Getaway to Camden and Mid-Coast Maine
There are so many things to do in Camden, Maine that it’s best to savor the area for a few days before moving on. You could spend at least a week just in, on, and around the water: swimming in the ocean and in nearby lakes, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing, taking a Schooner or lobster boat ride, or just sitting on a beach. If you’d like a drink or meal with your sea view, there are plenty of options in Camden, Rockport, and Rockland harbors. And if you like islands, take the Lincolnville Ferry to Islesboro, or the Rockland Ferries to Vinalhaven or North Haven. In the hills and mountains, you can hike, bike, picnic and rock climb, not to mention take spectacular photographs. Scenic walks or runs are just minutes away: up Chestnut or Bayview Streets in Camden, in the Merryspring Nature Center or Beech Hill Preserve, on Rockport’s Beauchamp Point Loop or the Pen Bay Hospital trails. And if it’s not too windy and wet, walk out to the Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse. You could also take Route 1 North to Lincolnville and Lincolnville Beach, or continue on to Belfast, for more events, sea views, shops, and restaurants.
Culture & History
Visitors hungry for culture or history have many additional options: antique stores, museums, libraries and library events, theaters, galleries, music performances, kids’ events, lectures, walking tours — and of course numerous ways to enjoy food and drink: coffee shops, diners, wineries, cooking classes, lobster or clam bakes, farmers markets…. and lots of good restaurants! The Penobscot Bay Chamber Website is an excellent resource for all of the above!
The Cellardoor Winery, a member of the Maine Wine Trail, lives and thrives in a 1790’s farmhouse in nearby Lincolnville. Enjoy complimentary wine tastings, food and wine pairing events, and cooking classes.
The Owls Head Transportation Museum permanently displays collection pieces of pioneer-era aircraft, automobiles and motorcycles. Annual shows and events attract collectors from around the country.
The Arts
The Camden Opera House is a renovated Victorian opera house. Inside, you will find yourself transported from downtown Camden to an elegant venue from a previous era with detailed restoration and beautiful chandeliers. The opera house hosts concerts and dance performances, theater, lectures, and films; it is also home to the Camden International Film Festival in September, and the Camden Conference in February.
Camden International Film Festival has been a world renowned annual event since 2005. Key industry decision makers and enthusiasts come to screen independent documentary films, and people attend and present from all over the world.
Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center in Rockland celebrates Maine’s role in American art. With over 15,000 works and 2000 square feet of exhibition space, there is always something new to explore. Visitors come from all over the world to see the Andrew and Jamie Wyeth exhibits in the museum’s Wyeth Center.
The Center for Maine Contemporary Art features unique contemporary exhibits, an ArtLab, and a courtyard open to the public. It is located in a beautiful space in short walking distance to the Farnsworth, the Wyeth Center, and the Strand Theater (Rockland’s art district!).
The Great Outdoors
Camden Hills State Park (pictured) is just a five minute drive away. Enjoy hiking, biking, camping, winter sports, and spectacular views in all directions!
Mt. Battie, with its World War I Tower on top, is rich in military history and the signature location of Camden Hills State Park. You can hike or drive to the top for breathtaking views of the village, the many islands in Penobscot Bay, the Maine coast and fall foliage.
Aldermere Farm is a 136 acre working farm and educational center, where you can learn all about sustainable agriculture and ecological diversity. It is also recognized as a world premier breeder of Belted Galloway cattle – affectionately known as “Oreo cows.”
Merryspring Nature Center offers hiking trails, gardens you can work in or admire, classes, workshops, and lecture series. Occasionally, the center hosts weddings and social or networking events. A beautiful place for peaceful meditation and relaxation!
Camden Snow Bowl is a four season destination. You can hike, bike, ski, tube or toboggan. At the bottom of the Mountain, Hosmer Pond is also a popular swimming and boating destination in the summer.
Beech Hill Preserve is a nice easy hike in nearby Rockport, offering two trails to its open summit.The top offers spectacular coastal and mountain views, as well as an old sod roofed cabin. During blueberry season, one Saturday is devoted to free public blueberry picking!
Mt. Megunticook & Maiden Cliff Trails are excellent hiking expeditions in the Camden area. The second highest coastal mountain on the Atlantic, Mt. Megunticook is known for spectacular views of Penobscot Bay, Mt. Battie, Megunticook Lake, and Cadillac Mountain up in Acadia.
Ragged Mountain is an easy hike for the entire family. Near Bald Mountain, you can access it from the Camden Snow Bowl and enjoy impressive views across Penobscot Bay.
Check out the websites mainebyfoot.com and the Coastal Mountain Landtrust site for many additional options for trails and things to do in Camden, Maine.