camdenharb, Author at Camden Harbour Inn

Camden Harbour, a Memorable Romantic Getaway in MidCoast Maine

Posted on January 27, 2021 by camdenharb

There’s no off-season for romance at Camden Harbour Inn, a Relais & Châteaux top destination and AAA Four Diamond restaurant located in the heart of MidCoast Maine’s prettiest bayside town. The inn is a short stroll from Penobscot Bay, downtown’s eclectic shopping district, and a 115-year-old yacht club. Winter is officially here to stay, at least for the next two-plus months. While that might discourage some travelers from motoring up Maine’s coast, there’s arguably no better time of year to escape the city en route to such a dazzling destination. As one of the premier romantic getaways in Maine, couples often flock to Camden’s snow-covered haven in hopes of rekindling an internal flame amid an idyllic, wintry setting. And there’s no better place to luxuriate, relax, and indulge than Camden Harbour Inn.

Explore MidCoast Maine

It’s vital to embrace winter, even if the temperatures are less than desirable. With average highs in the mid-30s, outdoor enthusiasts couldn’t ask for better weather. Camden welcomes approximately 60 inches of snow each year, which adds aesthetic appeal and snow-packed recreational opportunities. Common mid-day pursuits include cross-country skiing, backcountry snowshoeing, ice skating (in neighboring Rockport), and, of course, hours spent on the Camden Snow Bowl’s slopes—home to the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. A couple of months ago, the Camden Harbour team compiled 15 winter date ideas, which should come in handy this season. Finish a playful, passionate day of exploration with a specialty massage via a Camden Harbour lifestyle coach.

Culinary Arts and Craft Libations

Natalie’s, Camden Harbour Inn’s award-winning restaurant, remains the region’s crown culinary jewel, thanks, in part, to its unique combination of locally-sourced ingredients, world-class expertise, and interior enchantment. The refined, gourmet cuisines reshape with the seasons, as does the eye-popping 23-page wine menu, featuring labels from Spain, Italy, France, and all across the globe. Currently, the diverse menu includes Maine lobster, farm-raised duck breast, grilled swordfish, triple-seared rib eye, and crab-crusted salmon. Don’t leave MidCoast Maine without indulging in a decadent dessert, such as lemon mousse or caramel pudding. The region also boasts an eclectic mix of quaint coffee shops, sleek bars, and craft breweries, many of which are situated in Camden.

Romantic Getaways in Maine: Camden Harbour Inn

What sets Camden Harbour Inn apart from other like-minded romantic getaway destinations in MidCoast Maine is its head-turning blend of world-class hospitality, holistic experiences, fine cuisines, and opulent suites. Couples have the rare opportunity to start and finish each day of tantalizing adventures, unforgettable culinary experiences, and historical significance in a masterfully-designed grand suite equipped with a traditional sauna, a BainUltra air bath, a Kartell Bloom chandelier, an Apple iPad, an illy expresso maker, and so many more dazzling amenities.

To book a well-deserved romantic getaway to MidCoast Maine’s award-winning Camden Harbour Inn, please check availability online. Don’t forget to browse through the inn’s seasonal packages before booking.

Snowshoeing in MidCoast Maine: Explore Camden on Foot

Posted on December 4, 2020 by camdenharb

The award-winning Camden Harbour Inn stands as a sophisticated, romantic beacon of light located in the very heart of MidCoast Maine. Camden, Maine, itself is an idyllic four-season haven for foodies, honeymooners, and nature enthusiasts alike. When winter inevitably arrives, the sprawling, semi-rugged landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, seemingly cut, copy, and pasted from a classic holiday film. It’s a picturesque Penobscot Bay town tailor-made for romance, thanks in large part to its renowned culinary scene, head-turning architecture, and instant access to deep-forest beauty and seclusion. One of the many ways to embrace winter’s arrival is by snowshoeing in MidCoast Maine with your partner.

Snowshoeing in MidCoast Maine’s Camden Hills State Park

While MidCoast Maine is known for its superb cross-country skiing (and, to a lesser degree, alpine skiing), snowshoeing is perhaps the most memorable method of recreation. The Camden Harbour team misses sailing, playing tennis, and lobstering as much as our readers. However, there’s something genuinely magical about tramping through several layers of snow near the Atlantic Ocean’s rugged coast en route to a mountain lookout, backcountry lake, or frozen waterfall.

For those who plan on snowshoeing in MidCoast Maine this winter, there’s no better place to start than Camden Hills State Park, one of New England’s prized wilderness areas. Camden Hills is home to a handful of enthralling valley overlooks, as noted in this area hiking guide, including Mount Battie, Maiden Cliff, and Bald Mountain. In particular, Mount Battie offers unobstructed views of Penobscot Bay, Main Street, and, yes, even Camden Harbour Inn.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration

For those who plan to visit the Camden Snow Bowl for an afternoon of thrills and spills, don’t forget that it’s also home to several snowshoe-only woodland trails, including treks to Hosmer Brook and Ragged Mountain. The mostly-flat, 70-mile-long Georges Highland Path is a sublime trail system for beginners. Some of Georges’ prettiest jaunts are near the land-locked village of Searsmont. Lastly, MidCoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center is always a treasure, especially for snowshoers who value solitude and wildlife. It’s a bit of a drive from Camden, so please plan accordingly.

Paradisal Winter Resorts in Maine: Camden Harbour Inn

Truth be told, winter in Camden can look and feel as paradisal as a summer day on the beach. Camden’s rolling topography transforms from a leaf-less Paul Nash-esque painting to a pearly, snow-kissed terrain, complete with morning hoarfrost, dazzling ice crystals, and shiny icicles. And there’s no better time of year to snuggle close to your partner beside a cozy fireplace inside one of Camden Harbour Inn’s opulent suites. This award-winning Relais & Châteaux inn is also home to a AAA Four Diamond restaurant, Natalie’s—a sophisticated, bay-view marvel serving fresh-caught seafood and eye-popping cocktails in an elegant, ruby-red setting.

To book a well-deserved wintertime escape to MidCoast Maine’s top-rated hotel, please dial 1-800-236-4266 (or check availability online).

Camden Harbour Romance: 15 Winter Date Ideas

Posted on November 30, 2020 by camdenharb

New Englanders have always found a way to embrace winter’s inevitable arrival, whether that’s via holiday cheer, winter sports mania, or long-overdue romance. Very few four-season destinations rival Camden, Maine, thanks mainly to Camden Harbour Inn, a Relais & Châteaux Top Destination. Winter has always been doubtlessly romantic, especially during fresh snowfall or early-morning hoarfrost. Camden Harbour Inn’s renowned staff knows this better than most. Thus, the concierge team compiled 15 unique winter date ideas to enhance an already stellar getaway to picturesque MidCoast Maine.

15 Romantic Winter Date Ideas: Embrace the Season

Embracing winter comes naturally to Maine residents as the region allots seemingly countless outdoor pursuits. It doesn’t hurt that autumn swiftly gives way to the holiday season, which most travelers use to visit scenic locations far away from the city’s clutch. To no one’s surprise, Camden remains a sublime winter wonderland with coastal waves, valley overlooks, historical charm, and sophisticated inns.

The team hand-selected 15 distinctly romantic winter date ideas, ranging from craft beer flights to live theater and a four-course fine dining experience.

Start date night with a steaming cup of joe and a baked good at a local coffee shop, such as Zoot Coffee or Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe.
Visit the Camden Snow Bowl, an alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and toboggan mecca.
Enjoy a candle-lit, three-course dinner at Natalie’s, followed by a nightcap, fueled by the house mixologists.
Receive a bevy of spa treatments at Camden Harbour Inn, such as a Swedish massage or neuromuscular therapy.
Sample a bevy of artisanal ales at an award-winning craft brewery (or two), with potential stops at Blaze Brewing, Oxbow, and Odd Alewives.
Watch a live performance at the historic Strand Theatre in nearby Rockland.
Enroll in a Camden Harbour cooking class (or wine tasting).
Go snowshoeing inside Camden Hills State Park’s sprawling, 5,710-acre landscape.
Embark on a self-guided MidCoast Maine wine tasting tour.
Stride into the vast MidCoast Maine wilderness on a half-day cross-country skiing expedition.
Stroll into a couple of local museums, including the Farnsworth Art Museum, Maine Lighthouse Museum, or Center for Maine Contemporary Art.
Drive along the coast to a handful of oft-photographed MidCoast Maine lighthouses.
Go shopping for artisanal, high-end products in downtown Camden.
Climb aboard a wintertime helicopter tour.
Venture off-site to The Jack for a cocktail and some bocce.

Helpful hint: Don’t forget to bookmark these 15 winter date ideas for future reference.

Romantic Winter Getaways in New England: Camden Harbour

Start and finish each glorious day of snow-packed adventure, fine dining, and downtown shopping at Camden Harbour Inn. It’s not often that travelers stumble upon a historic, modern-European landmark that plays host to a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant and a Relais & Chateaux guest experience. Each guest room is a visual masterpiece that utilizes the coastline’s rocky, densely-forested landscape as a stellar backdrop. In-room luxuries include gas fireplaces, walk-out balconies, illy espresso makers, king beds, air baths, and private saunas.

To book a long-awaited, well-deserved wintertime escape to Camden Harbour Inn, please check availability online.

Uncovering the Most Flavorous Coffee in Camden, Maine

Posted on October 30, 2020 by camdenharb

Travelers won’t find a Starbucks, Tim Hortons, or Dunkin’ in Camden, Maine, a quintessential Atlantic bay town, ideally saturated between Portland and Acadia National Park. The locals care too much about the town’s many small businesses, mainly the thriving cafes and delis that line the streets near coastal U.S. Route 1. Finding a steaming cup of coffee in Camden, Maine, is as easy as pie. However, unearthing a perfectly-balanced, ever-so-slightly-foamy latte takes a bit of digging. It’s worth noting that each Camden Harbour Inn suite boasts a state-of-the-art Illy coffee machine. That being said, sometimes a cup of joe inside an aromatic, down-to-earth cafe is precisely what the heart needs.

The Best Coffee in Camden, Maine: 5 Essential Stops

What draws an average patron to a coffee shop? Some folks relish the atmosphere—the indie folk music, the artisanal latte art, and the cheeky barista banter. Others simply need a place to relax with some light reading before taking on the day, whether with an opened laptop, a rustling newspaper, or an always convenient smartphone. Below, we highlight five unique cafes that, collectively, offer the tastiest coffee in Camden, Maine, starting with Zoot.

Zoot Coffee

Zoot’s Elm Street cafe is an eight-minute walk from Camden Harbour Inn. There’s nothing overly sophisticated about the decor or atmosphere; yet, that’s what allures out-of-towners: the authentic charm. The home-baked brownies, muffins, and quiche pair flawlessly with a signature latte, such as the cafe mocha; although, the chai is equally delightful on a crisp autumn morn. Don’t be surprised to hear the locals gushing about Zoot’s Scottish oat bars and dry-roasted espresso.

Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe

The Owl and Turtle, a cozy, multi-purpose neighborhood cafe, celebrated 50 years this summer. Gripping page-turners, instrumental music, and French press coffee go together like a needle and thread. New Englanders often roll into town to attend an author event at Owl and Turtle. While the book selection is undeniably superb, let’s shift the focus back to the roasty goodness that seeps into Bay View Street’s air every morning and afternoon. Most travelers appreciate Owl and Turtle’s flavored complements, including peppermint, pumpkin spice, and maple—available year-round.

The Best of the Rest: Seafolk, 47 West, and Green Tree

When reflecting on the best coffee in Camden, Maine, the two aforementioned cafes instantly come to mind. After that, opinions vary. However, Seafolk Coffee, 47 West, and Green Tree Coffee & Tea are no doubt worth mentioning, as each establishment has planted a footprint on the local roastery scene. Seafolk, while temporarily closed, offers jaw-dropping vistas of scenic Rockport Harbor. 47 West’s delectable baked goods pair perfectly with a tall cold press coffee. Lastly, travelers shouldn’t leave MidCoast Maine without purchasing a pound of daily-roasted coffee at Green Tree, home to the coziest porch in Lincolnville, Maine.

The Best Hotels in Camden, Maine

When travelers aren’t consuming fresh-baked delights and sipping on house-roasted coffee in Camden, Maine, they’re likely picnicking near the sea, sailing through Penobscot Bay, hiking inside Camden Hills State Park, and savoring fine wine at a nearby vineyard. An idyllic place to start and finish each day of exploration and relaxation is Camden Harbour Inn, a Relais & Châteaux Top Destination. Camden Harbour Inn is a AAA Four Diamond culinary destination, a top-rated wedding venue, and an opulent, widely-beloved New England honeymoon locale. This historic, award-winning Camden hotel boasts the grandest suites in MidCoast, with in-suite amenities ranging from glowing fireplaces to Bain Ultra therapeutic air baths and Apple iPads. To book a long-awaited, last-minute fall escape to Camden, Maine, please check availability online (or contact a reservationist at 800-236-4266).

Picnic Date Ideas: Top 5 Picnic Locales near Camden Harbour

Posted on September 28, 2020 by camdenharb

Inevitably, winter will rear its “ugly” head, providing a semi-lengthy chill to picturesque MidCoast Maine. While winter itself is an idyllic season for holiday-themed romantic getaways, Camden’s townsfolk aren’t quite ready to say “sayonara” to autumn. In an effort to provide a healthy dosage of seductive spice to its prospective guests, Camden Harbour Inn’s concierge team has compiled five distinctive picnic date ideas, perfect for a late-summer or autumnal escape. After all, a picnic in the park is best enjoyed when accompanied by flannel, falling leaves, and seasonal fruits.

5 Romantic Picnic Date Ideas: MidCoast Maine

Most of these picnic date ideas are within minutes of Camden Harbour Inn’s spacious estate; however, guests are also encouraged to branch to a nearby lighthouse, vineyard, or state park if the destination matches the desired ambiance. Don’t forget to fill the picnic basket with a bevy of artisanal goods from the Camden Farmers Market, such as a challah loaf, wild blueberries, or maple candies.

Maiden Cliff

Most hikers throw a blanket down on Mount Battie’s rocky summit to observe ships traversing through Camden Harbor while indulging in a basket full of New England delicacies. However, Maiden Cliff, which peers inland, sees much less foot traffic and is equally beautiful. Megunticook Lake (and its many islands) is a sublime backdrop for a delicious, tantalizing picnic for two.

Barrett’s Cove Beach (Megunticook Lake)

Directly below Maiden Cliff lies a semi-frequent public beach, complete with a spacious picnic area. Relishing a basket of edible delights on a sandy beach remains one of the most common picnic date ideas. That being said, Barrett’s Cove isn’t a prototypical beach destination. With faraway mountains, azure lake water, and thriving birdlife, Barrett’s Cove is sure to be a memorable experience.

A Picnic at Sea

There’s nothing wrong with thinking outside the box. Unlike most picnic date ideas, an aquatic adventure into the heart of Penobscot Bay is less about the fare and more about the sights, sounds, and sheer thrill of life at sea. Several local boat tours, schooner cruises, and deep-sea fishing voyages either include a picnic or encourage it.

Beside a MidCoast Maine Lighthouse

There are nearly a dozen lighthouses within 60 miles of Camden, including six true coastal jewels. Pair a well-planned meal with the soothing sea breeze and the lapping Atlantic beside a towering light station. There’s ample acreage beside Owls Head, Heron Neck (although it requires a boat ride), and Fort Point for an hour-long picnic in the grass.

Grapevines, Fine Vino, and Picnic Baskets

A handful of local vineyards boast acres upon acres of private topography that’s equally romantic, scenic, and remote. Potential destinations include Cellardoor Winery, Sweetgrass Winery’s Union farmstead, and Savage Oakes Vineyard. Couples cannot resist a vineyard’s aesthetic during autumn’s peak, especially when combined with artisanal, picnic-style fare.

Romantic Getaways in Maine: Camden Harbour Inn

As droves of couples line up mid-fall travel plans, it’s important to note that there’s still time to book a late-minute escape before winter’s arrival. Camden Harbour Inn, a Relais & Châteaux Top Destination, boasts a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, an on-site spa, a worldly team of travel experts, and sumptuous accommodations. In-room luxuries vary from walk-out balconies to private saunas and grand fireplaces. To learn more about a potential late-summer or autumn escape to this award-winning Camden hotel, please call 800-236-4266 (or check availability online).

The Sleekest Bars in Camden, Maine

Posted on August 26, 2020 by camdenharb

Indulging in a region’s many delicacies, including its fare and libations, is an integral aspect of a New England getaway. In MidCoast Maine, a particularly picturesque slice of the Northeast, lucky travelers are surrounded by fresh seafood, farm-to-table creations, craft ales, and regionally-inspired cocktails. The sleekest bars in Camden, Maine, including Camden Harbour Inn’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, sublimely embrace creativity, sophistication, and exemplary New England-style techniques.

The Best Bars in Camden, Maine

While 2020 hasn’t been an overly kind year to local restaurants, taverns, and taprooms, the most beloved bars in Camden, Maine, remain as enticing as ever. Travelers will always need a quiet, elegant place to enjoy a glass of fine wine, a colorful cocktail, or a craft beer. Thankfully, these three staples are eagerly open for business as the Northeast readies itself for autumn.

Natalie’s Restaurant

Camden Harbour Inn’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Natalie’s, is a multi-functional space that features lavish decor, head-turning Penobscot Bay views, and world-class mixologists. Natalie’s bar opens at 5 p.m., accompanied by the dinner rush, and closes at midnight. The bar’s mixologists craft an array of seasonal cocktails that are equally delicious and aesthetically pleasing. On occasion, Natalie’s offers cocktail-making courses. Of course, this dimly-lit, scarlet-clad bar also boasts the city’s largest wine menu (24 pages in length), featuring a multitude of varietals from across the globe. Top-shelf scotch, rum, and cognac are also readily available.

The Jack

Admittedly, The Jack is an idyllic after-dark, date-night hangout. Patrons can munch on Americanized grub, sip on classic Maine ales, and play bocce (or admire the shimmering stars high above). As one of the most laid-back bars in Camden, Maine, The Jack welcomes droves of locals and tourists alike. Keep an eye on its social media channels to learn more about hours, private seating, free games, and drink specials. The Jack’s staff continues to adjust their business practices, oftentimes for the better. Cornhole is now available, as is a sizable outdoor seating area. While The Jack mostly caters toward beer aficionados, their mixologists do craft some unique (and fruity) cocktails.

40 Paper Bistro & Bar

40 Paper boasts a small but lively bar known for its mules, red wines, and regional ales. Despite operating in such a cramped space, 40 Paper’s mixology team is swift, skilled, and charismatic. The house cocktail list features everything from espresso-infused vodka to Bulleit rye and locally-distilled gin. Many of the core ingredients, including bitters, fruit, and liqueurs, are locally sourced. It’s easy to appreciate 40 Paper’s extensively-detailed wine menu, which includes notes about every label.

Luxury Hotels in Camden, Maine

Enjoying an innovative cocktail or fine wine at one of the best bars in Camden, Maine, is the perfect way to cap a full day of classic outdoor pursuits, including a schooner cruise, state park hike, and winery tour. Camden Harbour Inn remains one of the top-rated romantic getaways in New England, mainly because of its culinary delights, sophisticated luxuries, and spa services. As a proud member of the Relais & Châteaux association, this luxurious Camden hotel remains a beacon of excellence during all four seasons. To book a well-deserved romantic escape to MidCoast Maine, please dial 800-236-4266 (or check availability online).

The Best Boat Tours in Camden, Maine

Posted on August 4, 2020 by camdenharb

Yet another radiant summer in MidCoast Maine is nearing its final chapter. While this summer has certainly had its fair share of twists and turns, the landscape in and around Camden, Maine, has never been more celestial. There’s still ample time to experience the coastline’s ideal temperatures, mouthwatering culinary delights, and enthralling terrain. Camden Harbour Inn, a Relais & Châteaux Top Destination, remains a lavish, romantic haven for couples in need of a well-deserved escape from the city. One of the main attractions in the area is the vast, deep-blue Atlantic. Thus, many guests often ask our worldly concierge team about the most desirable boat tours in Camden, Maine.

4 Distinctive Boat Tours in Camden, Maine

The majority of boat tours in Camden, Maine, require a trip aboard a towering, snow-white schooner. However, it’s vitally important to shine a light on the region’s many distinctive offerings, such as lobster hauls, lighthouse cruises, and trips to nearby Monhegan Island. There’s a little slice of heaven around every corner of Penobscot Bay and its 200-plus islands. It’s worth noting that Camden Harbour Inn’s concierge can swiftly arrange a reservation aboard all four of these boat tours in Camden, Maine, including private or customized charters.

Camden Harbor Cruises

The well-traveled team at Camden Harbor Cruises offers a little bit of everything, including eco-tours, lobstering, lighthouse voyages, cocktail hours, and private cruises. Learn to haul in fresh Maine lobster, snap photos of jovial seals, drift past Owls Head Lighthouse, and gaze at jaw-dropping seaside mansions. The Lively Lady runs from mid-May through mid-October.

Schooner Surprise or Schooner Olad

Camden Harbour Inn is proud to partner with two spectacular local schooners, Surprise and Olad, a couple of the finest windjammer cruises in Maine. There’s nothing more relaxing than gliding through Penobscot Bay’s wavy, azure water with the soothing sounds of the fluttering sail and chipper seabirds as your mid-day soundtrack. Both cruises focus on lighthouses, marine life, islands, and rocky shorelines. Full moon and sunset sails are quite popular during peak seasons, so please book well in advance.

Downeast Boat Company

For those who wish to become fully immersed in lobster hauling, Downeast Boat Company’s Summer Wind is the vessel of choice. In just 105 minutes, tourists can learn how to haul traps, measure lobsters, and, eventually, ensure the catch is ready for market. Lobster harvesting is a way of life here in MidCoast Maine, and the perfect place to learn the trade is aboard the Summer Wind.

Monhegan Boat Line

A short trek to Port Clyde should be on the itinerary this summer, as the ferry ride to and from Monhegan Island is a must. The island has been an artist colony for over 150 years. It’s easy to see why famous realist painters, landscape printmakers, illustrators, and visual artists find so much inspiration on this 1,000-acre respite. Hike through the island’s core, enjoy a picnic, and try birding near the shoreline.

Romantic Getaways in New England

Combine a couple of hours on one of the best boat tours in Camden, Maine, with a trip to the farmers market, a state park hike, and a stop a local winery. Upon return to Camden Harbour Inn, soak in a BainUltra air bath and relax in a private sauna before readying for a culinary voyage across the seven seas at Natalie’s, the on-site AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, where locally-sourced ingredients meet world-class culinary expertise. As one of the best hotels in Maine, the inn frequently lures New England honeymooners, yachters, and culinary savants. To book a long-awaited escape to MidCoast Maine, please dial 800-236-4266 (or check availability online).