Photography by Craig Mackay (see Craig’s full photo journal here)
I’ve been bursting at the seams to share these photos with all of you. Despite it being a rather quick trip, Craig and I managed to pack a lot in during our trip to Camden, Maine last week. Once we arrived, neither of us could believe how truly beautiful the little seaside town is and that we had never made the trip before. We’ve both been to Maine in the winter many times, but never in the fall. It was everything you could possibly imagine and more. We arrived just as the leaves were starting to turn and I’ve never seen more beautiful foliage.
The first morning Craig woke up before sunrise to take pictures of the harbor. As you can see the golden light was pretty magical. The town is quite small and very walkable. We stayed at the Whitehall Inn part of the Lark Hotels group which is just a short distance from the downtown area.
The tourist season was coming to an end in Camden so there weren’t as many boats in the harbor. I can’t even imagine what it’s like in the summer. It is a summer town with most businesses and many inns closing for the season in November. We were so lucky with the weather. There was little wind and the day temps were in the low 60s.
I loved where we stayed, the Whitehall Inn. The Inn was renovated in 2015 and while they maintained much of it’s original charm it has nice modern amenities and updates. From the front porch with rocking chairs to soak up mid-day sun to the fire-pit on the patio and cozy details in the guest rooms it is a wonderful place to stay if you are in Camden. They also have an on-site restaurant Pig + Poet, we didn’t get a chance to eat there but I can speak to their coffee, it is so good, and I am very picky about my coffee.
We stayed in a suite which was really nice because it had a separate sitting area from the bedroom with a couch and tv. We didn’t spend much time in the room because we were trying to get out and explore as much as possible but it was a nice place to rest our feet and re-group after exploring and hiking.
Sweater / Jeans / Ankle Boots
Right across the street from the Inn was a quiet residential street that led down to the water. We went down to the beach a few times and never saw a person. It was absolutely beautiful.
We brought a little picnic down and had our own private happy hour at the beach one afternoon. The views of the foliage and the harbor were breathtaking.
Sweater (wearing small) / Jeans / Ankle Boots / Plaid Shirt / Blanket
It was really cool to watch the tides during our stay. The difference between high and low tide was really extreme. There were so many beautiful homes right on the water. We definitely spent some time daydreaming about living in Camden.
Another can’t miss spot is Camden Hills State Park. It’s a $6 entry fee for non-residents to drive into the park where you can see these magical views. They also have hundreds of hiking trails. You can see the entire bay and town of Camden from the top and as you can see from the photos it is beautiful.
The next time we go back I definitely want to spend more time hiking in the park. You can also camp on the site in designated areas.
On our last morning we had breakfast in town at Boynton McKay and then walked along the harbor to get a view from the other side (Camden Hills State Park is in the background). It was foggy and a little drizzly but warm.
The grey sky really made the foliage pop, I only wish we could’ve stayed a little longer because I am sure it’s even more beautiful now as the leaves keep turning. One thing that surprised us both a bit is how good the food was in Camden. We had some of the best meals of our lives. For dinner we went to the Thai fusion restaurant in town called Long Grain. It was so good we ate there twice. I definitely recommend making a reservation.
Camden is about a two hour drive from Portland, where we stopped on our way up for lunch at a great little cafe. While we only had a few days in the charming little town we are already planning a trip back and next time we’ll be staying a lot longer!
Barbour Jacket c/o / Jeans / Ankle Boots / Backpack
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do you have a link to the sweater top you are wearing in the coffee shop photo holding a cup? thanks!
I just added the link! Sorry for the delay.
Gorgeous photos! That’s my very favourite champagne too – great choice!!
Rebecca
xx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
OMG those trees are amazing!! I need to add this to our travel bucket list!
Yes! Definitely recommend going in mid-October.
Your photos are absolutely beautiful!!
Linda
Typically Linda || Instagram
So breathtaking! I’ve been to Maine a few times as well but only in the summer. I’ve love to take a fall trip up there. And yes – I understand what you mean about being picky with coffee – I am too! 🙂
http://www.stephanieterrone.com
Haha now that I have a Nespresso machine I’m even worse!
Lovely photos! I just booked a weekend in Stowe, VT… but your trip is making me think that another mini vacate will follow shortly after. 😉 Thanks for sharing!
xo, Sarah
http://www.parkertheprepster.com
Have fun in Stowe! It’s beautiful up there right now too.
Maine has been on my bucket list for quite sometime- now I want to go even more. Thank you so very much for sharing.
XOXO, Amy @ Jeans and a Tea
http://www.jeansandatea.com
I have to make a stop up here! It looks so beautiful! And all of your outfits are gorgeous!
http://alexamjohnson.com
Thank you so much.
These red trees though! I love it!
Love,
http://www.thestyleventure.com/2016/10/19/new-arrivals/
Seriously so happy to hear that you enjoyed! Also I’m grinning + nodding as I’m seeing many of our favorite spots, restaurants etc pop up in the post! Hope that next time you come to Camden that I’ll be there + we can coordinate. Your photos are absolutely stunning!
I hope so too! I definitely want to go back it is a special town for sure.
Where is your ring from in the top photo where you are holding the leaf? Could you send me the link for it?
It’s a vintage signet ring from my grandmother, sorry!
So glad you had such a great time!! This is my hometown area (Owls Head is my official hometown which is very close). The Midcoast part of Maine is one of the most underrated parts of Maine (but I’m a little biased). I’m smiling noticing so many spots in your photos that I know well. Glad to be going back home this weekend because your post is making me homesick! Beautiful photos! xo
http://www.brunchonsunday.com
Oh my gosh it is so, so beautiful. Having grown up in New England I could not believe I hadn’t been before. Enjoy your time back home, what a special place.
I grew up not far from Camden and it has always been one of my favorite towns! Picturesque but authentically “Maine.” I’m glad you loved it! Next time you go, I recommend the Maiden’s Cliff hike – it is stunning.
-Charlotte
http://www.charlottebharris.com
Thank you for the recommendation I will definitely check that out next time I’m up that way!
Great post, I would love to go to Maine, especially during this time of year. The fall pictures really leave me daydreaming about out of the way places.
Oh man, what gorgeous photos! I love your outfits in this post and all the recommendations. As a newcomer to New England, I’m excited to see what I have to look forward to when the leaves change again next fall!
x, Tyler | http://tinymisstyler.com