Three romantic bed and breakfast inns in one famous, Maine coast destination

Camden's Distinctive Inns

Area Activities

Hiking

The Camden Hills State Park – within two miles of the inns – and the George’s Highland Path provide some of the most spectacular coastal mountain hiking in New England . Sweeping ocean vistas, rugged coastlines and tranquil meadows surprise the hiker along the trail’s every bend.  

Hike or drive through Camden Hills State Park to the top of Mt. Battie and take in the spectacular panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and its many islands. There are a range of trails for every level, from the flat, meandering paths of Fernald’s Neck Nature Preserve to the steep and spectacular Ocean Lookout in the Mt. Megunticook Range. 

Camden’s Mt. Megunticook Range is the starting point for the ridge trail, a scenic five-mile walk with spectacular cliffs and exposed ledges. Upon cresting the ridge, you will reach the top of Maiden Cliff, with dramatic 360-degree views over pristine Megunticook Lake – the perfect spot for picnicking, birding or viewing magnificent fall foliage. It is not uncommon to see Bald Eagles, Ospreys or Red Tailed Hawks soaring, especially during the annual fall hawk migration. Three miles into the trail lies Ocean Lookout, which provides hikers with outstanding views of Penobscot Bay with its quaint coastal villages, abundant islands and fleet of old Windjammers. 

The trails are well marked and maintained. There are plenty of access points to the trails and public parking is available at the trailheads. Maps and hiking information can be obtained at most trailheads, ranger stations or from your innkeepers. Other popular activities at the park are rock climbing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, picnicking and bird watching.

Windjammers A trip to Camden is never complete without a day sail on one of the many windjammers in the Camden harbor. We highly recommend the Schooner Surprise for a two-hour day trip on Penobscot Bay. Capt. Jack and Barbara offer wonderful hospitality on their 57-foot Schooner. With a maximum of 18 passengers (children over 12 years old only), the "Surprise experience” is very intimate, allowing passengers to hoist sails and listen to some of Jack and Barbara's sailing adventures.  They have some stories to tell!  The Surprise sails from May to October and snacks are offered during the sail. 

Schooner Surprise - visit their Web site: www.camdenmainesailing.com
PO Box 450 , Camden , ME   04843      phone: (207)236-4687

Museums Farnsworth Art Museum and the Wyeth Center – This museum features works by some of the great names in 18th and 19th Century art, including Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Sully, Thomas Eakins, Eastman Johnson and Fitz Hugh Lane . The Wyeth Center showcases three generations of this first family of American art with a comprehensive collection of Maine-related artwork by N.C. Wyeth, his son Andrew Wyeth and Andrew's son, James Wyeth. The Farnsworth is located 10 minutes from Camden, in downtown Rockland.  www.farnsworthmuseum.org    (207) 596-6457

Penobscot Marine Museum - The museum complex is composed of many buildings belonging to the original "townscape" including a former sea captain’s home, regional watercraft collections, art exhibits, films, and much more.  The museum is located in Searsport, about 40 minutes north of Camden.  www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org  (207) 548-2529

Owls Head Transportation Museum – This museum is known internationally for its collection of pioneer aircraft, historic automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, carriages and engines.  The museum is located 15 minutes south of Camden in Owls Head.  (207) 594-4418. www.owlshead.org.

Center for Maine Contemporary Art – A visual arts center featuring the work of established and emerging contemporary Maine artists in Rockport village.  207-236-2875. www.mainearts.com.

Performing Arts Bay Chamber Concerts – Experience classical, jazz, world music and dance year-round or as part of the renowned Summer Festival in July and August.  For more information, log onto www.baychamberconcerts.org.  207-236-2823.

Camden Opera House You never know what might be going on at Camden ’s grand old Opera House in the center of town.  See www.camdenoperahouse.com for more information. 207-236-7963.

Rockland Strand Theatre This beautifully restored theater offers movies and performing arts events year-round.  For the latest information, log onto www.rocklandstrand.com. 207-594-0070.

Kayaking

Kayak rentals, instruction and guided tours are all available in the Camden area.  Few moments are as breathtaking as the rising sun over Camden harbor, and an early morning paddle is the perfect way to take it all in. Whether you're looking for a sea kayak tour up Maine 's scenic coast, or a family tour of beautiful Lake Megunticook, the perfect tour is out there waiting for you. Several companies offer kayaking tours in the area.
Ducktrap
Sea Kayak  (207) 236-8608
Maine Sport Outfitters (888) 236-8797. www.mainesport.com 

Lighthouse Tour

With its rocky shores and jagged coastline, it’s not surprising that Maine has more lighthouses and beacons than any other state its size. A scenic drive south of Camden takes you through some beautiful coastal villages offering spectacular views of six unique lighthouses. A detailed map with driving instructions is available at the inns; just ask your innkeepers.

Antiquing There are plenty of hidden antique treasures in shops around the Camden area. Ask the innkeepers for an antiquing map of the area and for any special recommendations.
Shopping

No Maine vacation would be complete without a proper souvenir, and there are a range of intriguing boutiques to explore in midcoast Maine. For special favorites, ask your innkeepers.

Artisans' Studios The Camden area boasts some incredibly talented artisans and craftsmen.  Some highlights to explore include Windsor Chairmakers in Lincolnville www.WindsorChair.com. (800) 789-5188, and Prism Glass Studio and Gallery in Rockport. www.prismglassgallery.com  (207) 230-0061. For more information, ask your innkeepers.
Driving Tours We have put together numerous area driving tours and day trips to wonderful destinations like Acadia National Park, Port Clyde, Blue Hill, Pemaquid Point and Belfast. In the fall, local mountains and lakes provide the perfect background for the changing autumn foliage.
Dining The Camden area is lucky to have an abundance of culinary experiences. In addition to the Hartstone Inn, there are many fine dining or casual choices to explore. Just ask your innkeepers.  For those in search of lobster, there are many lobster pounds in the area, along shorefronts. Just take a drive and explore.
Bicycling There are many scenic bicycling routes in and around Camden. Ask your innkeepers for any special recommendations. Maps and bicycle rental are available from Maine Sport Outfitters. www.mainesport.com 
Fishing There are a number of terrific fishing guides in the Camden area. Lake Megunticook, located five minutes from the Inns, offers great fresh water fishing. Local guides will provide all of the necessary equipment and licensing.
Golfing There are several golf courses in the area, including the Rockland Public Golf Course and at the oceanfront Samoset Resort. Your innkeepers will be happy to reserve a tee time for you.
Skiing Camden Snow Bowl offers skiers 11 ski trails and a famed toboggan chute, all just a few minutes drive away. Cross-country ski trails in the State Park extend for miles, winding through forests and up mountainsides. www.camdensnowbowl.com
Swimming Fresh water lakes abound in the Camden area, offering many opportunities for swimming. The more intrepid can jump into the chilly waters of Penobscot Bay, at Lincolnville or Laite Beaches. In colder months, there is a brand new 25-meter swimming pool at the YMCA.

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