Spring Time Lobster Shacks in MidCoast Maine

Now that spring has sprung in MidCoast Maine, everyone's eager to jump in the car and have an adventure. If you love crisp sea air on your nature hikes and lobster on your plate, turn your car north and head for Camden, Maine. Enjoy a unique weekend getaway at the Captain Swift Inn. Just two blocks from Camden's shops, restaurants and idyllic harbor, our newly renovated Inn offers luxurious lodging and impeccable service. Spring in the Midcoast means blooming crocuses, ice out on the lake and the return of Maine lobster shacks. Some shacks open in early April. Here are our fun Spring Lobster Adventure Ideas.

McLaughlin’s Lobster Shack

McLaughlin's Lobster Shack, a quick drive up Rt1 to Lincolnville, announced they will reopen on April 1, 2022. They serve chowders, oysters, and fried clams all with a water vista. You might also enjoy their Maine lobster dinner complete with corn on the cob, cornbread, and French fries. Or maybe try their take on a lobster roll at their brand new Wheel House Beach Bar offering tropical cocktails and local ales out of a converted sardine carrier boat. Either way, McLaughlin's "wicked fresh" seafood will be the star and the bay vistas the backdrop.

Red’s Eats

If you make the trip on April 18, 2022, or after, don't miss stopping at the famous Red's Eats in Wiscasset. The 81-year-old lobster shack is one of the most written about roadside shacks in the country, and you'll see why with one bite of their iconic lobster roll. And don't forget to grab a homemade whoopie pie or two for later. 

Claws

If you head up after May 25, 2022, you'll want to check out Claws in Rockland, a lively water-side shack with a menu to please everyone. Enjoy their fantastic and affordable seafood on their expansive deck with views of the inner harbor, breakwater and lighthouse. This is a local favorite. 

McLoon’s Lobstah Shack

After Memorial Day lots more lobster shacks open, including McLoon’s.  This sweet little red shack is located on Sprucehead Island. Sit by the sea and watch the lobster boats come in. Your lobster is fresh and caught that day – right there. Opens on May 30, 2022.

Camden Harbor Cruises 

If you're ever ready for a break from seafood, make a reservation for a cruise. Just a 7-minute walk down to the harbor from the Inn, Camden Harbor Cruises offers a Lobstering & Lighthouse Cruise. During this cruise, you'll learn the history of the bay and how lobstering is done on the Maine coast. If you would like to learn more about the birds and marine life, choose the Eco-Tour Cruise which comes with sightings of seals, sunfish, porpoises and more. 

Wherever your adventure takes you during the day, you will be thrilled to come back to The Captain Swift Inn. Whether relaxing around the fire pit under the stars or a fire in one of our cozy fireplaces inside, you'll be well taken care of with a drink of your choice and a fantastic local cheese plate. 

Book a room for a weekend, a week, or however long it'll take you to try every great lobster shack in Mid-Coast Maine. 

It's Maple and Mud Season in Camden, Maine

March can feel like a bit of a waiting game. The snow is melting and spring is on the horizon, but it's not quite here yet. If you ask us, it sounds like the perfect time for a getaway to tide you over. Milder temperatures make it more enjoyable to get outside, and Camden Maine, has so much to offer this time of year.

Winter may be coming to a close, but skiing is still in full swing in Maine in March, and the warmer weather makes it a pleasure to be out on the slopes. Squeeze in a few more ski days before the end of the season at The Camden Snow Bowl.  You'll find some lovely skiing and snow tubing, complete with ocean views, less than ten minutes from the inn.

We are also lucky enough to have Camden Hills State Park nearby, just a five-minute drive up the road.  By March, much of the ice and snow has thawed, and you're left with easier, albeit muddy, hiking trails. (Mainers actually joke of a fifth season from mid-March through April: Mud!) Bring some good boots and a healthy sense of adventure, and you could climb Mt. Battie, which will reward you with gorgeous views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay from the top. Bonus: there are no bugs out in the woods this time of year!

Once you've worked up an appetite in the great outdoors, make sure to treat yourself to a meal at one of Camden's many delicious restaurants. Frannie's Bistro and Long Grain are open year-round. If you're looking for a quiet and cozy afternoon activity, hunker down with a hot drink and a book at the Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe near the waterfront. Foodies may even choose to center their trip around Maine Restaurant Week. This culinary event runs from March 1-12 and features special offers and tasting menus at some of the best eateries around. Participating local restaurants include 40 Paper Bistro & Bar, which serves up Italian food with a focus on local fish and produce, and Nina June, which brings a Mediterranean spirit to classic Maine ingredients. There's no shortage of great food in the area, so be sure to check out some of our other favorite local eats.

Ready for dessert? Maine's maple syrup season spans all of March, and travelers with a sweet tooth will love indulging in Maine Maple Sunday, an annual event that takes place the last weekend in March (March 26-27, 2022). Maple producers throughout Maine will be offering samples of their products and demonstrations of the syrup-making process. Both Sparky's Honey and Maple as well as Rock Acer Works are in nearby Hope, Maine, and will be participating in Maple Sunday festivities.

No matter how you choose to spend your days in Camden, there's no better way to wind down than with a drink by the fire back home at the Captain Swift Inn. We just know you'll love Maine in March and hope you'll join us for a sweet and cozy visit.

Valentine's Day Getaway in Romantic Camden, Maine

 

The rugged Maine Coast provides unparalleled beauty, breathtaking sunrises, and the peaceful tranquility of the sea. The drama of the coastline inspires romance, and there's no better place to stay for Valentine's getaway than our small inn, just steps from romantic, downtown Camden.

Located north of Rockport and south of Bar Harbor, Camden creates a perfect backdrop for couples wanting to get away from it all and experience the raw beauty that Maine's mid-coast has to offer. With many places to explore, including quaint shops, walks along the beautiful Penobscot Harbor, wonderful restaurants, and many activities nearby, Camden is the ideal setting for a Valentine's Day excursion.

The charming coastal town of Camden, Maine is alive in the winter and welcomes guests with fun Maine events and traditions. Camden's Winterfest Week is scheduled for Saturday through Sunday, Feb. 5 to 13. Sign up to participate in the ice carving competition or watch the Toboggan Championships. Camden's Snow Bowl offers skiing and plenty of other things to do. 

For couples on Valentine's day, there's no more romantic place to stay than the beautiful and historic Captain Swift Inn, rated by Trip Advisor as Camden's #1 Inn. 

Captain Swift Inn: The Perfect Secluded Romantic Getaway

 Located just two blocks from Camden's quaint restaurants, quiet seaside harbor, historic opera house, boutique shops, and more, Captain Swift's Inn offers both convenience and comfort with original New England charm. The Inn, set in a beautiful and historic 1820 colonial Maine Home, recently underwent a 12-month renovation. Nine handsomely-appointed guestrooms and suites feature all-new everything, including bedding and appliances.

The Inn features nine soothing guest rooms and suites,  boasting en-suite baths and spa showers with massage body sprays. Some rooms have private decks; most have fireplaces and all have smart TVs with premium channels.  You'll enjoy spending time on the patio, warming up by the fire pit, or lounging in any of our three fireplace sitting rooms. Soft music; fresh flowers; locally made chocolates; plush robes, and more are what you can expect while staying at the Inn! This is a perfect setting for a romantic getaway with your Valentine. 

Plan A Romantic Dinner For Two

We've selected some of Camden's most date-worthy restaurants, all of which are open in February.

1. Long Grain (Thai Cuisine): Reservations needed for dine-in; take-out also available.
   11:30am-2:30pm & 4:30pm till close Tuesday - Saturday
   Closed Sunday and Monday.
   20 Washington Street, Camden, Maine 04843
   (207) 236 - 9001
   
   
2. Franny's Bistro (New American): 5:00pm-8:00pm Wednesday - Saturday (Closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday).
   This chef-driven restaurant has something for every taste in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Wine, cocktails, and many Maine-crafted beers. 
   55 Chestnut Street
   frannysbistro@gmail.com
   (207) 230-8199
   
   
3. 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill (Seafood and upscale grill fare): Reservations highly recommended; take-out available.
   Don't miss the winter specials at this bar and grill.
   18 Central Street, Rockport
   18centralrockport@gmail.com
4. The Vintage Room (High-end cocktails and small plates): Open daily from 4pm-10pm
   Hoping for cocktails and small plates in an opulent atmosphere? Contemporary classic meets Golden Age in the gilded and glamorous Vintage Room. Enjoy craft cocktails and artisan small plates. An expanded dinner menu is available on Friday and Saturday nights. 
   16 Bay View Street, Camden
   1-844-213-7990
   
   

Planning A Proposal? We Can Help!

The dramatic Maine Coastline creates an epic backdrop for milestone occasions, which is why mid-coast Maine is a popular destination for romantic proposals, weddings, and elopements. If you're planning a proposal, please let us know if there is any way we can assist with the details. We'd love to make your getaway in Camden one that you'll never forget. There are many popular winter proposal spots in the area, and we can help you pick one that's right for you. 

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

Walk out to this historic landmark. The Breakwater Lighthouse is located in Rockland, just eight miles south of Camden. You can reach it by a pleasant walk on a 7/8-mile-long breakwater cutting the ocean's water.

Laite Beach

This small, relaxing harbor beach has no fees and provides easy access to Camden Harbour. The park sits on a hillside, featuring a playground, public bathrooms, outdoor grills, and an outdoor shower. A grass embankment slopes downhill to the water, where you'll find a lovely pebble beach with views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay, as well as Mount Battie in the background. 

Ragged Mountain

Ragged Mountain is accessible by ski lift, and many have chosen to pop the question here. If you'd rather hike, climbing Ragged Mountain is a strenuous endeavor, but the reward is worth it. The spectacular view includes westerly vistas all the way to Mt. Washington, the White Mountains, Maine's western mountains, and island-speckled Penobscot Bay to the east. 

Sweets for Your Sweetie

1. Uncle Willy's Candy Shoppe
   

   This old-fashioned candy shop has all the classic candies and much more. 
   57 Bay View Street

2. Laugh Loud Smile Big

   This delectable bakery offers decadent cupcakes that will make a romantic surprise for your sweetheart. 
   43 Main Street

Contact us for booking information or to reserve your Valentine's Day stay!