I would feel remiss if I didn’t put in a plug for my adopted home, Camden, Maine. I feel privileged to be able to live in such a beautiful, vibrant community. It may be small, clinging to the sea about halfway between the Massachusetts and Canadian borders but it’s surprisingly cosmopolitan. We benefit from the retired investment bankers, spies, fund managers and more who have settled here. We also benefit from thousands of visitors. Every summer the size of the town triples as vacationers drive, fly or arrive by cruise ship. If you haven’t been to Maine before you will be impressed by the entire state and especially little Camden.
All too often people think of Maine as only the home to Acadia National Park. Indeed, that is a fabulous place to visit. If you drive the coastal route north from Massachusetts, you will pass right through Camden. You may be thinking “just a couple more hours and we’re there” but instead view Camden as the destination and Acadia as a day trip. Not only does the town have fabulous art galleries, music, and restaurants but it also boasts a gorgeous harbor replete with the cutest lighthouse you will ever see, five mountains including the beautiful Camden Hills State Park with many miles of hiking trails and cliffs to climb, and a ski slope all within the confines of the town.
The summer is fun as numerous schooners set sail each day with scores of tourists and kayak and paddle board rentals abound. Labor Day brings the Windjammer Festival with numerous schooners crowding the harbor, kids racing across lobster traps, lots of food and more. Others come for the stunning fall colors. The hills ringing the town come alive with oranges, yellows and reds dotted with the green of pine trees. The chill in the air comes early bringing thoughts of winter.
Winter is one of the best times to visit as the National Toboggan Championship is held at the ski slope known as the Snow Bowl. And if you’re skiing you can see the ocean from the slopes. How often can you do that? Or join us for Christmas by the Sea when the town’s tree is lit and despite the cold the streets are lined with carolers.
Or come for our famous international affairs conference, The Camden Conference. Or, how about our Camden International Film Festival. There is simply so much to do it would take a separate book to write about all of it. Fortunately, there are many guidebooks available.
Stop by. You’ll enjoy it.