As a destination, Camden is unique in many ways. It’s where the mountains meet the sea, the views are breathtaking, and the area is always ripe for exploration. Come winter, the crowds have thinned. Camden and Mid Coast Maine has been transformed into a surreal landscape of mountains and ridgelines heavy with snow, windswept ivory-colored fields, frozen lakes and ponds border snowcapped boulders near the shore of a vast, glistening ocean. And the trees everywhere list under the weight of snow.

Settle in for a long weekend or a week in a winter wonderland at the historic Camden Harbour Inn. Overlooking the bay under the mountains, the Inn has been recognized as one of the “World’s Best” by Travel and Leisure Magazine. This boutique gem of a hotel offers all the amenities for a winter getaway and much to do and see in the heart of the Mid Coast, and Natalie’s, one of the exclusive and best restaurants in Maine.

But first, plan an afternoon out and about and explore. Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland. The Farnsworth celebrates Maine’s role in American art with its nationally recognized collection of works. There are more than 15,000 works in the collection under 20,000 square feet of gallery space, featuring many of America’s greatest artists. The collection focuses on American art from the 18th century to the present, with a special emphasis on artists who have lived or worked in Maine. These include some of America’s most important artists: Fitz Henry Lane, Winslow Homer, Charles Prendergast, George Bellows, Marsden Hartley, Rockwell Kent, Edward Hopper, John Marin, Georgia O’Keeffe, Louise Nevelson, Robert Indiana, Philip Pearlestein,  Alex Katz, Richard Estes, Neil Welliver, and many others. The museum has one of the nation’s largest collections of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson, too. Its Wyeth Center features works of Andrew, N.C., and Jamie Wyeth. The Farnsworth’s library is also housed in its Rockland, Maine campus. The Farnsworth Homestead and the Olson House, a national historic landmark, complete the museum complex. Find the Farnsworth at 16 Museum Street in Rockland, just a few miles south of Camden.

For sure, there’s no shortage of hiking, skiing, cross-country skiing, or even snowshoeing throughout the area. The Camden Snow Bowl offers alpine skiing with views of the ocean on 1300-ft. Ragged Mountain. The Camden Hills State Park has dozens of trails, and many are open year round. One, the Maiden’s Cliff Trail, winds up a gradual slope to an overlook of Megunticook Lake. Over 1,300 acres, the lake is dotted with islands, and in winter plenty of ice houses and snowmobiles. Another trail, the Ski Shelter Trail is a moderate 5 mile trek through the heart of park. The trail runs from Camden Hills campground to ME Route 173. It follows an easy contour at the base of Mt. Megunticook through mixed forest where birds and wildlife abound. At midpoint, users will find a recently completed replica of a ski lodge constructed some 70 years ago.

If your hiking has worn you down, or if you find yourself buzzing around town scoot over to Zoot Coffee on Elm St., with its traditional vibe yet within a modern coffeehouse setting. It has a well-earned reputation for exceptional coffee and espresso, but also quiches, soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods. If coffee and books is your thing, look no further than The Owl & Turtle Bookshop on Bay View Street. There’s a good collection of fiction and non-fiction, a children’s section, cookbooks, and a few Maine-centric selections. After you find a good book, sit and sip coffee from locally-roasted beans, and nibble on tasty treats from area bakers. Hungry for a late brunch? You can have breakfast anytime over at the Boynton-McKay Food Co. on Main St. They have an industrial-strength espresso machine from Italy guarantees a great ‘cup o’ joe.’

When evening comes, book your reservation at the award-winning Natalie’s Restaurant, located within the friendly confines of the Inn. Truly world-class dining and one of Maine’s most exclusive culinary destinations, its award-winning chefs infused with the finest locally sourced ingredients, that have combined the flavors of Maine with culinary influences from far away. It’s the perfect end to a perfect day.

From the historical cities of Connecticut all the way up the rocky coast of Maine, there is an incredible selection of seasonally-inspired cuisine from award-winning culinary artists that should be on every foodies must-do list. Each state in New England offers their own twist on traditional and innovative dishes or cocktails that have left diners with an unforgettable experience. Here we share some of the best restaurants in New England and which dish or ingredient that makes each state special. No matter how long your drive may be, we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

Connecticut
Not only is Connecticut conveniently close to the city, but it’s also the birthplace of the hamburger and home to several craft breweries. Learn some of the state’s rich history by visiting the Yale University campus or by taking a tour of some of the many museums in New Haven. You’ll find that while most restaurants and buildings are completely renovated these establishments come with a lifetime of stories.
Where to dine: Louis’ Lunch, 261 Crown St., New Haven, www.louislunch.com

Maine
Come for the lobster, leave with an experience of a lifetime! This state offers the best of both worlds: a bustling city, rocky peaks, and endless coastline all within a short 20-minute drive. Explore 5,000 miles of the stunning rocky Atlantic coast or spend time off the grid in Maine’s wilderness. If cultural fare is more your speed, there are always events happening in Maine, whether it’s a food festival, concert, or art showing. Maine is also on the rise as one of the hottest culinary vacation states in the country. Chefs from all around the world have come to this lovely state bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients in order to create their own unique dish of lobster or seafood related cuisine. A great example of where tradition meets inspiration is at Natalie’s in Camden. Here you will find Chef Chris Long’s elegantly deconstructed version of the famous Maine lobster roll.
Where to dine: Natalie’s Restaurant, 83 Bay View St., Camden, www.nataliesrestaurant.com

Massachusetts
It may seem obvious that there are many great foodie spots all over the state of Massachusetts. From Boston to Nantucket, you will find innovative dishes and craft beverages! This state also offers a rich coastal history of American cuisine and traditional favorites dating back to 1776. One restaurant that celebrates the bounty of the New England coast while pairing it with exquisite wines from around the world, is Meritage Restaurant and Wine Bar. Native to New England, Chef Daniel Bruce has established longstanding relationships with local farmers and purveyors and bases his menus solely on ingredients at the peak of freshness.
Where to dine: Meritage Restaurant and Wine Bar, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, http://www.meritagetherestaurant.com/

New Hampshire
Located along the coast, Portsmouth, New Hampshire is one of the most up and coming small cities in the foodie world. In fact, there’s more than just great food and cultural attraction in this seacoast town! Portsmouth offers several different culinary oriented trails from visiting various breweries, doing a chocolate and martini tour, as well as a local wine and cheese pairing excursion. If you end up leaf peeping through the great state of New Hampshire this fall, be sure to check out a local farmer’s market. You can find them just about everywhere, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Chat with some friendly locals and pick up some gourmet picnic goodies.
Where to dine: Library Restaurant, 401 State St., Portsmouth, www.libraryrestaurant.com

Rhode Island
Next culinary vacation, don’t forget to visit the small state of Rhode Island. While the state is small, their foodie game is big, although you might just have to be up to date on your vocabulary. It’s not uncommon for the people of Rhode Island to use slang for the foods they’re most known for. Grab a “cabinet” or milkshake at one of the local ice cream shops, or try some locally caught, fresh “stuffies” or stuffed clams while enjoying the breathtaking coastline. Rhode Island has a lot of unique specialties and flavors that are great for everyone!
Where to dine: Gracie’s, 194 Washington St., Providence, www.graciesprov.com

Vermont
Vermont is a true farm-to-table food culture. Many of the different farms and restaurants in this state are part of a network that aims to ensure that as many local ingredients as possible are incorporated in dishes and served at the restaurants throughout the state. Not only is it pretty cool to find that everything you eat here is local, but it’s also likely that the ingredients that are used are award-winning!
Where to dine: Hen of the Wood, 55 Cherry St., Burlington, www.henofthewood.com

Choosing the 5 best Camden, Maine restaurants is no easy task, and like any ‘best of’ list, certainly open to debate. Foodies and aficionados alike may take umbrage, but one thing that all can agree on—no experience in Camden, Maine would be complete without an evening of fine dining, and you will not be disappointed in any of these local favorites.

The Best of Camden, Maine Restaurants

Natalie’s- FIND A TABLE!
Unwind and relax in the comfort of the Camden Harbour Inn and then wander downstairs to dine at the Inn’s award-winning restaurant, Natalie’s. Camden’s preeminent restaurant in fine dining, Natalie’s is a culinary destination throughout the entire region. The restaurant offers a range of prix fixe options to please the most tested palates. Locally sourced ingredients harvested from the sea, farms, and small gardens guarantee the finest and freshest ingredients for every dish. Running late for a show at the Opera House? You’ll find a lighter bar menu in the lounge. For warm, intimate ambiance, fine dining, savoring cuisine, and exceptional service, in Camden, look no further than Natalie’s.

Peter Ott’s on the Water
Peter Ott’s on the Water has been a mainstay in Camden for over forty years. The expansive restaurant is located right on the harbor. You’ll find more than a view. Executive chef Pater Masin-Peters locally sources the finest and freshest seafood and ingredients that Maine has to offer. There is a variety of soups and chowders, and seafood appetizers like lobster cakes, steamed mussels, and oysters on the half shell. Exceptional pasta dishes like lobster fettuccini alfredo or mushroom linguini, along with a healthy variety of grilled meats, seared and broiled fresh seafoods, and other entrees. All served up in a family-style environment. Eat indoors or out, and enjoy harbor side dining.

Long Grain Restaurant
Looking for Asian cuisine with a twist? Long Grain Restaurant has a wide selection of dishes inspired by many different Asian cuisines and cultures. Though often referred to as a Thai restaurant, you’ll find the same fare at Long Grain as you would in small eateries and dinner tables across Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Japan. The ‘locavore’ restaurant opened its doors in 2009 and has thrived using only seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The menu features appetizers such as steamed local pork dumplings, Northeastern style Thai beef, and steam mussels in spicy coconut lemongrass broth; and dishes of daily house-made noodles, Maine crab fried rice, and smoked mackerel fried rice, spicy soups, curried noodles, and a variety of stir fries. Located on Washington Street, just off the Camden Village Green, reservations are taken up to a month in advance and are highly advised.

40Paper
Further up Washington Street, you’ll find 40Paper, a traditional Italian bistro that features Mediterranean influences and cuisines of Spain and France. Though a large exposed brick space—the restaurant is situated in an old civil-war era mill built over the Megunticook River that empties into Camden Harbor—the room is eclectic, warm, intimate, and inviting. Locally sourced food means the menu is ever changing with the seasons. The pasta is handmade in small batches, and rolled, filled and cut by hand to perfection. With every dish made to order, with sauces and flavors combined in the same pan, 40 Paper provides its diners with delicious food and unforgettable experience.

Fresh & Co.
Away from the main flow of traffic in Camden, you’ll find Fresh & Co. Restaurant. Elegant without pretension, Fresh and Co. is the perfect environment for its diverse, globally-inspired, locally sourced cuisine. The menu is inspired by classic coastal Maine dishes infused with the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region. Designed around an open kitchen, the food and ingredients are all locally sourced, which means an ever-changing seasonal menu. Located on Bayview Landing in an intimate old brick building that once was a schooner slipway, Fresh & Co. is an experience in exceptionally fine dining.

The leaves of autumn are long gone, the holiday bustle is over and all we are left with is the bitter cold of a Maine winter; well, at least for a few more months. When the weather becomes almost a little too unbearable, there is only so much we can do: turn our collar to the wind, find a friendly place to settle in, and enjoy a cocktail.  Whether you are a lone ranger, or a romantic looking for Valentine’s Day specials, we think we have just the place for you.

Winter Cocktails to Help Survive the Cold

Nestled in the heart of Camden Harbor is a sweater weather inducing, idyllic spot with oversized couches, a crackling fireplace, and, yes, seasonal designer cocktails to warm the body and spirit. Maine Eater said this about the local bar and its resident mixologist:

Mac McGaw embraces the role of sharply dressed, mustachioed mixologist behind the bar at upscale Camden Harbor Inn. He doesn’t shy away from a challenging cocktail, like a fall-inspired Mainehattan with local rye whiskey, a lavender syrup-infused ice sphere, and wood chips smoked for each glass.

While the tastes, methods, and presentation are undeniably unique, space its self is something quite spectacular. The inviting atmosphere effortlessly threads modernity into historical New England architecture.  The longing for the past with the excitement of the now makes for the perfect romantic setting for a winter evening.

Valentine’s Day Specials and Cocktails

Pull up a seat at the award-winning restaurant and one of Maine’s most exclusive culinary destinations. It is the first and only restaurant in the state to receive the prestigious OpenTable Diners’ Choice Top 100 Best Restaurant in America Award. Natalie’s chefs offer a fresh approach to the very best ingredients, combining local flavors with international inspiration. This year Natalie’s is, again, offering its Valentine’s Day specials, which entails a romantic dinner for two and special Valentine’s Day cocktails. Reserve your spot so you can cozy up by the fire with Natalie’s cocktail in hand.

Whether the first day of a long-planned holiday or the end of a long week of work, finding great happy hour places is a fun way to drink, mingle, and relax. Happy hour is a ritual that friends and neighbors, visitors and vacationers, enjoy year round, and summertime can be especially inviting. Sitting on a patio overlooking the harbor, a lakeside veranda up in the mountains, a quaint street side café, or hanging at your favorite local, Maine offers some of the best happy hour spots in the country. The following short list will not disappoint. They are some of the best happy hour places to visit in your travels through Vacationland!

Old Port Sea Grill

Rambles through the historic Old Port would not be complete without dropping by for happy hour at the Old Port Sea Grill at 93 Commercial Street in Portland. And happy hours it is—all three of them—every day of the week from 3 to 6 p.m. The Old Port Sea Grill offers happy hour specials and the 250-gallon saltwater fish tank will leave you mesmerized as you quaff your favorite craft beer or sip a delicious red wine. Noted for having the most diverse raw bar in the city, oysters are at a discount during happy hour, too. Local craft beers on draft, extensive cocktails to choose from, and a lengthy wine list tailored to pair with some of your favorite seafood—the Old Port Sea Grill is well worth a visit.

Enoteca Athena

You can’t go wrong with Enoteca Athena’s commitment to happy hour. The restaurant, located in the heart of Brunswick at 97 Maine Street, is open Monday thru Saturday, from late afternoon thru early evening. Those wishing to start the evening with a Negroni, glass or two of wine, or craft beer will delight in discovering Enoteca Athena. Like to snack through happy hour? Or have a full dinner? Enoteca Athena offers inexpensive, rustic foods similar to what you may find wandering through the streets of Greek or Italian towns, villages, and cities. Selections feature an array of food to pair with whatever you may be indulging. The food is locally sourced and sustainably harvested or raised.

Natalie’s

In a word—ambience—if that’s what you’re seeking for a happy hour experience then you’ll find it at Natalie’s at the Camden Harbour Inn. Expertly crafted cocktails await you at the bar and a wine list with over 200 selections of some of the finest wines from around the globe. Natalie’s wines list received the coveted Wine Spectator Award for selections. Well known for its world-class culinary experience, the bar menu offers an array of appetizers, entrees, and dessert to pair with any wine or wine recommendations from one of Natalie’s sommeliers. Overlooking the harbor, visit Natalie’s at 83 Bay View Street in Camden.

Ondine Oyster + Wine Bar

At Ondine Oyster + Wine Bar in Belfast, Maine, social hour begins promptly at 4 p.m. daily and continues until 6 p.m. In between, you can enjoy an abundant selection of wines from around the world and a variety of house cocktails to start your evening of reverie or to unwind after a long day on the job. Whether small plates or full dinner, the menu of delicious farm to table offerings is a result of relationships cultivated between the restaurant and local farmers, ranchers, fisherman, and foragers. Ondine’s is located at 108 Main Street, a short distance from Belfast’s historic waterfront.

Nina June’s

A happy hour at Nina June’s Mediterranean style trattoria will be a memorable one. You’ll find Nina June’s in Rockport across from the Rockport Marine Park at 24 Central Street. Amble on out on the porch, choose from a great wine list, cocktails, or craft beer and sit a spell to enjoy the view of the harbor and Penobscot Bay beyond. Nina June’s is open Tuesday–Saturday, 5:30–9:00 p.m., and offers small plates to pair with your drinks or a leisurely full-service dinner if you’re so inclined. Considering the view, you just might be.

Ada’s Kitchen

Raise your glass at Ada’s Kitchen in Rockland and Salute, cento di questi giorni! May you have a hundred of these days! Ease on into the comfy confines of their lounge to discover an assortment of Italian cocktail classics, a fun run of exotic drinks, bubbly, whites, and reds for wine lovers, and tasty artisan beers that will have you wondering why you’ve never visited there before. Ada’s popular happy hour happens Monday thru Friday from 5-6 p.m. Small plates to accompany happy hour drinks or full dinner after, Ada’s offers affordable, authentic Italian food, which includes handmade pasta made from the finest local and imported Italian ingredients.

Maine is the ideal summer destination and playground for individuals, couples, and families alike. The beaches, lakes and mountains aside, Maine has a sizzling food scene up and down the coast as well as an array of micro-breweries and wineries. If you’re planning your Maine summer getaway and wondering where the must stop and eat restaurants are, we’ve provided a list the hottest restaurants for you to try.

Spat Oyster Cellar – Kennebunk
From Chef Rebecca Charles, Owner of the famous Pearl Oyster Bar in NY, Spat Oyster Cellar is an homage to NYC oyster saloons and cellars of the 1800’s. Spat, which is the name of a baby oyster, features a menu that includes a selection of chilled seafood; small plates including fried oysters, buckets of steamers, chowder, smoked Atlantic salmon, mussels, lobster rolls, and the must try “Carpetbagger Steak Sandwich” (baguette filled with roast beef and fried oysters).
27 Western Ave. – 207-204-0860
Hours: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m Tuesday through Sunday

Tempo Dulu – Portland
Tempo Dulu, Indonesian for “good old days”, features the cuisine of Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Using mostly locally sourced ingredients, meals are served in the West End’s timeless setting, the Danforth Inn. Chef Lawrence Klang, who came to Tempo Dulu from acclaimed Natalie’s, has been wowing patrons with exotic ingredients. Tempo Dulu features delicate steamed banana leaf halibut, smoky wok-charred squid, deeply spiced and sweet Beef Rendang Padang, and medallions of Sumatra lamb in a curry, and more deliciously special selections.
163 Danforth St. – 207-879-8755
Hours: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Big Fin Poke – Westbrook
Poke, if you’re not familiar, is best described as deconstructed sushi. It’s a Hawaiian seafood salad composed of raw fish, seaweed, onions, and seasonings like ponzu, soy, or sesame oil. Big Fin Poke is a casual restaurant with large windows and high ceilings, owned by Jimmy and Samantha Liang. Poke is served in customizable rice bowls and Pokirittos, which are like large sushi rolls. Can’t make it to Hawaii? Big Fin Poke’ is the next best thing.
855 Main St. – 207-591-0171
Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday

Nina June – Rockport
Nina June is a Mediterranean style trattoria overlooking the beautiful Rockport Harbor on the shores of the Penobscot Bay. The restaurant is a homecoming for New York Chef Sara Jenkins, who was born in neighboring Camden. Nina June, whose name comes from Jenkins childhood nickname, offers the finest Maine has to offer with a fresh Mediterranean twist. Featuring a cuisine of local ingredients focused on seafood, vegetables, grains and greens, olive oil and a small amount of meat.
24 Central St. – 207-236-8880
Hours: 5:30 p.m. – 9::30 pm Wednesday through Saturday

Natalie’s – Camden
Natalie’s restaurant, located in the elegant and charming Camden Harbour Inn, is one of the most highly acclaimed dining spots in the entire state. Natalie’s offers fine dining with a signature Maine flair. Choose from two prix-fixe menus which feature local lamb with root veggies and cabbage-wrapped Maine monkfish. There’s also a five-course lobster tasting menu, featuring lobster with peaches and wasabi cream, or Maine lobster salad with sunchoke, caviar, and foie gras. Phenomenal service, white cloth dining and a relaxing, casual atmosphere.
83 Bayview St. – 207-236-7008
Hours: 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (last reservation) Monday through Saturday

In the United States many regions are famous for specific foods, but none more so than Maine for its sweet, rich lobster. Up and down the coast, from white-table cloth restaurants to quaint seafood shacks, chefs offer their interpretation of the best way lobster should be eaten. While eating Maine lobster directly from the shell can be a wonderful (yet messy) experience, there are as many other lobster dishes as there are fish in the sea. Natalie’s Lobster Tasting Menu takes lobster preparation to an all new level, really allowing the flavors of this delicacy to shine.

Maine Lobster: A Chef’s Inspiration

Executive Chefs Chris Long and Shelby Stevens, who have both worked at Natalie’s since the spring of 2013, bring a broad range of experience, character, and innovation to the menu. The food prepared by Long and Stevens tells an elegant story of the rich beauty and abundance of the Maine coast. Using local ingredients, infused with New England nostalgia and modern culinary techniques, the end product is truly a celebratory experience.

In the fall of 2013, Chef Long took home the coveted title of Maine Lobster Chef of the Year with his stunning dish with a complex technique: lobster poached in butter, served with grilled maitake and oyster mushrooms and a corn-and-parsnip ragout. This award led the Natalie’s team to create a menu that stood out.

Bounty of Maine and the Freshness of the Season

While the menus change often, due to seasonality, below is a sample of what the restaurant’s signature tasting menu looks like:

Course 1: Lobster Crab Pea Mint Radish Salmon Roe or Lobster Melon Almond Heart of Palm
Course 2: Steamed Bun Lobster Miso Cucumber Basil or Miso Lobster Turnip Soy
Course 3: Lobster Bisque Sambal Carrot or Lobster Bisque Ham Hock Fresno Red Pepper
Course 4: Grilled Lobster Speck Truffle Asparagus Lentil Fiddlehead or Lobster Corn Merguez Fingerling Potato
Course 5: Choice of Seasonal Dessert

Highlight each bite of your meal at Natalie’s with a complementary pairing from our curated wine list. At Natalie’s, you’re invited to select from more than 200 labels, all expertly selected to pair with the menu.

Whether you are vacationing in Vacationland, on a coastal culinary vacation, or are a Maine resident, don’t forget to skip the roll and experience Maine lobster in its truest, most delicious form. Like an adventure through the lush scenery of Maine, your culinary journey at Natalie’s will be an experience that will last a lifetime. To make a reservation, call (207) 236-7008.