Camden is an affluent town in the state of Maine, a little over an hour north of Portland, in the mid-coast region of Maine. It has been a tourist destination for years and is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in Maine. It had an economic boom in the 1990s when credit card giant MBNA placed major offices there and paid for major town renovations while providing jobs to locals. Now it is an upscale seaside community with many different shops and restaurants.
Camden is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful places in New England. Its town motto is "where the mountains meet the sea". The rolling Camden hills run from inland right up to the ocean itself creating amazing landscapes, hence why so many people visit and live in this area. This in turn also makes Camden a very expensive place to live and visit. Don't be surprised to see basic needs such as food, lodging and gas costing more here than in towns just 5 miles away, this is usually due to the high taxes levied by the town.
Camden is home to many affluent families with breathtaking estates and mansions dotting the hills and oceanside. These houses may be one of a kind and amazing to look at, but Camden's residents do not enjoy it when tourists wander off the beaten path and end up in their neighborhoods. Walking up and down private neighborhoods taking pictures of houses and gardens is frowned upon.
Nevertheless, residents are not cold people to visitors, in fact they are very warm and welcoming. Don't hesitate to ask for directions or where good restaurants are, they will usually help you.
There are many boats which can be chartered and taken into the bay for a day of sailing, Penobscot Bay can be breathtaking.
- Mt. Battie. The largest mountain in town has a road that runs to the top. For a small fee you can drive up and see views of Penobscot Bay. You can also hike the mountain for free. Trails may be accessed from US Route 1 in the north end of town, or from off Route 52. The mountain is part of Camden Hills State Park, and a state-owned campground is maintained at its base. Mount Megunticook, the taller mountain visible behind Mount Battie from downtown, is accessed primarily from Route 52; its western flanks are a popular hiking and rock and ice climbing destination.
- Laite Beach. The one beach within town limits open to the public. Unlike other coastal regions in the country Camden is situated on a very rocky area and most waterfront areas are either cliffs or rocky beaches.
- The Center Green. One of the city's three parks.
- Library Park. Which itself is an architectural achievement.
- Harbour Park. Offers views of the harbor as the name implies.
Mt. Battie. The largest mountain in town has a road that runs to the top. For a small fee you can drive up and see views of Penobscot Bay. You can also hike the mountain for free. Trails may be accessed from US Route 1 in the north end of town, or from off Route 52. The mountain is part of Camden Hills State Park, and a state-owned campground is maintained at its base. Mount Megunticook, the taller mountain visible behind Mount Battie from downtown, is accessed primarily from Route 52; its western flanks are a popular hiking and rock and ice climbing destination.
Laite Beach. The one beach within town limits open to the public. Unlike other coastal regions in the country Camden is situated on a very rocky area and most waterfront areas are either cliffs or rocky beaches.
The Center Green. One of the city's three parks.
Library Park. Which itself is an architectural achievement.
Harbour Park. Offers views of the harbor as the name implies.
Popular activities include sailing, biking, hiking and shopping. The Penobscot Bay is nearby for the many water activities
There are many shops within the downtown district selling things such as clothing, fine art, jewelry, accessories, books, movies and many other authentic Maine items.
- Windsor Chairmakers, Route 1 (six miles north of Camden. Custom made chairs, beds, dining tables, buffets, highboys, etc. Tour the workshop, feed the Scottish Highland cows, and see the showroom.
Windsor Chairmakers, Route 1 (six miles north of Camden. Custom made chairs, beds, dining tables, buffets, highboys, etc. Tour the workshop, feed the Scottish Highland cows, and see the showroom.
- Long Grain, 31 Elm Street, +1-207-236-9001. Tu-Sa 11:30AM-2:45PM 4:30PM-9:00PM. Thai and Vietnamese street food, fare served in small eateries in Singapore, and meals on dinner tables in Indonesia and Japan are all served at Long Grain. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. They are recommended for both lunch and dinner. About $15 to get an entree.
- Waterfront, 40 Bayview St, +1 207-236-3747. 10AM-11PM. Seasonal menu, using local ingredients. They offer specials every day, taking advantage of seasonal freshness and fish offerings. Harbor and bay views from their outdoor deck. $$.
- Paolina's Way, 10 Bayview Landing. Casual Italian fare (pizzas, panini, handmade pastas) with a focus on organic and locally grown ingredients.
Long Grain, 31 Elm Street, +1-207-236-9001. Tu-Sa 11:30AM-2:45PM 4:30PM-9:00PM. Thai and Vietnamese street food, fare served in small eateries in Singapore, and meals on dinner tables in Indonesia and Japan are all served at Long Grain. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. They are recommended for both lunch and dinner. About $15 to get an entree.
Waterfront, 40 Bayview St, +1 207-236-3747. 10AM-11PM. Seasonal menu, using local ingredients. They offer specials every day, taking advantage of seasonal freshness and fish offerings. Harbor and bay views from their outdoor deck. $$.
Paolina's Way, 10 Bayview Landing. Casual Italian fare (pizzas, panini, handmade pastas) with a focus on organic and locally grown ingredients.
There is very little crime in Camden. You will be pretty safe walking around any part of town at night and only need to watch out if you have just left, or are in the vicinity of, the bars downtown. However, the only thing you will really have to worry about is opportunistic theft. Use common sense and keep your car locked, especially if it is filled with luggage or other valuables in plain sight. Other than that, you should have nothing to worry about. The Camden PD is very active and crime is minimal even during peak tourist months.