Going Green at Rockport
Marine
Around Town
Go green
with us ! In literally keeping with the "green theme"
we once again painted the hull with traditional Bronze Green paint
from Kirby Paint Company of New Bedford. Since Surprise
is a Coast Guard inspected vessel we also get a military review
of everything we do. This year we had an out of the water inspection
as well as our annual safety inspection. Besides maintaining the
historic qualities of Surprise which
proudly keep her on the National Register we always have some
new advances to share with our passengers. This year we are excited
about raising two new sails from our local sailmakers. Gambel
and Hunter made
a new staysail and Bohndell made a new foresail. We can't wait
to show them off to you.
We spent some
of the off-season traveling and visited our son John and his three
kids in Maui at Christmas. It was the first time we had been there
in four years and we were amazed at how big the kids had gotten.
We got to hike in the mountains with the kids, swing on some vines
and, of course, sail with John on America II, the former Americas
Cup boat he captains. (See some photos on our Crew Notes page).
We returned home to Maine for a family reunion on New Year's Eve
with our other three children and their families. We were actually
excited to see the snow in Portland, Maine after the lush Hawaiian
countryside. In March we visited with some good friends in Puerto
Rico, stopping off on the island of Culebra which is full of wonderful
cruising memories since that is where we found Milky Way, which
is the boat we cruised on for seven years with our young children.
Our passengers always enjoy the anecdotes we share about that
experience. Many of you have encouraged us to write a book about
that family cruising saga. We're working on that. We also enjoy
sharing the story of Surprise with
our passengers. This is the 91st anniversary of the launching
of Surprise and we have lots of memorabilia
on board from her famous past for you. In addition to some interesting
anecdotes people have kindly shared with us about passages on
Surprise from the Bay of Fundy to the Caribbean, we have several
fine black and white photos depicting special moments in her history.
Our family
reunion in June 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!
A Grand Family Reunion June 2009: All Kids
and Grandkids Present
Photo by Jim Dugan
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. As you walk along
Main Street there is a pleasant assortment of quality shops where
you can enjoy everything from fine art at Camden
Falls Gallery to vintage antiques at Starbird. You can stop
for lunch at Cappy's Chowder
House (for chowder of course), at the deck of Marriner's Restaurant
or the Camden Deli Hop
across the street to the yummy Boynton McKay Food Company for
a creative menu popular with the locals including ourselves. 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. Superlatives were
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
a guest chef at the James
Beard House in New York City, where he received rave reviews.
Congratulations, Michael !
If you check out Michael's blog on their web site, you might even
catch a couple of pictures of Capt. Jack and Barb at a snowy Camden
Harbor.
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 which recently added luxurious and spacious suites to
accommodate larger families. 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., 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 graciously sitting 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.
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 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 new owners Jean and Rob Short serve wonderful
breakfasts while guests enjoy the spectacular view of Penobscot
Bay and Islands. We wish Greg and Ginny Ciraldo well as they shift
gears and devote their efforts to Abbington's
Seaview Motel and Cottages. Just down the road to the north,
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. On nearby Mountain Street
in Camden (Rt.52) guests staying at the cozy Swan
House can enjoy the hospitality of Ken and Lynn Kohl, as they
sit in the sunny breakfast room adjacent to the State Park. Guests
can take a short hike from the inn's back door to sample the trails.
We always
encourage our guests to sample some of the nearby countryside
out along Rt. 52. As you head 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 tours, wine tastings and seasonal special
events.
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 deals 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.
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.
2009 Edition
We are also
members of the Penobscot
Bay Region Chamber of Commerce, which is based at the Maine Lighthouse
Museum in Rockland. When you are in the area we urge you to
visit this fabulous venue to experience the largest collection
of lighthouse memorabilia in the country.
We will
start our sailing season this year (our 26th) on Memorial Day
weekend. Our trips will begin on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 10:30
am. and will continue until October 15. Whether this will be your
first sail with us or your twenty- sixth, 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!
email us at:
207-236-4687