Favorites of the Innkeepers

We are just a short drive from many of the Mid-Coast's points of interest, so we strongly urge our guests to stay in the lovely, quaint village of Camden and unpack just once while daytripping to our favorite spots.
In the afternoon return to the comfort of your room at The Hawthorn, take a warm shower or a Jacuzzi or sit by the fire and read. Then, walk into the village and enjoy the cuisine at one of Camden's many fine restaurants. Or, take a short drive to one of the nearby Maine lobster pounds and enjoy the water views and the best lobster to be had anywhere. (Our secret supplier will also be happy to deliver it to you at the Inn-steamed and ready for a picnic or candlelit "feed" on our back deck!)

Acadia National Park
Less than two hours away lies one of the country's most beautiful natural treasures. Rent bikes in Camden at Fred's Bikes and spend the day riding some of the 57 miles of traffic-free carriage house roads through the park. Let us pack you a picnic lunch to enjoy beside Jordan pond. There are also over 50 miles of hiking rails, rated easy to extremely challenging. Cadillac mountain, at 1,532 feet above sea level, is the Eastern seaboards highest point, and the sunrises are spectacular.

Islesboro
Take a rental bike on the short ferry ride and explore the island, stopping at our favorite beachside spot for a picnic. Sandwiches are available at the local island market, and there are some really beautiful old farmhouses to see on your ride.

Vinalhaven
Catch the ferry from Rockland and experience one of the most scenic boat rides you'll ever have as it crosses Penobscot Bay and enters Hurricane Sound. The town of Carvers Harbor is the quintessential fishing village and there is a great old pharmacy-turned cafe for lunch. There is a nature preserve within a short walk from the harbor, a beautiful area for birding or walking next to the Atlantic. You don't need a car on the island and bikes can be rented at the first motel you come to.

Monhegan
Our favorite day on this artist-colony island begins when you disembark the ferry and buy sandwiches at the first market you come to. You can't find better sandwiches anywhere - they put a little oil and vinegar on them! Put these in your backpack along with lots of water, get a hiking map at the store and take off. The dramatic views from the trails along the ocean side cliffs on the island are breathtaking. Be sure to take your camera and don't miss Seagull Pond.

Pemaquid Point
Again, don't forget your camera or your good sticky-bottomed shoes for this day trip. When the surf is up, there are some great Kodak moments at the lighthouse. There is an outcropping of granite here that you could build several houses on - unfortunately, the first storm would wipe them out. There's also a great little cafe/souvenir shop with good ice cream here. On the way, don't miss the town of Round Pond, there's a great place to enjoy a lobster for lunch right on the harbor.

Farnsworth Museum
Don't miss the Farnsworth in Rockland. There is a great collection of Wyeths here, and the Farnsworth home at the rear of the museum is definitely worth a visit - a perfect example of time standing still. Have lunch at the Second Read (a good used bookstore and night spot for coffee and local musicians), and walk it off with a trip to the Rockland Light (one mile of granite blocks make for an interesting stroll, especially if it's windy). If you have some time, which you will, go on South to Tenants Harbor and Port Clyde - two very scenic areas, in our opinion.

Owls Head Transportation Museum
If you are an old WWI plane enthusiast or antique car buff, you're gonna love this place. Again, if you have some time after looking through this gargantuan complex, travel on South to Tenants Harbor and port Clyde. There's a great general store and lunch spot on the docks at Port Clyde.

Furniture, Pottery, Antiquing
We'll let you in on our favorite spots for these activities when we see you � it's not good to have them out here for just anyone to see. We have a special source for some of the finest long case clocks in the world, and the shop is only minutes from our front door.

Art Galleries
Camden itself has some of the best, so you can see these on your walking tour of the village.

	To make a reservation, contact: Hawthorn Inn 9 High Street, Camden, Maine 04843 Tel: 207-236-8842, Fax: 207-236-6181 [email protected]