Camden Maine and Penobscot Bay
Attractions
  amden
Harbor is one of the most picturesque harbors in Maine. Since 1936, a
fleet of wooden schooners has sailed from Camden carrying
vacationers on scenic cruises amid the islands of Penobscot Bay.
Maine is the host to the largest schooner fleet in the world, and is
known as the schooner capital. Take a 2-hour cruise on one of
Camden's schooners, such as the Schooner
Lazy Jack, the Schooner
Olad, or the Schooner
Surprise. Take a lobster cruise on the Lively
Lady Too to see the local coast. Or take a longer cruise
on a large windjammer.
 oard a tour boat to see wildlife, lighthouses and scenic unpopulated islands or enjoy a traditional Maine lobster bake on an island cruise. Knowledgeable captains demonstrate lobster fishing and explain the laws and customs that regulate our vital fishing industry.
  rovide your own "power" and quietly paddle a sea kayak around Camden Harbor and along our beautiful coastline. Guided tours and rentals are available at the harbor.
 onderful museums are within a short distance of Camden, including the Shore Village Museum in Rockland and the outstanding
Owl's Head Transportation
Museum. Do not miss the Farnsworth Museum and Homestead in Rockland. It is one of the finest regional art museums in the country and houses a permanent collection of NC, Andrew and Jamie Wyeth works. The museum is nationally recognized for its permanent collection which spans three centuries and specializes in Maine and American art. The Farnsworth Homestead, one of the finest Victorian homes in the country, adjoins the museum. Visit the
Conway Homestead - Cramer
Museum, home of Camden's Civil War hero William Conway.
See traditional Maine craft demonstrations or explore nearby Merryspring
Gardens, a unique horticultural treasure.
  xplore nearby lighthouses. Maine has more lighthouses than any other state. In addition to Camden's Curtis Island Light, there are 3 local lighthouses and 10 within an hour's drive. Visit nearby
nautical history museums.
 ttend one of our annual tours of homes, gardens, kitchens and artist's studios. We are home to many beautiful parks and gardens.
njoy a concert or play at Camden's beautifully restored
Opera
House, many of which are produced and directed by the Camden Civic Theatre, continuous operation for more than 30 years. Enjoy a relaxed stroll through Camden's famous outdoor art festivals, held twice yearly.
ttend weekly
Bay Chamber Concerts at the Rockport Opera House, featuring world-renowned artists year-round.
 isit our timeless
library and admire the noted collection of maritime paintings and ship models. Marvel at the recent expansion, built underground to preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding amphitheater park and historic landscapes, some designed by Bert Olmstead, America's premier landscape architect.
 amden
Maine is proud to be home to some of Maine's finest artists and craftspeople. Explore our art galleries, antique shops and unique craft shops and meet the artists and artisans Nearby Rockport is home to Maine Coast Artists Gallery, which features changing exhibits of contemporary art by Maine artists. Our annual
Country Roads and Artisans Tour showcases the highly refined skills of local
craftspeople. It includes a wide variety of work, all carefully and thoughtfully handmade at our shops here in Midcoast Maine. Exceptional pottery, metal work, paintings, woodwork, blown glass, weaving, linens, jewelry, musical instruments, boats and wine all await your discovery.
njoy a round of golf on a spectacular course beside the sea or in a peaceful setting in the Maine woods.
amden Hills State Park signature location is the scenic vista high atop Mt. Battie where sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands await. On a clear day, visitors can see Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park. Mt. Megunticook, the highest of the Camden Hills - and highest peak on the mainland - is a moderate climb by foot trail. 30 miles of hiking trails with access from five major trailheads; a 107-site camping area includes flush toilets and hot showers; picnic area; rocky shoreline. Two miles north of Camden on U.S. Route 1.
drive or hike to the top of Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park offers a spectacular view of Penobscot Bay. Whether facing Mt. Desert Island or overlooking Camden Harbor, the views are breathtaking and the photography excellent. Climb Mt. Megunticook for a higher viewpoint or hike along the shore beside the bay. Beautiful spots for picnicking and trails for hiking abound.
hestnut Street heads out of Camden toward Rockport. After passing Aldemere Farm with its unique Belted Galloway cows, turn left at Calderwood Lane which leads to the Vesper Hill Children's Chapel and its beautifully landscaped gardens. Perched on a bluff overlooking the bay, the open-air chapel is a popular setting for summer weddings.
 tudy at the internationally acclaimed
Maine Photographic Workshops in Rockport Harbor. They offer summer workshops and master classes.
earch for
treasures in some of the best antique hunting grounds in the
country. Your helpful innkeeper will be happy to steer you toward
the best finds.
 njoy a winter getaway. Winter activities abound. Ski downhill less than 5 miles away at the
Camden Snow Bowl and ski cross-country in many nearby locations. Camden also offers skating, ice fishing, tobogganing, hiking and that perennial favorite, cuddling by a warm fire.
Camden and Penobscot Bay Day Trips
 sing Camden as a home base, you can take many short drives and day trips to some of the better known attractions of Maine. Your knowledgeable innkeeper will be glad to give you directions. Some of the more popular trips our guests enjoy are:
Acadia National Park
It is only a 73 mile drive from Camden to the park gate. This is truly one of the treasures of the National Park System.
http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm
Aldemere Farm - The Belted Galloways
Travel out of Camden along Chestnut Street, and you will wind past the home of the country's original herd of Belted
Galloways, black Angus-like beefcattle breed with a distinctive broad, white midriff.
Kelmscott Farm
Rare Breeds Foundation is a working farm dedicated to the preservation of endangered livestock breeds. Wagon rides, special events, farm shop, and museum.
http://www.kelmscott.org/
Pemaquid Peninsula and Point
35 miles long, a lovely drive with vistas of sea and forest to a lighthouse perched on spectacular glacier carved rocks.
The Penobscot Marine Museum
Located in Searsport, 25 miles. A wonderful museum in the homes of actual sea captains.
http://www.acadia.net/pmmuseum
Freeport
Outlet Shopping is located here, including L.L. Bean.
Helpful Camden and Penobscot Bay Links
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