The Ultimate Guide to Downtown Camden, Maine

Photo of Camden Harbor in the Heart of Downtown Camden, Maine.For over a century, Camden Harbour Inn has sat atop a hill overlooking Penobscot Bay. Its bright white exterior still catches the eyes of sailors arriving by boat, just as it did in the 1800s. From Camden Harbour Inn’s hilltop location, guests can look out across the harbor to the rugged Maine coastline toward the downtown village and the surrounding mountains. If the surrounding natural wonders aren’t enough to win you over, the charm of downtown Camden, Maine, will surely do the trick. Camden Harbour Inn sits just a stone’s throw away from downtown Camden, Maine, and its finest establishments. Continue below to read our ultimate guide to Downtown Camden, Maine.

Camden Opera House

The Camden Opera House was built in 1894 and first featured the Boston Opera Company’s performance of Maritama. Today, the Camden Opera House hosts a variety of events but is best known as an energetic live music venue in the heart of downtown Camden, Maine, which is beloved by locals and travelers alike.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe in downtown Camden, Maine, pays homage to the confectionaries and candy shops of the past. This charming candy store has a classic mom-and-pop atmosphere and serves a variety of sweets, such as homemade fudge, brittle, and truffles.

Shop ‘til You Drop

Shopping in downtown Camden, Maine, means browsing local artists at Small Wonder Gallery, indulging your inner bookworm at Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café, and so much more. Downtown Camden, Maine, has a variety of shops where you’ll find everything from local art to designer furniture. To find out more about our favorite stores in downtown Camden, Maine, check out our recent blog post.

Photo of a Couple Dining at Natalie's near Downtown Camden, Maine.

Dine at Natalie’s

Downtown Camden, Maine, is a cherished dining experience that blends local flavors and innovative cooking in a delightful bay-view atmosphere. Natalie’s purchases fresh-caught seafood and organic products from local anglers and farmers, serving the Camden community year-round. To book a stay at our hilltop inn and plan your visit, please visit our promotions page.

Alpine Skiing in Maine: a Visitor’s Guide to the Camden Snow Bowl

Photo of a Couple Relaxing at the Camden Snow Bowl, One of the Best Places to Go Skiing in Maine.

Unbeknownst to much of New England, the 100-acre Camden Snow Bowl features some of the cleanest alpine skiing in Maine. Despite its small-town feel, the Snow Bowl boasts more than 20-plus recently-upgraded runs that reach nearly 1,300 feet above the sea. There’s never been a more enticing time to “Ski the Sea,” as packed powder currently sits anywhere from 24 to 30 inches. Start and finish each day of MidCoast Maine exploration and sophistication at Camden Harbour Inn, a Relais & Châteaux top destination that is home to a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant.

The Most Underrated Alpine Skiing in Maine

While the Camden Snow Bowl is one of the oldest ski areas in New England, it remains an underrated coastal attraction. It offers some of the finest alpine skiing in Maine, including 48 well-lit acres of night skiing—a rarity. Over 60 percent of the terrain is deemed “advanced,” so prepare for a challenging, black-diamond experience. Some of the most beloved runs include the “Northeaster,” “Mussel Ridge,” and the “Lookout.” Ultra-skilled skiers can take full advantage of the Snow Bowl’s two expansive terrain parks.

Snowshoeing, Nordic Skiing, and National Toboggan Championships

Most New Englanders know the Camden Snow Bowl as the home of the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, nicknamed “Tobogganville.” Tobogganville is home to the U.S.’s last remaining gravity-operated wooden toboggan chute. Near the chute, Nordic skiing enthusiasts will discover pristine terrain via the expansive Kuller Nordic Loop Trail and adjacent Ragged Mountain Preserve, which also features ample acreage for snowshoeing. There’s no shortage of world-class Nordic skiing in Maine’s most romantic bay-side village. Snowshoers will also discover peaceful Hosmer Brook and a hidden trail atop Ragged Mountain.

Opulent, Award-Winning Lodging in Camden, Maine

Photo of a Camden Harbour Inn Suite, Just Minutes Away from the Best Skiing Hill in MidCoast Maine.After a memorable afternoon on the slopes, return to Camden Harbour Inn for a five-course lobster-tasting dinner, complete with a seafood tower for two, Maine oysters, lobster bisque, roasted lobster, fine vino, and more. Natalie’s features a sleek, European-style aesthetic and romantic ambiance. Follow dinner with a relaxing evening in a Penobscot Bay-view suite. In-room amenities range from iPads to BainUltra therapeutic air baths and traditional saunas. The inn is only a short jaunt from the heart of Camden, as well as the historic yacht club.

To book a well-deserved snow-filled escape to Camden Harbour Inn, please check availability online (or speak with a reservationist at 800-236-4266).

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