According to a survey of Down East readers, Camden is the prettiest village in Maine, and there aren’t many who would argue that.
Twenty years ago we drove into Camden for the first time,
and the minute we saw the white steeple standing above the trees we were in love.
Like most Maine villages, Camden’s “downtown” is a couple of blocks long on the main street. Many of the lowrise buildings date back to the late 1800’s which gives the village a certain charm.
One of the many wonderful things about Camden is that while it is definitely a tourist destination, it has not given itself to shops filled with Maine paraphernalia.
Rather the main area is comprised of tasteful shops like JoEllen Designs,
and Sugar Spoon as well as a host of excellent restaurants.
If you want to stay around to explore all there is to see and do, there are a number of delightful bed and breakfasts.
The crown jewel of Camden is the beautiful harbor. Whether you are looking out to the open water of Penobscot Bay
or toward Mount Battie, a great place to hike, the view is stunning.
Because of its amenities, Camden is a popular destination for large yachts or small cruise ships.
and it is home to Maine’s largest fleet of windjammers which are a great way to experience a week or a few hours exploring the coast.
Adding to Camden’s beauty are the homes, many more than 100 years old and possessing classic beauty.
Whether they are situated high on a hill, along the waterfront or nestled in the trees, most have a lovely view.
As pretty as Camden is, Rockport with its beautiful harbor and charming homes gets my vote. It is on the back road to Camden and is mostly residential so it doesn’t attract as many visitors. Those who did manage to come through though did vote it as one of Maine’s 10 prettiest villages. They weren’t wrong. Rockport is my little piece of heaven.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Sharing with Seasonal Sundays, Sunny Simple Sunday
Lulu's Musings 
Hi Lulu,
Be still my homesick heart! Touring this charmingly cute village has made me ache for Canada (where I was born and raised) and its postcard pretty villages. Yes, just like Port Perry, as Alycia mentioned earlier! I’ve been there and it reminds me of Camden. How adorable the colours, the gardens, the shops and private homes!! Thanks for revitalizing me today with this beautiful tour of magnificent Maine.
Poppy 🙂
I can see why you like Camden so much, the harbour views wow me !
It sounds like you totally get Maine, especially stuffing yourself with lobster which we have done aplenty this season because it is plentiful and inexpensive.
Maine is one the prettiest states to visit, especially in the summer and fall. The scenery is breathtaking and the villages are charming. Of course who could not go to Maine without stuffing themselves with lobster. But mostly I love the charm of the villages, the pretty church steeples, and a sense of heritage.
Sam
I will have to add Maine to my “need to visit” , your post has intrigued me! I love small towns and I am sure that the trees Are beautiful this time of year.
Maine should definitely be on your list. It is one of the country’s very special places.
We have never been to Maine, but sure hope to one day. We’ve heard how beautiful it is and now I’ve caught a glimpse from your pics. Thanks for sharing the beauty.
Maine is, indeed, beautiful and well worth spending some time in. Come on!
hi Lulu, I loved my “visit” to Maine today!
Oh good. You’ll have to come again!
I have to agree with you about how lovely Camden is…your photos let everyone see it’s charm.
Thanks for taking time out to visit. Hope you are enjoying your travels outside of Maine.
Yes, thank you for sharing! Those homes are beautiful!!
You are welcome. I think because so many of the homes are old, they are striking.
Linda, every photo could be a Camden postcard! Thanks for giving me the quick tour of this charming village!
You wouldn’t believe how many Maine postcards are of the Camden environs. It is truly beautiful.
Don’t know of many places referred to as a village in US anymore but this seems to fit the word and is refreshingly charming compared to Miami.
The largest town in Maine, Portland, is just over 60,000. From there it falls off pretty fast, thus most are villages.
Hi Linda! Although we did not get to meet when we were in Camden, I haven’t given up hope. As we discussed before, it sounds like you fell in love with Camden and Rockport exactly as we did. Thank you for giving me a beautiful reminder of the towns I love so very much.
You are more than welcome. I’m glad to share a mutual appreciation.
Oh, bliss!!!!! I was just remarking to Ramon today that I would love to visit the state of Maine someday. I know this is totally silly, but I’ve been totally in love with the idea of visiting the state since I saw the movie “Welcome to Mooseport” a few years back. I understand the movie was filmed in Port Perry, Ontario, but it’s stuck in my head that I have to come to Maine! 🙂 Ramon is currently in Vermont, your neighbor. Not sure exactly where he is, but it’s somewhere in the Northern Appalachian Mountains. He said they were “somewhere up in the clouds.” I’m glad now that I didn’t get to go with him because I’m sure I would be miserable at that altitude! Looking at these photos of Camden and Rockport, though, just make me sigh. I would love to spend time strolling the streets, shops and restaurants of Camden. I like tourist destinations that aren’t “touristy.” That one Camden home…the white one…was so beautiful, but so BIG. It’s hard to believe that it’s a single family residence!!! 🙂 I sure wouldn’t want to be the one to have to clean all that!!! The landscaping for the home nestled in the trees is beautiful! It looks like such a peaceful place to live! I’ll get to Maine yet! 🙂
You know, you are going to make it here yet. In the meantime, enjoy the “fake” visits.