Camden, Maine – “Where the Mountains Meet The Sea” by Maxine Davis
Camden, Maine, mid-August: The radio announcer has a smile in his voice. “We’re looking for a high today of 75, with a low tonight of 56 . . .” And I think, “Did he just describe heaven?”
How do you get to this Jewel of the East Coast? You can drive — North. (Did that). You can take a train from Atlanta to Portland . (Did that). You can fly Atlanta to Portland. (Did that). You then rent a car and drive approximately two hours to Camden. Of course, on the way, you stop in Wiscasset at Red’s Eats for the first (of many) tastes of a lobster roll—toasted hot dog bun, lots of lobster and some drawn butter.
Camden is a small tourist town of about 5,000 with a street featuring some fabulous shops and eating places. The Mariner’s Restaurant has the wonderful fresh Maine blueberry pancakes, and Cappy’s on the corner has the most delicious clam chowder–all at reasonable prices. There is also Peter Ott’s for steak and seafood, Natalie’s at Camden Harbor Inn, the Waterfront Restaurant, and other restaurants to satisfy just about every taste and price range. Everywhere has lobster!
When you walk around the back of Cappy’s, you can see the bay full of boats. Looking to your left, you see the backs of some of the places of business overlooking a waterfall. (Say what???) Just have a seat on one of the many benches and contemplate how wonderful the world is at that moment.
About 10 minutes away is Mt. Batty State Park. Climb the Mt. Batty Tower and get a stunning bird’s eye view of the surroundings. You don’t even have to climb the tower to look down at the city and the port full of boats. You see Curtis Island
at the mouth of the port. There is, of course, a lighthouse there. There is the Camden Hills State Park and Camden Opera House. According to some of the residents and visitors, it’s a great place all year long. It seems there is plenty of skiing during winter months.
To be such a small place, it has its share of notable people: Kay Aldridge, model and actor. William Conway, navy quartermaster. Jerimiah Farnham, sea captain. Tess Gerritsen, novelist. Edna St. Vincent Millay, poet. Richard Russo, novelist
If I could go again this August, I would take in a concert, take a boat ride to see lighthouses on the islands, go to the Maine Lobster Festival, and maybe even the Blueberry WingDing. At night I would watch the moonrise over Lincolnville Beach. And all this while wearing long sleeves near the water and a coat in the evenings!
Ah-h, Maine in the summertime.
Tags: Camden, Maxine Davis, ME, travel









September 5th, 2010 at 7:55 am
Well, Ms. Maxine, I’m ready to go. It does sound heavenly, especially those summer temperatures!
September 5th, 2010 at 9:08 am
It’s great, Debbie. I’m still hoping to go before winter!
September 5th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Way to go, girl!! I never knew until today. You certainly are talented.
Gotta read all of your stuff. Pam
September 5th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
No realizing my post would show here, must say, I have been fewer times than you and really must brave the heat summer, 2011.I do remember your dotted swiss! and crinolines. You and Marian were always so properly dressed.
I enjoyed your post so much. Gotta go give the cousins a heads up.
September 6th, 2010 at 9:31 am
Maxine,
I’ve been to Maine once, but your article is pulling me north again. Goodness, I remember all the good food and I’m ready to travel.
Thanks for a trip down memory lane.
Sandy
September 6th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Maxine,
I loved your post. And I love Maine. I went there a couple of years ago in December for a wedding in Freeport. We stayed in a wonderful Inn, went shopping and on the way back visited Kennibunkport. We loved it so much we’re going to take a cruise to New England and Canada this Fall with a stop in Bar Harbor. I think Maine would be a great place to live.
Marilyn
September 6th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
You’re making me hungry, Maxine! Love this look into your Camden. Going to add this location to my list!
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Tami