"Stay-cation" at The Hartstone Inn, Camden

Debbie Atwood, Midcoast Community Center Coordinator

February 24, 2010

I decided to try out one of our Center's featured destinations so I arranged a visit to The Hartstone Inn in Camden with my Mom one weekend in January.  We both love trips up the coast and enjoy Camden’s beautiful downtown shops and harbor.  Neither of us had stayed at The Hartstone Inn before, so we took it on faith that it would be enjoyable.

Well, from start to finish it was GREAT!  I communicated with the staff via email and phone to reserve a room and seats for dinner and they were friendly and accommodating.  When we arrived, we had a thorough orientation and discovered, to our surprise and delight, that the chef, Michael Salmon, is well renowned and has cooked with Julia Child.  We KNEW we were in for a fabulous meal.

We unpacked in our suite, which was simply gorgeous, then set out to enjoy downtown Camden.  It was only a few blocks to reach the shops, where we spent a leisurely afternoon browsing.

We returned to the Inn for some quiet time before dinner.  As the sun set, we headed to the living room for delicious drinks – key lime martini for me! – and conversation with other guests.  The Hartstone Inn makes dinner available to the public and they've been booked for several weeks…let me tell you why.  Wow, what a meal.  Typically, I’m not a fan of fish; I suspect it’s because I’ve never had it prepared properly.  It was fabulous and we enjoyed our French toast the next morning, as well.

Spectrum Generations will offer packages at the Hartstone Inn periodically and I heartily recommend it.  I’ll be anxious to return myself!