The Idyllic Seaside Town of Camden, Maine
All I could see from where I stood
Was three long mountains and a wood;
I turned and looked the other way,
And saw three islands in a bay.
-Edna St. Vincent Millay
This magical place described in Millay’s famous poem, Renascence, is no fantasy —it’s the idyllic seaside town of Camden, Maine. Camden is nestled in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains on one side, and the Atlantic Sea on the other; it’s an easy two hour drive from Portland. Camden bustles with tourists in the summer, but it’s also a wonderful destination for any time of year. It’s a place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Photo by Seamus Murray
There’s a wide range of lodging options for visitors to Camden, depending on your budget and your preferences.
If the weather’s nice and you want to get close to nature, you could pitch a tent in one of Camden’s many campgrounds. At Megunticook Campground by the Sea, a wooded campsite a few miles outside of Camden, you can stay overnight for as little as $28/night or $168/week. For prices this low, of course, don’t expect any frills like a bathroom or electricity. This is purely for the back-to-nature types. For a little extra, however, you can reserve one of the campground’s rustic log cabins for a serene and comfortable stay.
If you’re looking for a little more luxury, try one of Camden’s inns or bed and breakfasts. The Blue Harbor House is located in Camden’s charming downtown area, and provides a delicious fresh-cooked breakfast every morning; many other options can be found in the Chamber of Commerce directory.
Would you like your own lakefront cottage? What about a house by the beach? If you’re planning to stay for at least a week, a vacation rental could be your best option. Many houses are available for weekly rental, with prices starting around $400 for a place in town, or $800 and up for a house with beach access or for a place on beautiful Lake Megunticook. To see available rentals and even make an online booking, search the Chamber of Commerce’s online rental directory.
What to do
There’s no shortage of activities in Camden, but perhaps the best option is simple relaxation — get an ice cream from Camden Cone and sit on a bench beside the harbor, where you can watch the boats drift by. If you get tired of that, take a walk through the town, and stop in at the wonderful used bookstore, Stone Soup, and at the Smiling Cow, a 67-year old shop that sells a mishmash of products, from T shirts to toys to delicious handmade fudge.
If you’re in the mood for more activity, there are plenty of great hiking trails. Families will enjoy the easy slope of Maiden’s Cliff, which leads to a stunning view of Lake Megunticook. For a slightly more intensive hike, try Mount Battie, which features an observation tower with views of the entire town and the bay below. There are also great opportunities for boating in the lake and the ocean — at MaineSport, you can rent a canoe or kayak, or even sign up for a guided tour. There are also many opportunities for biking, fishing, golf, and horseback riding — the possibilities are endless.
Where to eat
Camden has a wide variety of eateries, though the main focus is, unsurprisingly, seafood.
Cappy’s Chowder House is located in the heart of town, and serves a range of lunch and dinner options, including cheeseburgers, pastrami Reubens, and steamed lobsters. For a great quick breakfast, try a fresh croissant or muffin from their bakery.
The Camden Deli provides some of the cheapest ocean-view dining in town, with an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. Some of their specialties include blueberry buttermilk pancakes, a spicy Sicilian baguette, and the Philly cheese steak sub. Though the atmosphere is casual, the food is always delicious.
For a more upscale dining experience, you can’t go wrong at The Gallery Cafe, which is located in the Prism Glass Gallery in Rockport, just outside of Camden. The menu is always fresh and seasonal, and includes specialties like lobster macaroni and cheese, salt and vinegar chicken, and swordfish puttanesca. All summer long, stop in for their Sunday grill night, with live music, outdoor seating, and delicious food fresh from the barbeque.
Beaches, mountains, lakes — Camden has it all. No matter who you are, this could just be the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
Written by Kathy Hawkins on April 14, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Camden, Coastal
|
Print This Article