Guidebook for Camden
Food Scene
Some of our favorite local places for food
Delicious breakfast/lunch/brunch in the town's old apothecary. The chef-owner is a friend, and he used to be a chef at Rockland's famed Primo Restaurant. Lots of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We love walking here to eat.
25 locals recommend
Boynton-McKay Food Co.
30 Main StDelicious breakfast/lunch/brunch in the town's old apothecary. The chef-owner is a friend, and he used to be a chef at Rockland's famed Primo Restaurant. Lots of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We love walking here to eat.
Authentic Thai, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Make a reservation!
93 locals recommend
Long Grain
20 Washington StAuthentic Thai, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Make a reservation!
Zoot Coffee
5 Elm StHip coffee shop, with plenty of gluten-free baked goods.
Less than 10 minutes away (by car) in downtown Rockport, the menu, raw bar & cocktails make this another favorite local eatery. In summer, dine on the patio overlooking Rockport Harbor. In winter, cozy up to the bar or at a table.
9 locals recommend
18 Central St
18 Central StreetLess than 10 minutes away (by car) in downtown Rockport, the menu, raw bar & cocktails make this another favorite local eatery. In summer, dine on the patio overlooking Rockport Harbor. In winter, cozy up to the bar or at a table.
The best of the best. World-renowned farm-to-table restaurant led by two-time James Beard Award Winner chef-owner Melissa Kelly, Primo has been the reason people come here from around the world to eat since 1999. Reservations recommended, or take your chances upstairs in the bar & counter rooms.
115 locals recommend
Primo Restaurant
2 Main StThe best of the best. World-renowned farm-to-table restaurant led by two-time James Beard Award Winner chef-owner Melissa Kelly, Primo has been the reason people come here from around the world to eat since 1999. Reservations recommended, or take your chances upstairs in the bar & counter rooms.
Fresh, local ingredients and authentic artistry make Keiko Suzuki's sushi bar in Rockland incredibly popular, and has garnered James Beard Award nominations, as well. Reservations recommended!
45 locals recommend
Suzuki's Sushi Bar
419 Main StFresh, local ingredients and authentic artistry make Keiko Suzuki's sushi bar in Rockland incredibly popular, and has garnered James Beard Award nominations, as well. Reservations recommended!
Coffee, lunch, pastries and their own coffee roastery. And the hippest book shop (hello hello books) in the rear of the cafe. Bring or buy a book and plan to hang out!
34 locals recommend
Rock City Cafe
316 Main StCoffee, lunch, pastries and their own coffee roastery. And the hippest book shop (hello hello books) in the rear of the cafe. Bring or buy a book and plan to hang out!
Amazing bread and pastries, plus coffee, soup and assorted lunch items. Their morning quiche is the best in the area - such a flaky crust! Ask them to heat it up for you.
20 locals recommend
Atlantic Baking Co.
351 Main StAmazing bread and pastries, plus coffee, soup and assorted lunch items. Their morning quiche is the best in the area - such a flaky crust! Ask them to heat it up for you.
Rockland's newest food destination features homemade pasta dishes among other tasty options. Lots of seating at the bar and bar tables, too. If four of you can agree on a pasta dish, they have family-style portion options, too!
21 locals recommend
Ada's Kitchen
449 Main StRockland's newest food destination features homemade pasta dishes among other tasty options. Lots of seating at the bar and bar tables, too. If four of you can agree on a pasta dish, they have family-style portion options, too!
Best happy hour menu around, from 4-6 pm every night they're open. Plus a dinner menu featuring homemade pasta. We love the small plates on the bar menu, and the cocktail specials! This is our go-to place for meeting friends for a light meal or pre-dinner drink, and it's a short walk from home. Win!
41 locals recommend
40 Paper
40 Washington StBest happy hour menu around, from 4-6 pm every night they're open. Plus a dinner menu featuring homemade pasta. We love the small plates on the bar menu, and the cocktail specials! This is our go-to place for meeting friends for a light meal or pre-dinner drink, and it's a short walk from home. Win!
We love to pick up a coffee (for Sarah) and a chai (for Jay) while stopping to browse the latest book releases, on our walks through town. The owners & their staff are super friendly.
8 locals recommend
Owl and Turtle Bookshop
33 Bay View StWe love to pick up a coffee (for Sarah) and a chai (for Jay) while stopping to browse the latest book releases, on our walks through town. The owners & their staff are super friendly.
Franny's Bistro
55 Chestnut StLovely atmosphere and a large outdoor seating area.
In 2010, Sante bought Ports of Italy in Boothbay Harbor, Maine and stepped away from the fast-paced New York lifestyle to pursue his new project.
Along with his chef Fabrizio Ventricini, serve authentic Italian dishes – focusing on the simplicity of each dish, while surprising guests with all the bold yet perfectly mixed flavors in every bite.
Now, ten years later, Sante brings to Rockport his authentic italian culinary experience.
13 locals recommend
Ports of Italy
141 Commercial StIn 2010, Sante bought Ports of Italy in Boothbay Harbor, Maine and stepped away from the fast-paced New York lifestyle to pursue his new project.
Along with his chef Fabrizio Ventricini, serve authentic Italian dishes – focusing on the simplicity of each dish, while surprising guests with all the bold yet perfectly mixed flavors in every bite.
Now, ten years later, Sante brings to Rockport his authentic italian culinary experience.
Wonderful food and a top place for brunch. Clark Island Preserve and trail is a quick walk down from this Inn and restaurant.
8 locals recommend
The Craignair Inn by the Sea
5 3rd StWonderful food and a top place for brunch. Clark Island Preserve and trail is a quick walk down from this Inn and restaurant.
An experience with both food and quirky ambiance. Large portions and local favorite. Jason would recommend an occasional favorite dish ‘Gnu Evans’
40 locals recommend
Cafe Miranda
15 Oak StAn experience with both food and quirky ambiance. Large portions and local favorite. Jason would recommend an occasional favorite dish ‘Gnu Evans’
The Smoothie Shack
46 Elm StreetPerfect “healthy” fix for a hot day
BOWA
31 Elm StreetFabulous farm to table chef and team with a wonderful atmosphere- keep an eye out for live music
Fōda Restaurant
Fabulous farm to table chef and team with a wonderful atmosphere- keep an eye out for live music
Drinks & Nightlife
and more food
Bar AND restaurant! One of our favorite local beef burgers. Plenty of beers on tap. Hip vibe, often live music. A favorite place to hang out with friends. Happy hour is 5-7, I believe...
22 locals recommend
Fog Bar & Cafe
328 Main StBar AND restaurant! One of our favorite local beef burgers. Plenty of beers on tap. Hip vibe, often live music. A favorite place to hang out with friends. Happy hour is 5-7, I believe...
Lucky Betty's
Parks & Nature
Hike one of the many trails or drive up the auto road to reach the best views of Penobscot Bay and the coast. The panoramic information signs at the top will help you identify all the islands and peaks in the distance.
91 locals recommend
Mount Battie
Hike one of the many trails or drive up the auto road to reach the best views of Penobscot Bay and the coast. The panoramic information signs at the top will help you identify all the islands and peaks in the distance.
Best beach access in downtown Camden. There's a swing set in the park above. Best at mid-low tide if you want to hang out on the sand.
20 locals recommend
Laite Memorial Beach
Best beach access in downtown Camden. There's a swing set in the park above. Best at mid-low tide if you want to hang out on the sand.
A relatively quick hike gets you amazing views of Megunticook Lake, Penobscot Bay and the surrounding countryside. one of our favorite hikes.
17 locals recommend
Maiden Cliff
A relatively quick hike gets you amazing views of Megunticook Lake, Penobscot Bay and the surrounding countryside. one of our favorite hikes.
This dirt road follows the coast along the north side of Rockport Harbor, through a land trust area. The road is blocked off in the winter, so park at the Children's Chapel or Megunticook Golf Club. There are spots to sit by the water, or just enjoy a walk. In the winter, this can be a good place to cross-country ski or snow shoe.
9 locals recommend
Beauchamp Point
This dirt road follows the coast along the north side of Rockport Harbor, through a land trust area. The road is blocked off in the winter, so park at the Children's Chapel or Megunticook Golf Club. There are spots to sit by the water, or just enjoy a walk. In the winter, this can be a good place to cross-country ski or snow shoe.
The park at the head of Camden Harbor is just down the street from our house. Check out all the windjammers and yachts in the summer, or enjoy the peaceful serenity of the quiet harbor on a winter walk. And visit Camden Public Library and Amphitheater while you're there, too, adjacent to the harbor park. Look for the statue of locally-born poet Edna St. Vincent Millay looking out over the harbor in the park.
18 locals recommend
Camden Harbour Inn
83 Bay View StThe park at the head of Camden Harbor is just down the street from our house. Check out all the windjammers and yachts in the summer, or enjoy the peaceful serenity of the quiet harbor on a winter walk. And visit Camden Public Library and Amphitheater while you're there, too, adjacent to the harbor park. Look for the statue of locally-born poet Edna St. Vincent Millay looking out over the harbor in the park.
One of Maine's classic, historic lighthouses is accessible by a short walk from the parking lot, and a set of stairs if you care to climb them. There are also beach accesses and picnic areas in this State Park.
73 locals recommend
Owls Head Lighthouse
186 Lighthouse RoadOne of Maine's classic, historic lighthouses is accessible by a short walk from the parking lot, and a set of stairs if you care to climb them. There are also beach accesses and picnic areas in this State Park.
The short trail through the field takes you to our favorite swimming spot on Megunticook Lake - you'll need to go in off some steeper rocks. The longer trail through the forest takes you to a rocky ledge with easier water access.
In the winter, the trails are great for snow shoeing, or for more adventurous cross-country skiing.
Park in the lot at the very end of the road, and be mindful of the neighbors who share this special spot with all of us. <3
20 locals recommend
Fernald's Neck Preserve
The short trail through the field takes you to our favorite swimming spot on Megunticook Lake - you'll need to go in off some steeper rocks. The longer trail through the forest takes you to a rocky ledge with easier water access.
In the winter, the trails are great for snow shoeing, or for more adventurous cross-country skiing.
Park in the lot at the very end of the road, and be mindful of the neighbors who share this special spot with all of us. <3
Arts & Culture
Maine Lighthouse Museum
1 Park DrLocal culture and history!
Coastal Children's Museum
75 Mechanic StFor the younger visitors and their families.
An amazing collection of American art, with rotating exhibitions as well, and a huge collection of Wyeth family art. In the summer, visit the Olson House in nearby Cushing, where Andrew Wyeth painted his iconic "Christina's World".
178 locals recommend
Farnsworth Art Museum
16 Museum StAn amazing collection of American art, with rotating exhibitions as well, and a huge collection of Wyeth family art. In the summer, visit the Olson House in nearby Cushing, where Andrew Wyeth painted his iconic "Christina's World".
Open seasonally, this is where Andrew Wyeth painted his most famous work, "Christina's World". The Olson House is now part of the Farnsworth Museum, so check their web site for information, schedule, and the optional guided tour.
23 locals recommend
Olson House
384 Hathorne Point RdOpen seasonally, this is where Andrew Wyeth painted his most famous work, "Christina's World". The Olson House is now part of the Farnsworth Museum, so check their web site for information, schedule, and the optional guided tour.
Now in the heart of Rockland, visit this stunning new gallery designed by world-renowned architect Toshiko Mori, which houses rotating exhibitions by contemporary artists.
50 locals recommend
Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA)
21 Winter StNow in the heart of Rockland, visit this stunning new gallery designed by world-renowned architect Toshiko Mori, which houses rotating exhibitions by contemporary artists.
Entertainment & Activities
Camden Opera House
29 Elm StCheck the schedule for live music and cultural events.
Great films, live music, and streaming opera and ballet. Check the schedule online.
47 locals recommend
Strand Theater
345 Main StGreat films, live music, and streaming opera and ballet. Check the schedule online.
Our multiplex, in case you need to catch the latest blockbuster while you're in the area!
10 locals recommend
Flagship Thomaston
9 Moody DrOur multiplex, in case you need to catch the latest blockbuster while you're in the area!
Shopping
Clothes, books, house-y things, and all sorts of interesting finds! Say hi to our friend Amy who owns this cool place. Open May-December.
6 locals recommend
Sugar Tools
29 Bay View StClothes, books, house-y things, and all sorts of interesting finds! Say hi to our friend Amy who owns this cool place. Open May-December.
Funky Euro homewares, furniture and women's clothes. But don't take my word for it - check it out!
Black Parrot
328 S Main StFunky Euro homewares, furniture and women's clothes. But don't take my word for it - check it out!
412 Main St
412 Main StreetWomen's clothes and many other things you will want to take home with you...!
"Reny's - A Maine Adventure" - the jingle says it all. It's like a mall in one store. You have to experience this for yourself. It's a home-grown, local alternative to the big-box stores, and will fulfill almost all your needs!
14 locals recommend
Renys Department Store
83 Elm St"Reny's - A Maine Adventure" - the jingle says it all. It's like a mall in one store. You have to experience this for yourself. It's a home-grown, local alternative to the big-box stores, and will fulfill almost all your needs!
If you want the best meats & cheeses, and some fancy European chocolate - this place is a must.
14 locals recommend
Maine Street Meats
310 Commercial StIf you want the best meats & cheeses, and some fancy European chocolate - this place is a must.
Essentials
Hannaford Supermarket
75 Maverick StHannaford Supermarket
75 Maverick StLarger than the Camden Hannaford, fyi.
Shaw's
235 Camden StEco-friendly! Shop at Reny's while your laundry's in the machine.
6 locals recommend
Clean Bee Laundry
83 Elm StEco-friendly! Shop at Reny's while your laundry's in the machine.
Camden Clothesline
96 Washington StRight around the corner.
French & Brawn Market Place
1 Elm StDowntown Camden - smaller, classic grocery store.
Our local co-op & natural food store. You don't need to be a member to shop here.
22 locals recommend
Good Tern Natural Foods Store
750 Main StOur local co-op & natural food store. You don't need to be a member to shop here.
Another local natural food store, closer to home than Rockland's Good Tern Co-op.
15 locals recommend
Fresh Off The Farm
495 Commercial StAnother local natural food store, closer to home than Rockland's Good Tern Co-op.