Tag Archives: things to do in Camden Maine
Plan a Visit to the Camden Maine Farmers Market
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
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.
3 Unique Summertime Things to Do in Camden, Maine
With nearly two months left of summer, there’s still ample time to plan a well-deserved getaway up Maine’s coast before the temperatures subtly dip. Most guests spend their days here in MidCoast Maine shopping, sailing, and dining, yet there are several other obscure, unforgettable activities worth exploring before winter’s arrival. Start and finish each day of exploration at Camden Harbour Inn, a proud member of Relais & Châteaux. We have strong relationships with all of the area’s premier tour guides, many of which rank among the best things to do in Camden, Maine.
Lobster Cruise
We may be a tad bit biased, but Camden, Maine, is an idyllic New England destination thanks to our perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and sophistication. The vast, sapphire blue Penobscot Bay waters are home to hundreds of unique underwater critters, including vibrant, scarlet lobsters—widely known as “Maine lobster.” Hopping aboard a lobster cruise remains one of the top-rated things to do in Camden, Maine, especially among foodies aiming to learn more about these colorful creatures. Our two-day “Lobster Like a Maine Native” package includes lobster fishing, a five-course dinner at Natalie’s, a cooking class with Executive Chef Chris Long, and so much more!
Helicopter Tour
To obtain a bird’s-eye view of Penobscot Bay, downtown Camden, Mount Battie, and countless coastal lighthouses, strap yourself inside a state-of-the-art helicopter. Helicopter tours remain one of our favorite things to in Camden, Maine, especially for couples. Yet, many travelers often overlook this exhilarating day-time activity. Our knowledgeable on-site concierge is happy to arrange a private, 30-minute aerial photography tour aboard a Bell 47 that includes a champagne flight inside a lavish limousine.
Fishing Trip
While you might expect that the best honey holes near Camden, Maine, rest inside Penobscot Bay, most fishing guides head inland to hook bass, rainbow trout, pike, pickerel, and white perch. We recommend these three local fishing outfits: Mike Kinney, Maine Outdoors, and Ten Mile Guide Service. Browse through their website to find a fishing package that perfectly fits your group’s interests. Inland fishing trips remain one of the most underrated things to do in Camden, Maine, mainly because there aren’t many guides in the area. Megunticook Lake is home to thriving largemouth and smallmouth bass populations (and it’s undeniably beautiful). The nearby Saint George River watershed, meanwhile, is a pike fishing haven.
A Quintessential Maine Summer Vacation
MidCoast Maine tourism will see an influx of “leaf peepers” this autumn, but late summer’s golden haze is the perfect time to explore the coast. Camden Harbour Inn offers couples and groups a sophisticated, historic stay amidst classic New England natural beauty. Polish off each day with a four-course Prix Fixe dinner at Natalie’s, a shared bottle of world-renowned wine at dusk, and a lavish evening inside your upscale suite. There’s nothing quite like summer in Maine—give us a call today at 1-800-236-4266 to book a genuinely unforgettable vacation. If you’d like to read more about several other top-rated things to do in Camden, Maine, please visit our website.
Start Planning a Midcoast Maine Honeymoon
We’re quickly approaching the ever-popular mid-summer wedding season here in charming Camden, Maine. Not only is our elegant Relais & Châteaux inn one of the premier Midcoast Maine wedding venues, but you won’t find a more romantic honeymoon locale in New England than Camden Harbour Inn. Thanks to the brilliant vision of Dutch co-owners, Raymond Brunyanszki and Oscar Verest, the historic Camden Harbour Inn is a shining example of beauty, elegance, and luxury. Spend your days sailing along tranquil West Penobscot Bay, hiking at Camden Hills State Park, and indulging in gourmet European-style cuisine at Natalie’s, our AAA Four Diamond restaurant, before retiring to one of our lavish honeymoon suites. Keep reading to learn more about a potential once-in-a-lifetime Midcoast Maine honeymoon to Camden Harbour Inn.
Romantic Midcoast Maine Honeymoon Activities
The bayfront city of Camden, Maine, is filled with history, charm, and sophistication. Whether you’re hoping to hop aboard a 90-year-old schooner, stroll along Main Street for some mid-day shopping, or catch a rousing live performance at the Camden Opera House, you’ll quickly discover that our charming community is the perfect Midcoast Maine honeymoon destination. We’ve compiled ten of our favorite things to do in Camden, Maine, to ensure that your stay with us is flawless.
- Bicycling on Chestnut Street (rentals available at Maine Sport Outfitters)
- Dining, wining, and cooking classes
- Downtown Camden shopping
- Hiking at Camden Hills State Park
- Lighthouse tours
- Live performances at Camden Opera House
- Lobster cruises
- Schooner cruises with Olad Owl or Schooner Surprise
- Spa services
- Wine tasting at Cellardoor Winery
Romantic Fine Dining
No Midcoast Maine honeymoon is complete without a romantic gourmet dinner inside our on-site AAA Four Diamond restaurant: Natalie’s. Executive Chef Chris Long, Shelby Stevens, and their team of culinary artists have curated an innovative menu that is a sophisticated meld of European-style and classic New England-style recipes, flavors, and presentation. Pair your four-course prix fare with an expertly-selected bottle of vino from our collection of over 200 award-winning labels. Natalie’s seasonal menu is consistently evolving so that no two visits to Camden Harbour Inn are alike. You’ll discover a wide-ranging menu that’s highlighted by fresh Maine lobster, half-shell oysters, and farm-raised ribeye. Dine inside our elegant dining room which is accented by dazzling flora, repurposed wood floors, and arresting rose-colored lampshades and chairs, or enjoy the coastal mountain views on our private outdoor patio.
Lavish Guest Suites
Perhaps the most important aspect of an unforgettable Midcoast Maine honeymoon is a sumptuous guest suite. The Royal Dutch Suite is a favorite among honeymooners because of its sleek design, two-person soaking tub, modern fireplace, and private sauna. The New Amsterdam, meanwhile, is the perfect combination of luxury and old-world charm as this two-room suite has a classy interior, king-size featherbed, two decks, and an air bath. All of these well-preserved guest suites were modernly renovated with honeymooners in mind. To start planning a lavish Midcoast Maine honeymoon at our bay-view Camden hotel, please give us a call at 1-800-236-4266, or visit us online.