Plus, it’s easy to secure a table for dinner at special venues such as Long Grain, run by regular James Beard Semifinalists. And this is: If you want to go on a ‘perfect Camden’ schooner cruise, it’s never too late. Some ships she sails until October so you can enjoy the autumn leaves even more.
“Autumn here is just magical,” says Nornvega Inn co-owner Brett Haney. “The contrast between the blue water and the orange, red and purple trees is just amazing. People come here and don’t want to leave.”
Unless you’re sleeping on a yacht, this is the place
We will admit that our motivation for visiting Camden was to check out the new and sophisticated Nornvega, simply known as The Castle, perched high above downtown and near Camden Harbour. (As we entered the mansion, my companion said, “It’s just a little bit spooky and probably haunted.”) Built in 1886 by Maine-born inventor Joseph Stearns, the house was designed by architect Arthur B. Jennings, known for his multi-tower churches. And I have homes in New York and New Jersey. For 100 years, it served as a private residence for American presidents and dignitaries, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s. As far as the current team knows, there are no ghosts.
The ghost of Joseph Stearns will certainly wreak havoc on anyone who dares to destroy the original mill, its coffered oak ceilings, leaded glass windows and inlaid wooden floors. Luckily, new owners Will Timms and Brett Haney resisted. But how do you create a comfortable space for the 21st-century traveler who seeks ‘wow’ in the wainscot? King-size beds, vintage Italian light fixtures, antique rugs, and artwork by Maine artists. , add a grand piano, marble en-suite bathroom, and canopy terrace for al fresco dining. We were totally enchanted by our Penthouse Suite with its spiral staircase, fireplace, private deck, and views of the bay.
Breakfast is provided free of charge and usually includes hot entrees, local yogurt, homemade granola and fruit. Chef Mary Marcel Densmore offers a seasonal (July to her October) Peruvian-inspired small-plates menu. Also, monthly pop-up her dinners held throughout the year focus on artisanal artisans and local vendors. Tims said these elements will also attract guests during periods of severe weather. (It’s already booked for January, he points out.)
coastal colors
However, there is no such worry in autumn. The typical temperature in October he is 40-50 degrees. This is Camden Hills State Park (www.parksandlands.com), approximately 2.4 miles from The Nornvega. The park itself is usually open all year round. (Mount Batty Road, the motorway route to the summit, may be closed from November through May due to weather and staffing issues.) It ends at the Stone Tower, which is a monument.
Whether you’re hiking (the 0.5-mile Mount Batty Trail is a popular route) or driving up, have your phone set to the camera. Classic Maine landscapes revealed at the summit include Camden’s Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and several islets. Sunny day – Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. This view is said to have inspired Edna St. Vincent Millais’ poem “Lunasense”. who would doubt that?
But that’s not even the best way to see the beautiful fall foliage in Camden. This honor goes to the autumnal chairlift ride at the Camden Snow Bowl (www.camdensnowbowl.com), owned and operated by the City of Camden. From this tall perch, you’ll be enveloped in autumnal glow. And it’s cheap, just $10 per person and available on Sundays in October. I think Edna would agree.
A schooner with a bar?Yes, please
We boarded the 86 foot long schooner Appledore (day voyage, $54.95 for adults. www.appledore2.com) But as we wandered along the pier, she was there, preparing for a 10:30 am departure. It was a very nice day, so why not go? After all, this graceful wooden boat (she carries 49 people on board, but we had her with a dozen or so) stands against the backdrop of the fiery autumn hues of the Camden Hills. , is a dandy way to tour Camden’s picturesque harbor and bay. How about a cocktail? yes i will. Cheers to the joy of playing tourist in wonderful Maine, and our very own New England.
Available in the fall – the coveted reservation
We’re the cheeky types, so we can’t get into Camden’s popular restaurants during our summer trips. On this visit, we chose the long grain (www.Long Grain Camden.com) and savor Locavore Asian Fusion cuisine from Bangkok native Rabin Nakjaroen. (Reservations are recommended, though.) For seafood, Peter Otto’s on the Water (www.peterlotz.com) is definitely delicious and will be open until mid-to-late October. Mariner’s Restaurant (207-236-4949) is a rancionet-style, family-run restaurant popular for breakfast and lunch all year round. Sit at a table on the outdoor patio if you can. I told you about Uncle Willie’s Candy Shop (www.unclewillyscandyshoppe.comThis super-cute spot has chocolates to whet your taste buds—both childhood favorites and grown-ups who love sophisticated sweets.
‘Sweet’ and ‘very cute’ – two words often used by out-of-towners to describe Camden itself. “It’s a very vibrant four-season town,” says Haney, an Oklahoma native who came to Maine after spending time in New York City. “Of course I didn’t expect it, but I really appreciate it.”
If you go . .
www.norumbegainn.com; rates start at $339 per night including breakfast.
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at bairwright@gmail.com.
