remember for a lifetime! The Best Things to Do in Bethel, Guide to the Best Castine Maine Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, and Hotels, Exploring the Best Millinocket Maine Hotels, Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, and Lodging, Exploring the Best Weston and Danforth Maine Lodges, Hotels, Inns, and Lodging.