This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Maine
Camden, a coastal town in central Maine, has repeatedly been recognized as one of the prettiest towns in the state. However, it is also one of the most close-knit. With colonists settling the land as far back as 1768, the community has thrived for centuries. By the mid-19th century, tourists discovered the town's beauty, building cottages and summer homes in the area. Despite the passage of time, it is still common to see fishermen, lobstermen, and windjammers in the harbor, upholding many of the town’s traditions. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in tgus community through sailing cruises, Toboggan championships, and seafood restaurants, feeling quickly at home.
Penobscot Bay Cruises
Penobscot Bay is one of the most popular places to spend a sunny afternoon. Setting out on the water, visitors will be able to appreciate the area’s lighthouses, lobster boats, rocky coastline, bald eagles, seals, and hidden coves. A variety of cruises and tours, led by welcoming locals, offer the perfect way to explore the bay. Maine Windjammer Cruisers offers a tour around the bay and nearby islands aboard a tall-masted schooner. Throughout the tour, passengers can enjoy homestyle cooking from the galley, views of marine animals, an evening of music and laughter, and even a lobster feast on longer cruises. Passengers may also have the opportunity to assist with sailing, making the experience even more hands-on and memorable.
Bright red autumn trees on a grassy slope frame a harbor in Camden, Maine.
The Schooner Surprise tour company offers a shorter tour, lasting about two hours while still passing by some of the bay’s most iconic lighthouses and wildlife. In addition to day tours around the bay, visitors can embark on specially themed tours, such as a Full Moon Sail with Live Music, a Fourth of July fireworks tour, and a Birding and Marine Life tour, led by an expert zoologist.
Annual Events
Camden's community spirit truly comes alive through its many annual festivals. Each February, the town hosts the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, which welcomes more than 400 teams, nearly 1,300 participants, and over 5,000 spectators for two days of races. The event has become so popular, that team slots frequently sell out. As the weather warms, visitors can expect several more events to take place in town. The Camden Harbor Arts & Crafts Show is an old tradition, dating back over 30 years and taking place once in July and again in October. During this show, over 100 artisans and artists flock to town to showcase their work in an open-air, seaside market, with the dock serving as a beautiful backdrop.
The Camden Windjammer Festival is an important cultural event that takes place over Labor Day weekend each year, celebrating the town’s maritime heritage. Some of the events that occur throughout the festival include a boat parade, nautical activities, fireworks, a lobster crate race, paddleboarding, a chowder competition, live music, and more. For over 20 years, Camden has been hosting the annual Christmas By The Sea celebration. During this festival, Santa makes his arrival via lobster boat and visits various sites around town. Stores open their doors with special holiday sales, restaurants offer holiday specials, and a Christmas parade and tree lighting take place downtown.
Restaurants
The town may be home to only 5,200 residents, but it has no shortage of dining establishments. To start off your morning, grab a freshly baked croissant or cinnamon roll from The Place, a highly rated local bakery operating in a studio workshop. Travelers must try some of the seafood while in town as well, the Waterfront making a great option. This restaurant sources its food from local fishermen and farmers and features incredible views of the dock. Fresh and Co. is another highly recommended dining establishment, chef-owned and operated, serving globally inspired cuisine. After dinner, travelers can conclude their evening at Lucky Betty’s, a quirky bar offering specialty cocktails.
Inns and Bed & Breakfasts
The best way to fully explore Camden’s history and community is at one of its charming inns. Looking for a room with a view? Consider making your reservation at Grand Harbor Inn, which features 10 luxurious rooms, each with its own private balcony. The inn staff will deliver a chef-designed breakfast to your room each morning as well! Blue Harbor House Inn is another beloved accommodation option in town. The innkeepers, a couple who traded life on a sailboat for managing the inn, are consistently praised as exceptional hosts. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary two-course breakfast as part of their stay here.
Embrace Camden’s Timeless Maritime Spirit
Although the United States has changed significantly over the centuries, this town remains one of the rare destinations that has preserved its community spirit and small-town hospitality. Whether watching a boat parade during the Camden Windjammer Festival or chatting with a friendly innkeeper over morning coffee, there are countless ways to appreciate the town's community. If Camden is not yet on your travel list, be sure to add it this year to experience some of the best maritime culture and hospitality Maine has to offer!
