Jewel of the Maine Coast

The coast of Maine is renowned for its beautiful rocky coast and offshore islands, its lighthouses and lobsters, quiet white-steepled villages and fiery fall foliage. Situated midway up the coast, the Camden/Lincolnville Rockport area has been dubbed "The Jewel of the Maine Coast" and the largest town at the center of it, Camden, "Where the mountains meet the sea". Truly one of New England`s most picturesque coastal villages, Camden is a rare village hosting both incredible ocean and lake access as well as one of the state’s greatest parks.

The area is rich in outdoor activities, great dining opportunities, relaxation, and fun events. There are so many things to do in the area that we can`t possibly list them all here, but we do want to share some of our favorite things to do and see.

The Camden area is becoming well known as a top-dining destination. In the past, some of our guests have requested we put together a special dining agenda for them, sending them to the best restaurants each night of their stay. We believe everyone should make a reservation at some of the area’s top restaurants such as the Hartstone Inn in Camden, or Primo in Rockland.

Rockport has been recognized two years running by Forbes Traveler as one of the top 20 prettiest towns in America. Check out the link HERE.

Camden is home to many wonderful things, including the Camden International Film Festival (held each September), and Windjammer Weekend, the largest gathering of tall ships in Maine (each Labor Day Weekend). The Camden area is also home to such notable people as singer/song-writer Don McLean (“American Pie”), author Chris Van Dusen (“Mercy Watson” and “Mr. Magee” series), actor Jonathan Frakes (“Star Trek”), actress Genie Francis (“General Hospital”), and such notable summer residents as TV and Film Producer J.J. Abrams, Susan Rice (Ambassador to the United Nations), actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston, actress Kirstie Alley, and Chief U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.

Hiking, swimming and boating are three of our favorite things to do in the area: When it comes to hiking, most hikers head up the easy 800’ trail to the top of Mount Battie overlooking Camden Harbor. Though certainly not as grand as Mont Blanc or even the Matterhorn, and not even the highest of the "hills" in Camden Hills State Park, Mount Battie does boast the crowning view of Camden Harbor, which you might remember form the movie “In the Bedroom” or maybe “Peyton Place”, and heralds a wonderful network of hiking trails that stretch throughout the park.

Those with more time will head up Maiden Cliff overlooking Megunticook Lake or even to the top of Mount Megunticook. No point on the immediate eastern seaboard is taller than Mount Megunticook until you travel thousands of miles south to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We think the views from Beach Hill in Rockport are just as spectacular, and Beach Hill is better suited for a picnic lunch, in addition to being a short hike than anyone in the family from age 1 to 90 can enjoy. The open fields of the summit, capped by Beech Nut, a sod-roofed stone hut, are visible from miles around. Built in the early 1900s, Beech Nut was recently listed on the National Historic Register and recently underwent a renovation in order to preserve its structural integrity. The Coastal Mountain Land Trust owns Beach Hill and continues to manage the fields as an organic blueberry operation. Be sure to bring a pail if you hike it in August so you can pick plenty of great tasting free blueberries! There are over 80 miles of hiking trails in the Camden area, so there is plenty of hiking to do for all skills levels. .

We think the two best places to go swimming in the area are at Lincolnville Beach in Lincolnville, and at Megunticook Lake in Camden. Lincolnville Beach is best at low tide, just after the tide has turned and started to rise. Again, these are just a couple of the many places to get wet in the area. Consult with the Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce to get more information on other outdoor activities in the area.

Hiking is a way of life on the Maine coast -- especially in the Camden Hills, a range of low mountains surrounding Camden, Rockport and Lincolnville, where vistas of the Atlantic Ocean are just a short stroll away. Take the park`s Megunticook Trail to Ocean Lookout for a magnificent view of Penobscot Bay and Mount Battie.
Coastal Living Magazine called the trails at Camden Hill State Park, the top 10 best secluded trails in the US.

Windjamming is a great part of the Maine culture, something everyone should experience at least once!

Maine is surprisingly fertile territory for growing grapes. Maine wineries are making wines mainly from apples, blueberries, pears and raspberries—and most have tasting rooms where visitors can sample their creations.

In Lincolnville, the Cellardoor Winery is one of Maine`s better known and larger wineries, where they grow their own grapes. No matter what part of Maine you visit, you’re on one of our three Wine Trails (pdf) . The Maine Winery Guild invites you to come see us and stay awhile. Take a few day trips and tour our wineries, meaderies, cider works, and artisanal distilleries. Taste our wines and other fine libations, sit down and chat with us, and relax…