Check out a newer (2020) updated version of this post on my new blog: Camden, Maine: A Charming Coastal Haven
Did you know that Camden, Maine is known as the ‘Jewel of the Maine Coast’?
And for good reason! It is a picturesque town by the sea and the gorgeous harbor doesn’t hurt either. Camden is a small town on Penobscot Bay, founded in 1791, in Maine’s mid-coast region. Camden is also famous for its summer colony in the mid-coast region. Much like Bar Harbor, Nantucket and Kennebunkport, it’s famous for its wealthy summer visitors.
Long before people flocked to Camden each summer it was known by the Penobscot Abenaki natives as Megunticook, meaning “great swells of the sea” most likely in reference to the Camden Hills. It remained wilderness until after the French and Indian War until it was finally settled in 1771.
I visited Camden for the first time this summer and it won’t be my last visit. I absolutely loved it and can’t believe it took me so long to visit. It was my first stop on an east coast Canada trip. It wasn’t my original plan, but I happily took in Camden one June Saturday morning. My first thought was something like, this is quintessential Maine! It’s lively in June but not overwhelming!
There are so many options that one morning in Camden was just not enough time to fully explore but I feel like a scratched the surface. And I now have a list of places that I want to visit the next time I make it to this adorable little town.
Shop – Swans Island, 2 Bay View Street, is the home of Maine’s finest handcrafted home textiles, apparel, and knitting yarns, since 1992. Not only does the shop feature gorgeous merchandise but the owner is incredibly friendly. I loved the shopping experience here.
Eat – The Owl & Turtle Bookshop, 33 Bay View Street, is an independent bookstore, friendly gathering place and cozy neighborhood café. The owner of Swans Island recommended that I get coffee here. It did not disappoint. Although, I admittedly always get ice chai tea’s because I know I will love them no matter what. The biscotti and baked goods were amazing too! You can enjoy your coffee and food inside the café or at the small table available outside.
OR you can take your yummy coffee and baked goods to the harbor and experience those amazing views while you enjoy your food. The harbor is a can’t miss but it does get quite busy in summer. I loved the views from the Camden Amphitheater/Camden Harbor Park area. It was nice to just sit and watch the boats in the harbor for a bit.
Camden Hills State Park – I’d love to hike Mt. Battie but FYI you can also drive to the top to get those same views! There is a $6 entrance fee for non-residence.
- I’ve read that Maiden’s Cliff Trail and Ocean Lookout Trail are both amazing, particularly in the fall.
The Riverhouse Footbridge – it was built in 1953 and looks incredibly charming.
Shopping – I’d love to visit a few more stores within town. Jo Ellen Designs, The Smiling Cow, and Josephine’s all looked great!
I think I want to go back in the fall because by all accounts it’s even more gorgeous at that time of year. Although I think there is something special about going in summer and smelling the sea roses as you walk toward the harbor.
