Things to Do in Your Long Subaru - Camden, ME

Up the coast, less than a Subaru tank of gas away is one of the prettiest of coastal Maine towns. Crowds gather in summer to enjoy the fine sunshine, schooner sailings, and even some sea swimming. In the fall, the crowds thin a bit and change from families to couples. Some think it the best time of year to visit as the views from atop Mount Battie can give you a view far and wide of Penobscot Bay out to the Atlantic and gorgeous changing foliage.

Mt. Battie Take Out sits across the street from the entrance to Camden hills State Park. Fresh lobster in a toasted bun is always the perfect complement to the fresh clean sea air. Add a cone of Maine Blueberry ice cream and you have the perfect Sunday afternoon lunch.

Back in downtown Camden don't forget to walk out to the harbor and turn around to see Mount Battie looming over the town's center. Shops line each major road and sell a wide variety of typical seaside souvenirs and local craftsmen art. Restaurants are plentiful and of course their menus will have plenty of fresh seafood featured.

September and October weather can be crisp and time is best spent outdoors whenever possible. Travel south a few miles and visit Rockport's Marine Park and enjoy the view and the history. The harbor was formerly home to the top producer of lime (used in plaster and mortar) in the early 1800's. The remains of the kilns are under preservation and were declared a historic site in 1970.

But it is the statue of Andre the Seal, arguably Rockport's most famous resident which draws the most visitors. It is not unusual to see both children and adults pose and pat the tribute to Andre who lived in Rockport harbor for many years. Some may have had the chance to see Andre in person during the 60's and 70's either at home in Rockport harbor or during the many winters he spent at the New England Aquarium in Boston. Keep an eye out for the current Harbormaster's vessel appropriately named Andre.

A little further south on Rt. 1 just past Samoset Resort is a public access and parking to view the Rockland Harbor Breakwater Light (Samoset guests have direct access from the property). It sits at the end of an almost one mile long stone breakwater that serves both a practical purpose and as a picturesque backdrop for many Samoset events and weddings. A daily walk for some, visitors are amazed at how carefully they need to watch their step. While not a tremendously difficult walk, the combination of constant sea wind and uneven gaps between the granite blocks will keep you on your toes.

Many other attractions and special places can be found in the Camden area. Share some of your favorites below in the comments section.









When You Go
Stop in at Cappy's Bakery for a late night snack or hot drink. Open later than most stores, this little place is sometimes missed as its entrance is around the corner and downhill from Cappy's Chowder House.

Things to Know
Traffic along Rt.1 can back up through the town of Wiscasset usually due to Red's Eats. Avoid this summertime traffic delay by staying on I-295 North (instead of getting off at the Brunswick exit) and heading inland toward Richmond before looping back down to Route 1 in Newcastle.

Mt. Battie Take Out usually stays open until Columbus Day Weekend. Check online before planning a visit.

Fun Facts
PBS's documentary My Wild Affair: The Seal Who Came Home about Andre and his human best friend Harry Goodridge is available to view online here

The Friends of Rockland Harbor Light now have a live webcam stationed on the lighthouse that gives 24/7 views of the breakwater.


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Contact Sara at sbrunell@longauto.com