A Thanksgiving in Maine is the perfect opportunity to start a family tradition. A destination holiday offers a chance to connect with loved ones far and wide. What better place to spend quality family time than an escape to Camden, on the rocky coast of Maine. Rolling hills and low mountains rise up by the sea and lean over a rocky coastline with pristine harbors specked with islands and trawlers. Over the holiday, rich experiences and chances to explore the historic town and area await you and your family. Thanksgiving officially kicks off the ‘season’ in the Camden. That evening, the traditional holiday star is lit high atop Mount Battie overlooking Camden Harbor. The star is lit each night thereafter through New Year’s Eve.
There’s much to do—enjoy hiking excursions through the mountains, winery tours, strolls through the historic old town, and a relaxing Thanksgiving dinner with family (without the cooking). Only a few hours northeast of Boston makes Camden easily accessible for you and your family members. This Thanksgiving, embrace the rugged beauty of the Coast of Maine and start a family tradition in Camden.
What to Do During Thanksgiving Weekend in Camden, Maine:
Day Hikes
There are excellent choices for family hikes throughout the entire region. Choose from winding, twisting forested trails and moderate to advanced mountain trails. Two that reward hikers with spectacular views are the Bald Mountain Trail and the Maiden Cliff Trail. Bald Mountain rises 1,280 feet over Western Penobscot Bay and surrounding coastal mountains. Its rocky summit is the fifth highest peak on the eastern seaboard and is habitat to one of the Midcoast Maine’s largest rare subalpine natural communities. The trail is well-marked, though the 2.6 mile hike is fairly steep in stretches, flat stepping stones in places will help you on your way. There is an interpretive sign near the summit to help describe the habitat and unusual plant life.
The trail to Maiden Cliff is a short, moderate to strenuous hike that’s well worth the view once you arrive at the top. The cliff ledges tower 800 feet above Megunticook Lake and offer breathtaking views. The trail winds along a brook for the first half-mile, after which, the next half mile, the path begins to ascend steeply before finally leveling off at a plateau. Be careful here, the trail traverses along open ledges as you near the top of the cliff. Continue on another .8 miles to Miller Ledges for an expansive view of Ragged and Bald Mountains to the west and all of Megunticook Lake.
Winery Tour
Wine and nature lovers take note. A ten minute drive northeast of Camden, off the beaten path, tucked in a valley between Levenseller and Cameron Mountains, you’ll discover Cellardoor Winery. Yes, a winery! Maine’s moderate ocean climate, combined with its fertile soil, has proven favorable to growing grapes. Over the past several decades, varietals such as Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon blanc have benefited from Maine’s unique terroir and successfully produced. Camden Harbour Inn offers guests a destination winery experience—a personal guided VIP tour of the picturesque vineyard and winery. The tour includes a tasting, glass of Cellardoor’s award-winning, Maine made wine, and cheese plate within the beautifully renovated 200-year-old barn, and much more.
Explore Camden
Antiquarians, bibliophiles, and curiosity seekers alike will be thrilled to discover Goose River Exchange, home to Maine’s premier dealer of Paper Americana, Books and Ephemera. An old-fashioned brick and mortar shop, the store specializes in and has an extensive collection of antiques, old and rare posters, postcards, and newspapers. The breadth of the inventory is huge and can keep you there for hours. The collection of books, photography, magazines, and ephemera is well organized and constantly overturning. Each visit offers a truly unique experience.
Thanksgiving Camden Harbour Inn
Camden Harbour Inn offers a special Thanksgiving getaway for you and your family in Camden. It’s an ideal location to spend the long Thanksgiving weekend. The picturesque New England town where the mountains meet the rugged coast of Maine is the perfect place to start your family tradition. Enjoy two or more luxurious nights at the Inn and an incredible 5-course Thanksgiving dinner at the Inn’s award-winning restaurant, Natalie’s. Daytime excursions await, and the concierge has a local map that indicates historical buildings and locations throughout Camden. On Thanksgiving Day you can sit back and relax with your family by the fireplace.