Around Town
At 3:30 on October 12th we finished our last sail of the 2009 season! We had no idea it would be our last trip but the weather turned cold and blustery for several days and we decided to get ready to decommission Surprise. But before we could do that we had to contact builders and our ticket seller Tia Anderson who is also an architectural designer, to plan the renovation of our Harden Hill House. We started the actual renovations on October 26.
2009 was the year we finally got everybody in our family together for a reunion. It took place in June and was complete with all of our kids, spouses and grandchildren assembled in Camden. Our son John and his three kids ventured from Maui for the reunion. Our son Josh and his wife Kristin hosted everybody at their in town home. It was quite a time!
The Surprise Family Reunion
Elsewhere around town….
As many of you have already found out, Small Wonder Gallery nearby our table at the Public Landing has exclusive rights to prints of a recent painting of Surprise passing Curtis Island Light. Just next door to the Gallery is the Chamber of Commerce building, chock full of literature to keep you busy and informed while in town.
One of the consistent comments we hear from visitors is how much they enjoy the small-town village atmosphere of Camden. Frequent visitors to Main Street will be pleasantly surprised at the many exciting changes to our shops both old and new. Camden Falls Gallery and the Maine Gathering are expanding and moving to 8 Bay View Street where they will have lots more space to host exhibits and display fine art. Fortunately, they are leaving room for their famous fudge counter. Jo Ellen Designs is moving from their very creative shop next to the Lord Camden Inn to fill the Maine Gathering storefront location. Lavender lovers will really be excited when the new shop featuring lots of aromatherapy offerings and other organic treats opens in Jo Ellen’s old spot. As always Bif and Caroline at Starbird find fabulous examples of true Maine artifacts and antiques from half-models to embroidered pillows and amazing quilts. If all this shopping helps your appetite you have yummy choices from chowder to chili with Cappy’s Chowder House, the Camden Deli and local favorite Boynton McKay Food Company. Of course, the blueberry pancakes at Marriner’s start anyone’s day off just “wicked-good”. And, of course, the Smiling Cow is a seasonal spot that is operated by our friends Meg and Paul and has become a favorite for all ages from toddlers to grandparents searching for reasonably priced gifts and mementos. Shoppers along Main Street can’t miss the newly-painted mustard -colored building now occupied by Once A Tree formerly of Bay View Street. This historic building was the Tweed Shop many years ago and was even featured in the movie Peyton Place filmed in Camden in the mid-50’s.
The unique thing about strolling along downtown is there are still hints of those good-old days everywhere you look especially, of course, as you see the mastheads of the windjammer fleet towering above the shops.
Along Mechanic Street is the River District where you will find many shops and restaurants including the Camden Bagel Cafe, the Owl and the Turtle Bookshop, and an eclectic mix of businesses in the restored Knox Mill buildings. Russell and Paulette Spera are opening Russell’s of Camden Fine Jewelry diagonally across from the Owl and the Turtle after a brief hiatus from their retail business. We wish them well.
Camden Public Library by Paul H. Brenner
While you are shopping take the time for a stop at the Camden Public Library which is an architectural delight with its natural-light gazebo shining on the downstairs renovation. Upstairs at the Library you can enjoy some breathtaking harbor views as well as nautical prints and ship models while you take a break in their delightful reading room. Many of our terrific inns and bed and breakfasts are within walking distance of all the village attractions. The historic district is just north of town and the Library where strollers can see the gracious Captain’s homes that feature widow’s walks where the wives of sailors watched longingly for their ships to sail in. These homes have been lovingly preserved for all to see. A popular oasis is Abigail’s Inn, where guests enjoy Beth’s scrumptious breakfast while Kipp adds his quick wit as he gives guests lots of historical highlights of their home and the area. Kipp and Beth are both active in local boards. Beth as current president of the Camden Bed & Breakfast Association and Kipp is on the newly-formed Economic Development Committee. Next door is the lovely Windward House, where the youthful enthusiasm of owners Kristi and Jesse generate five-star reviews from their guests. Jesse ’s breakfasts always bring rave reviews. And across the street is the gracious Hawthorn Inn, also just a leisurely walk to the village and the Library . Maryanne and her husband Bill offer elegant Victorian rooms with private deck in the main house as well as a romantic carriage house. After enjoying Maryanne’s sumptuous breakfast, guests can wander through the Celtic rock gardens all just a stone’s throw from town and the harbor. The inn has become very popular as a perfect setting for weddings. We are pleased to welcome the new owners of the Maine Stay Claudio Latanza and Roberta Butazzi. They hail from Italy and they are gearing up to greet the many fans of the Inn. They have already added many new touches to put their signature on a gracious inn. Check out their web site for a nice biographical introduction.
On the south side of town, Michael Salmon and his wife Mary-Jo, owners of the Hartstone Inn also offer fine dining to the public by reservation. They have just been selected by American Historic Inns and iLoveInns.com as one of the ten most romantic inns in the country. The Hartstone was chosen from over 20,000 Inns to receive this accolade! Well done! Superlatives were also invented to describe dinner at the Hartstone. Their second popular cookbook, “In the Kitchen with Michael Salmon” contains spectacular photography guaranteed to inspire you to create his award-winning cuisine. There is also a nice story with photos about Surprise. Michael has been an honored chef at the James Beard House in New York City, where he received rave reviews. Congratulations, Michael!
As you travel south along Elm Street you see the Blue Harbor House which is one of the oldest buildings in town operating as an inn. You will enjoy the Scottish accents of your hosts, Annette and Terry as much as their hospitality. Another historic lodging just across the street is the Capt.Swift Inn (named for the founder of the windjammer industry) which recently added luxurious and spacious suites to accommodate larger families. This winter they have enlarged their kitchen to better serve their guests. They have also done extensive room remodeling and landscaping. Nearby are the Inns at Blackberry Commons where travelers enjoy Jim Ostrowski’s delectable breakfast prepared with herbs from his backyard garden. Jim and his wife Cyndi recently have begun offering gourmet dining for their guests during their Inn stay. Guests enjoy culinary delights from the beginning of the day to its romantic ending. Be sure to make reservations early. Just north of the Captain Swift Inn is the Towne Motel where owners Neal and Patty Courtney offer comfortable lodging also within walking distance of the town docks where Surprise sails.
Just to the east of Elm Street are two delightful B&B’s just off the beaten path. The Camden Hideaway is located on Pleasant St. just behind the yellow Montessori School. It is owned by Michael and Mary Jo of the Hartstone Inn and has been beautifully renovated by them. The new spa center where guests can enjoy a relaxing massage became an instant success. Around the corner on Belmont Ave. is the Belmont Inn, Owner Anita Zeno has spent the winter sprucing up all the guest rooms and common areas. Her gardens are beautiful and guests enjoy relaxing in the rockers on the porch.
While you are walking about town don’t forget to take a stroll up Bay View Street enjoying the restaurants, shops and views culminating in the newly-restored Camden Harbour Inn majestically situated at the crest of the hill overlooking town and harbor. Raymond Brunyanszki and Oscar Verest who hail from the Netherlands added a delightful European theme to their grand ocean view rooms as well as their popular restaurant, Natalie’s which serves a creative and delicious menu year round. On the same street our webmaster Jim Dugan and his sidekick Tim Seymour have their office. Many of the local businesses rely on these guys for graphic design and web site design.
When you travel north on the edge of town you see the driveway to A Little Dream on your left. This lodging features everything from warm hospitality to ocean-view rooms that are so perfectly appointed guests must force themselves to go outside. Bill and Joanna give “attention to detail” new meaning, from their breakfast to their room decor. Across the street at the Norumbega the new management team of Mark Latour and Joe Cox are hard at work making “the castle” a hospitable destination. Nearby on the hillside is Timbercliffe Cottage where owners, Karen and Dave Kallstrand continue to create lots of enthusiasm as guests discover this little gem, which has some spectacular ocean views. Karen’s decorative touches bring out the history of this lovely house.
A short drive north along Route One gives you the opportunity to turn down some winding paths leading to the shore where you can enjoy the hospitality and view at the Inn at Sunrise Point, a AAA Four Diamond resort also known for its hearty breakfasts by the Bay. Owner Daina Hill, who spent much of the winter entertaining nephews and nieces, is looking forward to greeting returning guests, who often choose the same waterfront cottage year after year. Nearby is the Victorian by the Sea where owners Jean and Rob Short serve wonderful breakfasts while guests enjoy the spectacular view of Penobscot Bay and Islands. Greg and Ginny Ciraldo have shifted gears and now devote their efforts to Abbington’s Seaview Motel and Cottages. Further north on Route 1, The Inn at Oceans Edge has completed a pool for their guests and their dining room, The Edge, is popular with anyone anxious for a dining experience with a breathtaking view. A bit further north brings you to Lincolnville Beach, where you will find the Spouter Inn which has dramatic ocean views from every room. While your host Grant Lippman might be the tallest innkeeper in the area, he is also famous for providing great breakfasts with an ocean view. When you are returning to town, take the turn at Camden Hills State Park and catch the view of the islands from Mt. Battie, which rivals any sight along the coast.
We always encourage our guests to sample some of the nearby countryside out along Rt. 52. On the right you will find the cozy Swan House B&B. Here you will enjoy the hospitality of Ken and Lynn Kohl, as you sit in the sunny breakfast room adjacent to the State Park. Guests can take a short hike from the inn’s back door to hike the trail up Mt. Battie. As you continue west, you will encounter the beauiful vista of the cliffs on Mount Megunticook and the lake of the same name. A short distance further will bring you to the Youngtown Inn, owned and opertated by Mary Ann and Manuel Mercier. In addition to their elegant guest rooms they offer excellent dining featuring Manuel’s French cuisine. A mile from the inn on Youngtown Road brings you to the Celladoor Winery which offers informative tours, wine tastings and seasonal special events. They have recently received approval for a major expansion of their spectacular operation.They also have a venue called The Villa which is located at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Rt. 90 in Rockport, where you can also sample their wines and purchase wines and gifts.
Back at the harbor, as the sun gets lower, the locals gather on the benches at the Camden Public Landing to swap some stories and critique the day’s events. Much conversation his year has concerned the large project at Bayview Landing. The Bay View Lobster Restaurant was razed and is being replaced by the Grand Harbor Inn and an enlarged Bayview Lobster which will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
When the warm summer weather arrives the waterfront eateries from Bay View Lobster to the newly-rebuilt Waterfront Restaurant and Atlantica are always popular. There are new owners at Peter Ott’s Steak and Seafood, two of whom were students in Capt. Jack’s science class. They are adding youthful enthusiasm to their new menu. We wish former owners, Keith and Carolyn May, “fair winds” as they enjoy their cruising retirement.
The larger inns like the Camden Riverhouse and the Lord Camden Inn have spent the past few years carrying out expansions and renovations. Dave Dickey at the Riverhouse has added an extended stay facility right on Mechanic Street. The Lord Camden Inn has completely renovated all their space and now offers luxurious accommodations in the center of town, as well as breakfast in their beautifully restored dining room. We have toured the inn and it is beautifully done. A new addition to the lodging scene downtown is The Inn at Camden Place, on Tannery Lane right behind the Bagel Cafe. J.P. Fecteau invites you to come by and check it out.
Several of our bed and breakfasts and inns have again decided to offer lodging packages which include a sail on Surprise as part of their options. These include Abigail’s Inn, Blue Harbor House, Camden Harbour Inn, Hartstone Inn, Hawthorn Inn,Windward House , the Inns at Blackberry Common, Victorian by the Sea , Inn at Sunrise Point and the Lord Camden Inn. Check with them for details, and also check out the Camden Bed & Breakfast Association website.
The 2009 Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce book, “The Jewel of the Maine Coast” is now available! It is packed with information about our area and is a beautiful guide. For your free copy, just call the Chamber at 1-800-223-5459.
The 2010 "Jewel"
We will start our 27th sailing season this year on Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 10:30 am. and will continue until October 15. Whether this will be your first sail with us or your twenty- seventh, we will try our best to make your sailing adventure a memorable experience.
We leave you with a quote from one of Maine’s most famous authors who often deals with the strange and macabre except when he is talking about his home state. In a commencement address last year he said to the graduates….
“Stay in Maine…If you leave Maine, you’ll miss it. It slips into your mind. It becomes part of your dreams and inhabits your heart.”
We hope you find out for yourself just what Stephen King meant.
If you are planning on spending a week or more in the Camden area, take a look at Harden Hill House, our cozy village home that is available for rent. It is so close to downtown that you can park your car when you arrive and not have to get in it again until you are ready to leave!
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