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Maine Oh Maine

A small island with a lighthouse on top of it

Our 5,000 miles of coastline offer one beautiful harbor after another with countless breathtaking views of Maine’s many islands and of the open ocean beyond. Inland, the natural beauty continues with pine and birch forests, rivers and lakes, winding country roads and numerous state parks.

Camden, located right on Maine’s gorgeous coast, is halfway between Portland and Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park. It is an ideal location from which to plan a trip that includes time to explore the local attractions and to also take some wonderful day trips. Stay for a few days, unpack your bags once, and experience much that Maine has to offer.

 

Scroll through this page to see our recommendations for your stay.

Our Favorite Places to Dine

18 Central Oyster Bar and Grill

The definition of “dining with a view,” 18 Central, as it is known, has to be our top choice for classic Maine dining (it happens to be a five minute drive up the road, too). Enjoy fresh muscles while looking out over Rockport Harbor as the boats come dancing from a day on the water.

 

To look at their menu, head over to http://www.18central.com

 

18 Central Street, Rockport, ME 04856

A group of people are sitting at a table on a balcony overlooking the ocean.
A woman is standing in front of a white building.

Franny’s Bistro

Many restaurants are close to the Belmont Inn, but Franny’s is especially close. Quite literally a hop and a step toward the harbor and you’re there to enjoy an outstanding menu and an intimate venue that only Franny’s can offer.

 

Their website:

http://frannysbistro.com/


55 Chestnut St, Camden, ME 04843

Primo

Taking farm-to-table to the extreme, Primo gets most if not all of its wonderfully delightful cuisine right in its backyard. We are grateful that two-time James Beard Award winning Chef Melissa Kelly chose to make the midcoast her home.

 

Make a reservation:

http://www.primorestaurant.com/

 

2 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841


A kitchen with a bar and stools in it

McLoon’s Lobster Shack

It does not get more Maine than this spot. And to top off that compliment, our sources tell us that McLoon’s was voted thebest lobster roll in the state of Maine in 2022.If you are up for a beautiful drive, this place is a bit off the beaten path. Once you hear the crunch of gravel beneath the car tires, you know you’re in the right place.


Claw your way to their website:

http://www.mcloonslobster.com/


315 Island Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858


Dot’s

The innkeeper’s personal favorite. Homemade daily baked goods, French-style sandwiches, salads, and seafood. Coffee and various drinks, wine, French bread, and other goodies! Just a short drive from Camden to Lincolnville, and the perfect stop for a quick bite to eat on the go.


Check out what they’re up to here: http://dotsinmaine.com/


2457 Atlantic Highway, Lincolnville, ME 04849


A display case filled with bread and pastries in a bakery.
A restaurant with a long wooden bar and stools

Nina June

If 18 Central is not what you need, look no further than right next door at Nina June. Known for its excellent course selections and five-star service, it will not disappoint. The food is carefully prepared with only the best Maine ingredients.

 

Pop over to view the menu: http://www.ninajunerestaurant.com/


24 Central St, Rockport, ME 04856


Long Grain

This place did not get mentioned in The New York Time’s 36 Hours in Camden and Rockportfor nothing! A hub for visitors and locals alike, Long Grain knows how to prepare hearty, healthy, and tasteful Thai dishes that might just want you to get it over, and over…. and over again.

 

To make a reservation, click here: https://www.longgraincamden.com/

 

20 Washington St, Camden, ME 04843

A close up of a plate of food with chopsticks on a table

Looking for More?

Ask us for recommendations, anytime!

Downtown Camden

A busy street in a small town with cars driving down it.

A short walk from the Belmont lies the heart of Camden: unique stores, friendly people, and amazing views! Check out some of our favorite spots:

The Leather Bench

High quality leather pockets from the tiniest wallets to the most exquisite coats and shoes. The smell tells all: genuine leather!

Sea Bags
A beautiful store with various types of bags made from recycled sails. 

Owl and Turtle Book Shop and Café

If you’re in need of a vacation read, stop by Sherman’s for a wide variety of novels for all ages. 

Camden Public Library

A National Historic Landmark, the public library has a wonderful view of the ocean and a wide selection of books. 

Antiques at 10 Mechanic

For all those fellow antique lovers out there, make sure to check this spot out!

Glendarragh Farm

One of our favorites to stop in to, Glendarragh Farm has a beautiful assortment of leather bags, lavendar goodies, and amazing blankets.

Take a stroll down to the harbor and walk the docks filled with beautiful yachts and sparkling water. Want to take an adventure on one of the boats? Check out these websites to enjoy a true Maine experience: 


Windjammer Cruises, Sail Camden, Schooner Surprise, and Camden Harbor Cruises


Explore Camden and other harbors by hopping on a kayak and exploring Maine’s scenic coast. We recommend:


Ducktrap Kayak, Breakwater Kayak, and Maine Sport Outfitters

 

Ask us for more recommendations during your stay! We’d love to answer your questions.

A sailboat is docked in a harbor with other boats

Lighthouses

Speckled along Maine’s coastline sit historic lighthouses that have served as a sense of beautiful pride for the state of Maine. Luckily, Camden is nestled in the middle of the coast and therefore access to many well-loved lighthouses (a staggering 64-ish) is in reach for visitors staying at The Belmont Inn. Here are a few of our favorites, although it is so hard to choose:

Our Neighbors

Wanting to get out of Camden for a bit? Not to worry! Camden is surrounded by interesting and unique towns all worth visiting.

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