The first weekend of December, just an hour up the road from Boothbay, Camden celebrates Christmas by the Sea. I made it up this year for Friday evening’s festivities, including carols at the library and a parade through the downtown.

Shops were open late and many offered enticing discounts. Here is the full schedule of events, for those who’d like to plan for next year! Boothbay also holds its Harbor Lights Festival the same weekend so it makes for a nice time to visit the Midcoast region and hit up all the Christmas fun! 

We had dinner in Camden at the lovely Hartstone Inn & Hideaway. The dining room was elegant yet cozy and the food was delicious. The menu changes weekly. If you aren’t in town for dinner time but can stop by for cocktail hour and appetizers, they are served in a cozy parlor.

The Hartstone Inn also offers cooking classes on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year.