Camden Maine Bed and Breakfast

History

Camden, Maine has long been a summer hideaway for wealthy residents of major cities in the American Northeast. Solo travelers and families from New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston would often spend their summers in the coastal village, and that remains the case today. The MidCoast Maine town sits along Penobscot Bay, and its roots date back to before the founding of the United States. English settlers built mills in the area throughout the 1770s, and the town later developed into a major port. Shipping and fishing dominated Camden in the 19th century, and this period saw the construction of many historic buildings.In addition to its mills, Camden residents maintained sawmills, factories, blacksmith shops, and numerous shipyards. By the late 1800s, Camden’s natural beauty attracted prominent families who would vacation in the village during the summer and parts of fall. The seasonal residents constructed the quaint cottages that still adorn High Street today. Despite the horrendous fire of 1892, affluent residents banded together to reconstruct the business district. Some of the buildings erected at this time included the Camden Opera House, the public library, and amphitheatre. Camden’s seaside location led to the creation of the Camden Yacht Club in 1912, and yachting remains one of the town’s cherished activities. In recent years, Camden’s scenic beauty has inspired artists and provided the backdrop for several Hollywood flicks. Although Camden’s economy now relies mostly on tourism, it remains one of Maine’s most popular summer getaways.

Activities

Camden boasts outdoor recreation all four seasons, and it’s an incredible town for nature lovers. The natural place to begin is Camden Harbor and enjoy the scenic views of the seaside community. You’ll see sailboats and large vessels docked in the marina getting ready to cruise the waters of Penobscot Bay. Camden is a sailor’s paradise and navigating the Maine coast remains a summer pastime. Boat tours are everywhere in Camden upon the arrival of sailing season, and cruises transport you to scenic locations around the harbor.If you’d rather stay on land, the rolling hills adjacent to town give hiker’s the chance to get their blood flowing. Camden Hills State Park provides around 30 miles of hiking trails through the verdant woodlands perched above the village. The Mount Battie Trail requires a bit of a scramble but rewards hikers with thrilling views overlooking the bay. From the hilltop, you’ll have a beautiful vantage of lush woodlands and beautiful wildflowers. Megunticook Lake is a short drive from town and offers solitude away from the crowds. Go for a refreshing swim, take your boat on the water, or have a picnic with your loved ones.For guests snuggling in their Camden, Maine B&B during the winter, the Camden Snow Bowl gives you 20 ski runs to practice your skills on the slopes. Put on your snowshoes to trudge through thick blankets of snow or race down the hills on your snowboard.

Natural Features

Camden features some of the most breathtaking scenery on the Atlantic coast, and it’s often considered the jewel of Maine’s MidCoast region. The rocky headlands of the Camden Hills reveal stunning ocean vistas of the sparkling water of the Atlantic. Lush forests ring around the Penobscot Bay and offer refuge for lots of wildlife during balmy summer afternoons.The dense foliage puts on a spectacular show for residents and visitors by fall as the leaves change colors. Eye-popping hues of red, orange, and yellow contrast against the turquoise waters for a flawless panorama of Mother Nature. Camden retains its beauty during winter when snow lingers on the hilltops and Christmas lights sparkle on the bay.

Things to Do

There’s always something going on in Camden, and you can expect to find interesting activities for all types of travelers. The best place to start is downtown Camden to complete all your shopping and dine at local eateries. You’ll find lots of unique souvenirs for your loved ones and get the chance to taste local culinary specialties. Don’t miss the historic district that has preserved its unmistakable charm for over 100 years. Take a stroll down High Street to admire the beautiful 19th-century residential homes and National Historic Landmarks.The nearby town of Rockport is a nature lover’s paradise that gives you unlimited outdoor recreational adventures. There are numerous state parks for hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and other enjoyable activities. The Samoset Resort Golf Club is also in Rockport and lets you play 18 holes overlooking Penobscot Bay. For wine enthusiasts, head to Lincolnville to sample the delectable vintages crafted from Maine’s first winery. The Cellardoor Winery sits in a gorgeous location beneath the Camden Hills and treats visitors to a sophisticated tasting room to sample their original creations. After your wine tasting, visit the sandy shores of Lincolnville Beach to take a dip in the gentle water or watch boats cruising along the shoreline.

Weather

In Camden, summer highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. July and August are the warmest months of the year and provide suitable conditions for lots of enjoyable outdoor activities. The winter can be brutally cold with temperature highs rarely eclipsing freezing point. December-March are the coldest months of the year, and only the hardiest of travelers visit during this frigid time of year. The weather begins to break its cold spell around May and June before the peak tourist crowds arrive for summer. Temperatures remain comfortable until October as daily lows dip into the 40s and 30s. Although Camden doesn’t receive a drastic difference in rainfall throughout the year, November is usually the rainiest month.

Food and Drink

Camden is all about seafood, and the coastal village has delicious seafood eateries for any occasion. Fresh and Co whip up international cuisine using local ingredients and is the ideal place to have a family dinner. Their menu changes quite often, and you don’t know whether Brazilian seafood stew, New England Cod or other delectable dishes inspired their latest creation. Nestled by the harbor, the Waterfront serves succulent seafood dishes with one of the best views in town. Their ingredients are locally sourced, and you can chow down on some of Maine’s irresistible crab and lobster rolls. Peter Ott’s on the Water offers worthy competition for its scenic setting, fresh haddock sandwiches, soothing clam chowder, and their original lobster corn chowder. For dessert, search for the colorful River Ducks Ice Cream for their ice cream, soft serve sundaes, and hand-dipped milkshakes.

Camden Maine Bed and Breakfast FAQ

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a bed and breakfast in Camden, Maine?

Many bed and breakfasts in Camden place you inside historic Victorian houses from the 19th century. Even better, you won’t have to trade modern luxuries for authenticity when booking your Camden vacation rental. Expect premium amenities such as free WIFI, air conditioning, and gas fireplaces. For a romantic getaway, you have the option of reserving rooms with en-suite baths, whirlpool tubs, massage body sprays, flowers, and delicious chocolates. There are numerous boutique inns with great locations that place you minutes from the harbor, shops, and restaurants. Don’t worry about driving to your accommodations since many rentals include free parking. Enjoy incredible bay views while relaxing inside your spacious bedroom or charge up for the day with a filling breakfast served by friendly staff.

How can I get around Camden?

Camden is easily accessible whether you intend to drive your car or rent one upon landing at the nearest airport. Situated on U.S. Route 1, Camden is only 1.5 hours from Portland and 3-4 hours from Boston. If you intend to fly into the region, the closest airports are in Portland and Bangor. There are rental cars available at both airports for you to complete the journey to Camden. Alternatively, Knox County Regional Airport is 13 miles from Camden, and taxi services are available. You can also take Amtrak’s Downeaster Service towards Portland to rent a car or catch a bus to Camden. Once you find a place to park your vehicle, don’t expect to drive around much while in town. Camden is pedestrian-friendly, and you can easily reach most attractions on foot.

What are the different types of bed and breakfast inns in Camden?

You’re spoiled for choice when searching for the best bed and breakfast in Camden, Maine. Many of the top selections on bnbfinder place you minutes from the bustling harbor, and you won’t have to walk far to reach all the shops and eateries.Hartstone Inn & Hideaway earned the top honors on TripAdvisor for its perfect combination of European hospitality and coastal charm. Just a quick stroll from the harbor, the stylish retreat offers capacious suites, includes breakfast, and serves regional culinary delights at its prestigious restaurant. You can also bring your furry friend since it's one of pet-friendly bed and breakfasts in Camden, Maine. TheCamden Windward House Bed & Breakfast earns praise as the “best location” bed and breakfast for being situated within the historic district beneath Mt. Battie.Guest rooms at theHawthorn Inn provide the ideal location to visit the beaches in Camden, go sailing, or partake in other outdoor activities. Wander the radiant gardens around the late-19th century Victorian mansion and soak up the harbor views from your private deck. If you’re looking for another one of Maine’s historic buildings, check out the 1802Maine Stay Inn located in the historic district. To start the day off right, indulge on homemade breakfasts at theBelmont Inn. Relax in style wearing comfy bathrobes, lounge in king sleigh beds, or smell the beautiful flowers in the gardens.Looking for those stellar oceanside views? A stay at theTimbercliffe Cottage Bed & Breakfast offers sensational vistas of the Maine Coast while you enjoy a multi-course breakfast from the wraparound porch. If you’re craving a slice of the local Camden life, theElms of Camden treats you with superb hospitality just a few blocks from downtown Camden.Camden has its fair share of unique accommodations and theNorumbega Inn might take the prize for most luxurious. The stone castle offers a romantic setting for a lover’s getaway, and the innkeepers can host your wedding at the boutique hotel. All 11 rooms provide spectacular views of the Maine Coast and offer upscale amenities such as in-room fireplaces and soothing deep-soak tubs. Originally built in 1810, theCaptain Swift Inn is fully renovated to include modern amenities like flat-screen televisions, spa showers, high-speed internet, and more. The beautiful sanctuary also has a side deck and stone patio to have a refreshing drink outdoors.