The Travelin Maine(rs), George and Linda Smith of Mount Vernon, have spent their lifetimes enjoying all that Maine has to offer. Now they’ll tell you all about it — their favorite inns, restaurants, trips, activities, experiences, and travel books and websites — in their own personal style. They’ll be offering anecdotes, tips and all the details you need. So join them in exploring, experiencing and enjoying the great state of Maine.

Our online dictionary defines “splurge” this way: “to indulge oneself in some luxury or pleasure, especially a costly one.” The dictionary’s example is perfect for this review: “They splurged on a trip to Europe.”

The Camden Harbour Inn and its restaurant, Natalie’s, is a luxurious splurge with many amenities that reminds us of Europe, but it’s a whole lot cheaper than traveling to Europe!

Our plan was to write a single column about the inn and restaurant, but we couldn’t stop writing once we got started. So today you get the inn — next week the restaurant.
   
George   
Elegance and sophistication combined with a friendly, relaxed informality put the Camden Harbour Inn at the top of our favorite’s list after a recent visit.

Arriving at 5 p.m. during a heavy rainstorm, we were astonished when the bellhop dashed out to the parking lot with umbrellas — a first for us.

And then, we turned south for a trip to Bonair. Well, all the rooms are named after Dutch islands, and our third-floor corner room was labeled “Bonair.” As we entered, a colorful vision of the deep blue Caribbean Sea — complete with swimming fish and gurgling water — was playing on the flat screen TV.

Raymond Brunyanszki — who owns the inn with Oscar Verest — has put his personal touch on every element and detail of this place since he and Oscar arrived in Camden in 2007. Actually, the word elegant doesn’t really provide a satisfactory description of the design and the dozens of amenities that define your experience here.

I’ve been a writer for 30 years, and I just don’t have the words to  describe this place. I’d still be standing there at the window, staring at the amazing view of Camden Harbor and Mount Battie, if Lin hadn’t insisted we move along.

Linda
What does it mean to be truly pampered at an inn? The Camden Harbour Inn has figured this out. A fresh rose in your room, down bedding so fluffy and thick you sink into it, a mattress that is a foot thick not including the box spring (no kidding)! A step might be required to reach the bed, but it provides the best night’s sleep you can imagine.

After you return from dinner, you find your room transformed: The shades are drawn, bottles of water are on the bedside tables, the screen saver on the TV has been switched from tropical fish to a virtual fire, complete with crackling log sounds! A small box of chocolates sits by the pillows and slippers are set by the bed.

The amenities continue bath products from the UK and super-fluffy towels — I noticed the one I used before dinner had already been replaced when we returned to our room.

A clawfoot tub with European water taps sat in our large bathroom. Who can resist that? Choose between the “invigorating” bath gel, and the “stress relieving” hydro-soak. The view of Camden Harbor from the tub will make you want to linger, trust me. Best view from a tub!

Each room is elegant with variations of traditional or contemporary decorating. Before the owners redesigned and redecorated the inn, it was Victorian — a style I’ve always found dark and foreboding. But the inn is now light and tastefully decorated throughout — very welcoming.

George
Downtown Camden, even in the middle of October, was jammed with tourists. We noticed license plates for all the northeastern states, plus others including Arkansas, Nevada and Illinois.

Almost unique in coastal Maine, Camden has created an economic engine that allows inns and restaurants to remain open all year long. As we spent a leisurely Saturday morning strolling in the business district, we found many unique businesses. And any town that has three bookstores goes right to the top of my favorites list!

The town really values visitors, and even provides public bathrooms on the waterfront. Welcoming benches are spread around a downtown park by the library overlooking the harbor. If you visit in winter, Camden Snowbowl is very popular with skiers.

Our favorite business is Once A Tree. The wood products will astonish you in their creativity and beauty.

You can put together a great picnic at French and Brawn, a wonderful market. And don’t miss the unique co-op behind the market. It’s an indoor flea market/yard sale.

Inside, I saw a carved brook trout across the store that looked a lot like my Dad’s work. I checked it out but the piece had no signature. Then I picked up the tag and read, “Hand carved and painted by Ezra Smith of Winthrop, Maine. $500.”

Wow! That’s a price that’s certainly unknown to Dad. On the back of the piece was an old sale tag with a price of $89. I called Dad on my cell and told him to raise his prices, immediately!

You will find high prices in Camden, but you’ll also find value and unique luxurious experiences.

Next week. we take you on an extraordinary culinary trip to Natalie’s. Better not eat much this week. You’ll want to arrive there hungry!

Visit George’s website: www.george
smithmaine.com for travel tips, book reviews, outdoor news and more.

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