things to do in Camden Maine Archives

Things to Do in Camden, Maine for Couples This Fall

Posted on October 28, 2021 by camdenharb

Camden, Maine, is a great date destination for many reasons, but it’s in the fall when this seaside town shines for couples. If you never sat along the ocean with someone you love, you are missing out on one of many intimate, simple, great dates that you can experience. Best yet, there are many things to do and simple pleasures in Camden, Maine. Go ahead and join us at the Camden Harbour Inn and make some joyous fall memories.

Our 4 Favorite Things to Do in Camden, Maine for Couples

Here are four things to do to get the gears turning for a romantic getaway in Camden, Maine. For the best time try and do all four!

Sit down and enjoy a fantastic dinner with drinks at Natalie’s Restaurant. It’s a classic date idea for a reason. Sip delicious drinks in between your three-course meal. It’s all effortless because Natalie’s is Camden Harbour Inn’s in-house restaurant. Eat and drink as much as you please because your room will be steps away from your table.
Camden, Maine, is a seaside town, so why not see the coast while you are here. Jump aboard Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl charter with your loved one. Be sure to check out their website to reserve your charter ahead of time.
Get active and pedal, or hike your way through one of the area’s best trails. Whether or not you bring your bike, you will be able to enjoy Mount Battie, Jibe Trail, or Maiden Cliff. Besides stepping aboard a boat, hiking is one of the best ways to see the fall foliage and take in the season at your own pace.
If both of you have slept in after your dinner date at Natalie’s, we recommend grabbing a cup of coffee and enjoying a coffee date outside while the air is crisp and cool. Walk out of Zoot Coffee with a latte or grab a French press coffee-to-go at Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe. Both are unbelievably tasty things to do for your autumnal stroll in Camden, Maine.
If both of you are wine lovers, or wine curious, there is no better way to spend some time together than participating in wine tasting and cooking classes. Here you’ll get to experience the local flair and walk around the beautiful estate at Cellardoor Winery and Vineyard.

Make Camden, Maine Your Unique Romantic Getaway

Your relationship is in excellent shape if you can do all four of these things while you stay in Camden, Maine. But, it can always get better, and if you need even more ideas, visit our travel guide. After all, Camden Harbour Inn is a MidCoast Maine romantic getaway mainstay. To see why please check availability online, and don’t forget to browse through the inn’s seasonal packages before booking.

5 Fun Mountain Biking, Hiking Trails in Camden, Maine

Posted on September 30, 2021 by camdenharb

Maine is a fantastic place for outdoor activities and the state is full of challenging and scenic trails for biking and hiking. So much so that it won’t be hard for you to find a fun path near Camden Harbour Inn. Here are five of the best routes.

Dreadnought Trail

This trail is inside the Camden, Maine, Snow Bowl Ski Area. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding trail to bike through. To get to the start of the course, you can take part in a rugged hike, or a lift will take you to the beginning. This is one trail that shouldn’t be missed.

Mount Battie

Mount Battie is a must-see hiking destination for any visitor to Camden, Maine. The hike is just more than one mile long. Once you reach the end, you will find some spectacular views of Maine. In addition, you will be able to see Camden Harbour Inn from the peak.

Jibe Trail

An easy trail to start on for mountain biking because it’s one of the few paths that starts at a parking lot. It’s a fun track if you are a newcomer to mountain biking. This is one of the more popular trails to ride along because it’s open to hikers and dog walkers.

Maiden Cliff

This Camden, Maine, trail can be exhausting for hiking. However, it remains one of the best ways to see Megunticook Lake. It also is excellent for bird watching. Take this trail as you please because it is a hike you will talk about once you return to the Camden Habour Inn.

Tempest Trail

This is the most challenging mountain biking trail on this list. It stretches a little more than one mile, and you will feel it by the end. It features rock drops, wooden features, and three gravity-fed rock gardens.

Pump the Breaks and Park It at Camden Harbour Inn

We hope you find even more hiking and biking trails to explore in Maine when you stay at Camden Harbour Inn. When you park your bike back at Camden Harbour Inn, you will find a AAA Four Diamond culinary meal at Natalie’s. Call us today at 1-800-236-4266 to book a room or check the availability online.

3 Best Places for Camden, Maine Sailing

Posted on August 19, 2021 by camdenharb

Maine is a fantastic destination if you want to experience the open ocean. Sailing in Camden, Maine, is one of the best things to do when you are in town. Furthermore, Camden Harbour Inn makes it easy to get out there and see everything without the fuss.

Where to Find Camden, Maine Sailing Charters without the Hassle

From booking to check-in to getting out on the water, it is all accessible thanks to welcoming staff, and the Camden Harbour Inn is in the ideal location. We have three Camden, Maine, sailing charter suggestions to get your Maine getaway started.

Anjacaa

See the Maine coastline like never before by sailing with Anjacaa. They offer cruises and private charters that can last two hours to all day if you want. The Anjacaa holds six passengers, includes a fully-cushioned cockpit, galley, living area, two private cabins, and two full bathrooms. Visit their website to book a charter ahead of your stay with us.

Schooner Olad & Cutter Owl

See what the Penobscot Bay has to offer you on a Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl charter. The Schooner Olad is a restored, classic sailing yacht built in 1927. It can hold up to 22 passengers. For smaller parties, you should try your luck at reserving the Sailing Vessel Owl. This ship holds up to 6 people for a more intimate experience. As a bonus Captain Aaron Lincoln, a local, will talk about the history of the area. Be sure to check out their website to reserve your charter ahead of time.

Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon is a converted lobster fishing boat from 2002. This is a unique sailing charter that you shouldn’t miss. It holds up to 17 passengers, and it’s a dog-friendly vessel. Also, no matter the time of year, you can reserve the Harvest Moon expedition. For those that are interested in stepping aboard this ship, visit their website for more information.

Stay at One of the Best Camden, Maine Hotels

There is so much more to discover in Camden, Maine. Sailing is one of the best, but once you get back on dry land, you can explore great dining, find the best shopping, get started hiking, and more. All of this is nearby the Camden Harbour Inn, so you don’t have to think too hard about where and what you plan to do when you stay in Camden, Maine. For more information about the Camden Harbour Inn, please call us at 800-236-4266 or 207-236-4200 or send us an email at [email protected].

Things to Do in Camden, Maine, this Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on May 11, 2021 by camdenharb

Memorial Day is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how you want to spend your long weekend. Camden, Maine, is an idyllic, seaside town on the New England coast and the ideal spot for an extended weekend getaway. For many, the goal of Memorial Day weekend is to enjoy the arrival of summer weather, yummy food, and time with our loved ones. There is an array of things to do in Camden that are perfect for accomplishing those goals.

Soaking Up the Natural Splendor of Camden

Camden, Maine, has a wide array of outdoor activities because of Mount Battie and Penobscot Bay. Exploring Camden Hills State Park is one activity you should not miss on your Memorial Day weekend escape. Located a few minutes north of downtown, hiking the Camden Hills provide you breathtaking views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands. If you want to get out on Penobscot Bay, the best way to see it is by boat, whether you charter one yourself or book a boat tour.

If getting outside to you means relaxing in a vineyard with a wine glass in your hand, that’s valid too! Several incredible Maine wineries are only a short drive from Camden. Cellardoor Winery, Savage Oakes Vineyard & Winery, and Breakwater Vineyards are just some of our favorites.

An Award-Winning Culinary Experience

Memorial Day weekend can only be made better by experiencing the best dining that Camden has to offer, and you can find that at Natalie’s. This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant features award-winning chefs that source the finest ingredients fresh from local farms, fishermen, and our on-site organic garden. In addition to beautifully-plated cuisine and top-rated vino, Natalie’s boasts picturesque Penobscot Bay views as well.

Luxury Camden Lodgings for Memorial Day Weekend

After exploring the natural wonders of the area and having an unforgettable meal at Natalie’s, rest your head at our Maine Coast inn. Camden Harbour Inn sets the standard for Camden hotels by combining the quiet comforts of a bed and breakfast with the luxury of a world-class boutique hotel. To book your Memorial Day getaway today, check our availability online or give us a call at 1-800-236-4266.

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).

Plan a Visit to the Camden Maine Farmers Market

Posted on June 30, 2020 by camdenharb

With summer’s golden radiance officially here, hundreds of thousands of Mainers continue to rediscover the coastal landscape via state park hikes, schooner cruises, and vineyard tours. Midcoast Maine is an ethereal destination filled to the brim with history, sophistication, and sprawling natural beauty. And the most desirable destination along the coast is Camden Harbour Inn, a proud member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux hotelier association. The inn’s roots date back to the late 1800s. Today, Camden Harbour Inn boasts a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, distinctive accommodations, and worldly concierge services. One of the many highlights of a mid-summer escape to this lavish respite is the local culinary scene, including the vibrant, twice-weekly Camden Maine Farmers Market located on Washington Street.

The Camden Maine Farmers Market: Support Local Business

Every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning, hundreds of locals and visitors alike flock to the Camden Maine Farmers Market to peruse produce, support the community, and learn a cooking tip or two. It’s common knowledge that most food travels approximately 1,500 miles before landing on the dinner table. Thus, a buoyant visit to the farmers market is exceedingly environmentally friendly. Yes, supporting local farmers and businesses is a focal point, but there’s also ample opportunity for a nutritional boost, as many of these delicacies are 100 percent organic. The team at Camden Harbour Inn always urges guests to spend some extra time getting to know the growers, primarily because they’re apt to divulge long-standing recipes, cooking tips, and insider knowledge about other fabulous vendors.

Classic New England Delicacies

The Camden Maine Farmers Market provides a splendid opportunity to learn more about the region’s thriving farmland and the many unique eats that grow particularly well in New England, such as okra, eggplant, asparagus, and cabbage. Some travelers purchase a bushel of goods for a mid-day picnic, while others gather unique ingredients for an on-site cooking class here at Camden Harbour Inn’s farmhouse kitchen. But, of course, many people bring their purchases home with them. Don’t leave the Camden Maine Farmers Market without purchasing a challah loaf from Atlantic Baking Co., the “catch of the week” from Pemaquid Lobster & Seafood, bourbon barrel-aged syrup from Frontier Maple Sugarworks, wild blueberries from Burke Hill Farm, and seedlings from Bahner Farm.

The Best Hotels in Maine: Camden Harbour

There’s no better way to jumpstart a Saturday morning than a leisurely visit to the Camden Maine Farmers Market. Even if the day’s haul is minuscule, it’s always nice to experience the culture amid droves of grinning locals. Combine a brief trip to the market with a voyage aboard a fishing charter, a self-guided brewery tour, or an extensive lighthouse drive. On-site luxury services include chauffeured limousine rides, private helicopter flights, in-room artwork and jewelry viewings, and, of course, cooking classes. This luxurious Camden hotel remains a shining example of urbanity, hospitality, and historical significance. While there’s no offseason for romance, summer and autumn are quite popular amongst couples. So, please check availability online at your earliest convenience.

Mid-day Adventures: Hiking in Camden, Maine

Posted on May 27, 2020 by camdenharb

Camden Harbour Inn, MidCoast Maine’s supreme Relais & Châteaux destination, remains open thanks to the team’s coherence to the CDC’s highest standards of cleanliness. As millions of New Englanders rediscover the allure of outdoor recreation, Maine’s dramatic coastline becomes all the more enticing. During summer’s radiance, couples flock to the region to sail the sea, hook striped bass, and observe the coast’s many lighthouses. However, hiking in Camden, Maine, is an idyllic way to greet a warm summer afternoon during a long-awaited romantic getaway.

State Park Exploration: Hiking in Camden, Maine

Camden Hills State Park’s boundary lies just 0.9 miles from Camden Harbour Inn’s vibrant, floral front lawn. Thus, when guests aren’t basking in sophistication, admiring the heartwarming harbor views, or dining on gourmet cuisine at the inn’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, it’s quite common to see them scurry over to the 5,700-acre state park. To enhance the Camden Harbour guest experience, the concierge team has compiled four of its favorite trails that encapsulate what makes hiking in Camden, Maine, so incredibly enthralling.

Mount Battie

The 1.1-mile trek to Mount Battie’s jaw-dropping, panoramic peak ranks among the prettiest hikes on Maine’s coast, which says a lot. While the journey presents 590 feet of elevation gain, most travelers embark on the expedition without hesitation, mainly because the views are too spectacular to pass up. Make sure to pack a pair of binoculars, as Camden Harbour Inn is visible from the peak. Extend the hike with a steep climb up the Tablelands Trail. It requires another 800 feet of gain, so please come prepared with a backpack filled with necessary essentials.

Maiden Cliff

Before surging ahead to breathtaking Maiden Cliff, it’s worth noting that geocaching (a growing American trend), birding, and forest bathing are three unique ways to enhance the Camden Hills experience. Whereas Mount Battie peers toward the deep blue, Maiden Cliff stands at the precipice of pristine Megunticook Lake. It requires a smidge of physical exertion en route to the peak, but it remains the top-rated trail in the area.

Bald Mountain

When travelers chatter about hiking in Camden, Maine, they typically steer the conversation to Mount Battie or Maiden Cliff. Bald Mountain, however, is a less-frequented option with similarly beautiful lookouts, yawning valley vistas, and a slew of metamorphic rock formations. Sunset strolls to and from Bald Mountain is a swell way to commemorate a glorious day along Maine’s coast.

Luxury Hotels in Camden, Maine

To obtain a treasure trove of potential mid-day excursions, please don’t hesitate to browse through the website’s travel guide. The innkeepers are happy to help, as they’re well-versed in the very best things to do in Camden, Maine, regardless of the season. After each full day of exploration and relaxation, retreat to a Grand Suite for an unforgettable evening of luxury. Savor a bottle of fine wine on the private terrace, inside a BainUltra therapeutic bath, or beside a dazzling fireplace.

Please read the latest COVID-19 updates before or after booking a long-overdue MidCoast Maine escape. Ready to reserve? Visit CamdenHarbourInn.com.