The Ultimate Guide to 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.

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.

Camden Harbour, a Memorable Romantic Getaway in MidCoast Maine

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.

Picnic Date Ideas: Top 5 Picnic Locales near Camden Harbour

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).