boothbay/camden trip

Hello,

I have Oct 12-15 in Maine. I spent most of my childhood in southern Maine so I thought I would head north. 1 night in Edgecomb/wiscasset to see the Boothbay area then to Camden. Maybe at the Birchwood motel. Inexpensive lodging is better since we spend our $$ on recreation and food and not our bedroom. Penobscott Bay looks beautiful. We just can%26#39;t decide if we sould do 2 in Boothbay area and 2 in Camden. Or 3 in Camden. Any info would help. (kayaking, boating, hiking our our interest)

Thanks

boothbay/camden trip

I%26#39;m a huge fan of Camden, so would say 3 nights there. Camden Hills State Park will be such better hiking than the land trust lands in Boothbay. Really no comparison.

And, you%26#39;re right. Penobscot Bay is gorgeous. You could take a ferry out to Vinalhaven and spend a few hours exploring out there.

boothbay/camden trip

Hi tahoeskier,

I%26#39;ve been to Lake Tahoe (if that%26#39;s where you%26#39;re from) and what a beautiful area! The mountains of New England will definitely seem small compared to what you guys have there :). But what we lack in size, we make up for with charm!

Anyway, it%26#39;s a matter of what your priorities are when deciding whether to stay longer in Camden or Boothbay Harbor.

Of course I am partial to Boothbay Harbor since I live in the area and absolutely love it, so I feel I have to disclose that fact.

Anyway, if you%26#39;re into rugged, more advanced hiking, then yes, as Michelle suggested, the Camden area would offer more strenuous trails (which I%26#39;ve hiked) and spectacular views from mountain tops out to Penobscot Bay and farms, and higher mountains in the distance. But then again, Acadia would truly be the place to go if that%26#39;s what you%26#39;re into and would only be another hour or so further north. Nothing beats Acadia in the northeast for hiking trails with views out to sea.

But back to the Camden vs BBH areas; though I love Camden and the downtown area is picture postcard pretty and offers all the usual amenities of shops, galleries, and restaurants, after you%26#39;ve done the hiking there%26#39;s not a whole lot more to do.

Yes, you can kayak but other than Camden Harbor which is a nightmare getting in/out of and is chuck full of floating docks, moored boats, and traffic, it%26#39;s mostly open ocean (have sailed around there alot) and there aren%26#39;t alot of nooks and crannies to pop into. Same thing with regular boating, unless you plan on long trips on your own further into Penobscot Bay and on out to the islands or hop on a windjammer cruise overnight, it%26#39;s pretty limited.

Not knocking Camden. I just think Boothbay Harbor offers a whole lot more without having to leave the immediate area as far as kayaking, boating, and other activities go.

The Land Trust Properties in BBH are plentiful (about a dozen )and they even offer island%26#39;s with facilities in which you can boat or kayak to that are just gorgeous such as Damarascove and Indiantown islands.

But the Land Trust trails are pretty easy, many not lasting more than a mile or two. I would say they are more for the beginner hiker or for strollers wanting to enjoy a morning or afternoon of exercise and beautiful woods, views out to rivers or cove%26#39;s, or even small beaches and enjoy a picnic.

As far as kayaking goes there are several kayaking companies and there are endless nooks, crannies, harbors, coves, little beaches, etc one can kayak to, get out and explore, all within anywhere from a 30 minute paddle to a half day%26#39;s. In addition, you can kayak to many out of the way restaurants/lobster shacks where you can pull in and dine. Of course there is also plenty of open ocean kayaking too.

In addition, BBH offers dozens and dozens of boat tours. There%26#39;s about 5 different sailing vessels that will take you out for just an hour or for more than a half of day. There%26#39;s whale watching tours, and just siteseeing tours that you%26#39;ll take you as far as Bath Iron Works to see whatever ships are being built or renovated, or as far out as Pemaquid Light and beyond. Then there%26#39;s the boat out to Monhegan Island, one of the most beautiful, non-commercial islands on the coast. That%26#39;ll take up an entire day as the boat leaves around 9 and returns around 4ish. But it%26#39;s well worth the time.

Add to the above the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, the small aquarium, the beautiful drives out to Ocean Pt, Southport Island, Barter%26#39;s Island, and King Phillips Trail in East Boothbay, and that%26#39;s whyI think BBH offers more than Camden and has been a summer destination for cottage owners for over a 100 years.

Plus it has the usual restaurants, shops, etc that Camden offers, but in also offers over 3 dozen art galleries spread throughout the area (BBH is becoming an art destination in it%26#39;s own right), not to mention the historic Opera Housee where you can see live performances from rock bands to Shakespeare, to comedians (just had Bob Marley here a week ago), to lectures on marine biology. Then there%26#39;s the Boothbay Playhouse; and Carousel Music Theatre. The list goes on and on and our own little movie theatre that runs up to date movies, often the day they come out in the big metropolitan areas.

That being said, Camden is beautiful and some would see it as more upscale and it is in some ways, but I see it as more of an overnighit stay unless you%26#39;re seriously into hiking, than BBH can%26#39;t compare.

Anyway, that%26#39;s my two cents being a resident of BBH and having been coming here and sailing, kayaking, hiking, a patron of the arts for over 26 years.

Good luck with whatever you decide :).

cozyharbor

Hi Cozyharbor,

I actually live in Truckee, next door to the north shore of Tahoe. Is staying in Edgecomb to save $ while checking out Boothbay a reasonable plan? I am from Mass 25 yrs ago. I Love visiting Maine. The mountains are different here, bigger but only pine trees, only green and brown. Never been north of Portland. Thanks for any input.

Tahoeskier

Dear tahoeskier,

I remember Truckee! Visited the west coast for 6 weeks years ago where we were based in the San Franscisco area and then traveled to Tahoe, Yosemite, Carmel, Wine Country, San Louis Obispo, Pebble Beach, and Marin County on weekends. You%26#39;re in a beautiful area.

Anyway, not sure what you consider inexpensive or how much you%26#39;d save by staying in Edgecomb.

Do you have reservations yet? If not, check out www.boothbayharbor.com for lists and links under the visitor%26#39;s section for accomodations in the area. From those you%26#39;ll get an idea on what%26#39;s available in your price range.

Consequently, you might very well be able to stay right in the harbor for less than you think. Also since you%26#39;re coming then, prices will not be as expensive as they would be during the high season of summer.

Once you find a place where the price is right or is appealing, you can post again and I might be able to tell you if the place is nice or not :).

cozyharbor

ok, ok, at first I thought Pioneer Inn in Edgecomb as a very inexpesive bed and base $45 nt. ,good reviews,, now I found the Sprucewold lodge in Booth Bay. Sounds interesting, especially for my sister from Worcester, MA. 2nts then on to Camden. Maybe Birchwood inn. also reasonable $. We travel mucho so we have basic accomadation needs. Not rich but travel the world. More interesting that way.

Thanks,

Tahoeskier

Penobscot Bay is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Maine. The many islands, the tall, rocky cliffs, the mountains encircling it, the beautiful sailing craft, all of that is breath-taking. Between Camden and Rockland you have plenty of choices for getting out on the water affordably.

In terms of fall foliage, THE single image which is almost an icon for Maine fall foliage is from Camden. It%26#39;s the view from atop Mount Battie (in the Camden Hills State Park) looking down on the town of Camden and the harbor. If you want to hike in beautiful foliage with water views, it%26#39;s here or Acadia. Go the the Maine Tourism%26#39;s page on fall foliage and click on hiking; the photo they show is Mt. Battie.

Boothbay has more water to see, just about every road you drive down has glimpses of the water, but the big plus in Camden (or Rockport and Rockland next door) is that they have so much accesssible shore front right in town for a tourists to walk. Camden has done such a good job of maintaining the spacious library park at the head of the harbor to provide a large parcel of public access in one place. Plus, docks and walkways line the south side of the harbor, so it gives the visitor a sense of being able to enjoy the water from land. In Boothbay there is no comparable large parcel of land right on the harbor where you can just sit and enjoy the view. Instead, much of the waterfront is in private hands, either private homes or businesses that are built all the way down to the water. There is not an inviting large park where you can go sit and enjoy the view.

Hi Michele,

Gotta dispute your thoughts that BBH has no large area in which to view the water! Haven%26#39;t you ever gone to Ocean Pt where there is over a mile of road that runs along the ocean in which one can walk, sit on the rocks, swim at Grimes Cove Beach, see 4 lighthouses, many islands, a zillion boats pass by in a day, etc.? Guess you%26#39;ve never driven or walked King Phillips Trail either which goes partially through woods and then offers about a 1/2 mile of shoreline one can walk or drive and once again, find a big old rock to sit on and view the open ocean and even see out to Monhegan Island.

Then there%26#39;s Hendricks Headlight and the beach with even a little island you can walk out onto at low tide and climb up for great views of the Sheepscoat River and Sequin Island Light and open ocean.

There%26#39;s also Oven%26#39;s Mouth and Dodge Point preserves, each providing beautiful and easy hikes along quiet shore, beach, and cove.

In town is the Whale Park with benches, rest rooms, and picnic tables overlooking the harbor. The Footbridge which crosses directly over the harbor and where one can just hang out, fish, or as lots of local kids do, jump in the water for a cool dip.

From the east side is the Fisherman%26#39;s Memorial Park, a small but wonderful green strip that has parking and benches overlooking the harbor to the west and offers views of great sunsets or 4th of July fireworks.

At McKnown Pt where the aquarium is, is another beautiful green strip that overlooks the outer harbor that anyone is welcome to hang out at.

Also on the east side is Barrett%26#39;s Park which has tons of green, open space, like an acre or two, again with picnic tables with gorgeous views from the head of Linekin Bay all the way out to open ocean. There%26#39;s also a small beach many swim from, bbq, etc. The town is now in the process of building a pavillion so weddings and other events can be held there.

Last but not least, there%26#39;s the town dock on Southport Island where anyone can sit on benches right on the dock and check out Newagen Harbor, the Cockholds Lighthouse, Squirrel and Damarascove Island%26#39;s, and the open ocean. One can even view what used to be the actress who played the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz, summer home.

Then there are the zillions of waterfront restaurants, B%26amp;B%26#39;s, and hotels and resorts with marvelous views of either the harbor or open ocean. Stay at the Ocean Pt Inn, Spruce Pt. Inn, the Newagen Inn, or Lawnmeer, all of which either sit at the southern tips of points or islands and directly across the street from the water or right on it, and offer spectacular views. That%26#39;s not to mention all the in-town hotels, etc. that are right on the water.

Almost all of the places I listed above are written about and marked on maps provided by the Chamber, making them easy for anyone to find and enjoy. Or check out the Walking Map the area puts out which shows where everything is including galleries, shops, restaurants, etc. These maps and guides can be found at almost any commercial venue in the harbor and are free for the taking.

Camden is beautiful. No doubt about it. And during the off season I go on day trips there with friends to enjoy views from Mt. Battie, enjoy lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant, and browse the shops. But once I%26#39;ve done that, there%26#39;s really nothing else in town to keep us busy. No Ocean Pt., no beach (nope I take that back there is the tiny one on the west side of town which one really has to know about in order to find it) and that%26#39;s it, no place to fish from like there is in BBH (one can fish from the footbridge, the town dock in Southport, and the Townsend Bridge leading onto Southport Island) or stroll for any amount of distance along the water.

Not trying to get into a competition here between the two towns. Each offers it%26#39;s own brand of charm, siteseeing, etc. But I%26#39;ve been in the BBH area for over 26 years and know it very well and I think you haven%26#39;t explored it enough to make sweeping statements that are just not true :).

cozyharbor

P.S. to tahoeskier; sorry about all the fuss, lol. Have a great time in both areas and I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll discover your own favorite. Just be sure to post and let us know all about your trip upon your return :).

Dear tahoeskier,

Just realized I forgot to comment on the Sprucewold Lodge. I%26#39;ve gone by the place often and if you enjoy feeling like you%26#39;re a million miles away, deep in the woods, and staying at a real log cabin built long ago, then the Lodge will be perfect.

One can walk to town from there too, though it would be quite the hike and take you maybe 20 minutes or longer depending on how fast you walk. It also offers access to a wonderful dock/float and small sandy beach on Linekin Bay where you%26#39;d be able to launch a kayak. The wonderful wrap around porch with rockers looks very appealing too. Overall, it%26#39;s very rustic and woodsy, so if that%26#39;s your style, than you%26#39;ll love it :).

Two other lodging sites for under $100 that seem nice that I pass all the time are the Seagate and Mid Town Motels. Both are in short walking distance to town, look very well maintained and offer basic but clean accomodations with cable tv, private baths, etc.

Again, good luck with your plans and hope you have a wonderful visit :).

cozyharbor

But I have been to Ocean Pt, Hendricks Headlight, Oven%26#39;s Mouth and Dodge Point , The Footbridge, Fisherman%26#39;s Memorial Park, McKnown Pt , the town dock on Southport Island, many of those waterfront restaurants, the Ocean Pt Inn, Spruce Pt. Inn, the Newagen Inn, %26amp; Lawnmeer, the Townsend Bridge, Sawyer Island, Capitol Island, Cabbage Island, Hogden Island, Pratts Island, Cosy Harbor, the Gut (can%26#39;t recall the exact name), East Boothbay, et al. I have been on just about every road in the region!

And I still prefer Camden hands down. If you would spend as much time exploring the Camden region as you had spent exploring the Boothbay region, you could find that it can match any of that site for site. It has accessible lighthouses, it has great inns, it has sand beaches. You just haven%26#39;t found them all.

I think you missed what I was trying to say. I appologize for not being clearer. I think that the casual tourist--someone on a 2-3 days visit--will never put the effort into getting to all of the places you mention. You see how many of the people who post here for advice appear to have never done the least bit of research on where they are going. They appear to have not ordered any of the free tourism material or to have read any travel books.

This sort of traveler--and I know many like them--instead want to breeze into a town, leisurely explore, go shopping, eat a few good meals, sleep in, go on maybe one biking, hiking or boating excursion and then move on to the next town. I think this kind of traveler is going to find Camden more accessible with Mt. Battie and the Library Park as large, well maintained, beautiful public lands.

I had family that visited recently. They went to Camden and Boothbay both of their own, I didn%26#39;t try to influence their opinions of the two. They reported back that they liked Camden more than Boothbay. (And then put Moosehead Lake above both!)

Isn%26#39;t it great we all like different things? If everyone loved Boothbay as much as you do it would be even harder to find a place to park. :)

Don%26#39;t missread me. I%26#39;m not ';that kind of traveler'; I usually travel for months at a time. Have books researching every part of the world I%26#39;ve seen including many about Maine. I have not recieved any of the info from the chamber of commerce I ordered 10 days ago. I just happen to be traveling with my sister and her husband who have children and jobs they can%26#39;t get away from. Not to mention limited funds. So don%26#39;t be so quick to diss the ';casual traveler'; By the way, This is a long trip of the east coast not a quick few days, and as for Maine. I always find it a very calming place. Anytime I am on the east coast I spend any time I can there be it 2 days or 2 months. I spent the first 20 yrs of my life in Cape Porpoise. Sorry for the rant. Thanks for all the great info. (seriously)