The Camden Harbor Inn is an intimate botique lifestyle hotel.  It overlooks the town and harbor and is, in every way imaginable, simply luxurious. But, after viewing the website, it’s a bit out of our comfort zone.  Reservations for one of the “bedchambers” will set you back in excess of $350/night.    

The dining room was as elegant and hushed as one might expect. The service was impeccable, as was the food.

Marla was so excited to see seared foie gras on the menu she practically screamed.  Sadly, disappointment soon followed as we were told the last serving had been served about an hour ago. Darn!!!  We did enjoy the scallops and lobster soup along with our main courses of halibut and, of course, more lobster!  We struck up a conversation with the very pleasant couple seated along side of us and were able to share travel experiences.  All in all, it was a very delightful evening.  We would highly recommend Natalie’s for that “special” meal when you’re in Camden.

Marla and Bill

Where we ate:    

We said: After our “road trip” up Mt. Battie, it was time for lunch.  When in Maine, having a lobster roll is a must.  Actually, we go by the once a day rule, kind of like an apple a day, except these are purely decadent and not really considered health food!  But what the heck, we’re on vacation!   

We parked the car at the Hawthorne Inn and actually walked (we really aren’t allergic to exercise!) to our destination, Mariner’s Restaurant, another of Maryanne’s (of the Hawthorn Inn) recommendations. This is a view of Camden Harbor from the library. Maine certainly is filled with Rockwellian vistas, isn’t it?   

 Maryanne promised we’d find ourselves amidst the locals and experience the biggest and bestest lobster rolls in Maine.  Well, she was right on both counts!  

This welcome sign attests to the locals favoring the restaurant for both food and entertainment.  But rest assured, they are very hospitable and really don’t make fun of accents!  

And here it is, about 8 ounces of lobster with just a smidgen of mayo and the perfect amount of seasoning.  Mariner’s is an absolute must if you have even the slightest craving for lobster rolls.  Thank you, again, Maryanne!     

Marla and Bill

Where we ate: 

We said:    

Marla was really craving mussels, so we asked Maryanne, our hostess at the Hawthorne Inn, for a suggestion.  Her first thought was The Waterfront Restaurant, just a short walk into town from the B&B.  This is a view of the deck on the harbor side of the restaurant.  We didn’t get a shot of the interior, but the wonderful fireplace helped establish a very casual and cozy atmosphere.    

We did, however, manage to get some pictures of the delicious food (you can see where our focus was)!  These were the mussels.  They were huge, delicious, and plentiful!    

 This was the best desert we had on our entire trip!  It was the German Chocolate Cake, and worth every calorie!!  Maryanne was one for one with her recommendations!

Marla and Bill

Where we ate: 

Pier 77

 After leaving Newport, we decided to take the highway up the coast of Maine on our way to Camden, Maine.  We stopped in Kennebunkport and found this wonderful little restaurant called Pier 77.  It was exactly what we were looking for with plenty of ambience’s, good food and just a little pricey, but worth it.    

It was located right on the water, and isn’t it cute on the inside?  We had the scallops, lobster rolls, onion strings (which were to die for), and clam chowder. Okay, we were BAD, but it was worth it!!!  Oh yeah, and two glasses of wine (no, not each).  So much fun!!!    

After we left, we found the Bush compound.  It seems the Secret Service couldn’t find our security clearance so we weren’t able to chat with George and Barbara!  I’m sure they were disappointed. 

Marla and Bill

We’re sooo excited to tell you about this restaurant!  Again, it was our hosts at the Carriage Inn that insisted we eat at Benjamin’s Raw Bar if we wanted great lobster at a great price.  We enjoyed it so much we ate there twice!

Benjamin’s is located right in the middle of downtown Newport.  We did find it difficult to find a parking spot, so give yourself plenty of time.  And, if you are there early, the town is always a great place to wander.  Also, we got a bit of advice from some of the locals about selecting restaurants.  The seafood suppliers service both sides of the street (not too surprising), so, if you’re not overly concerned with gorgeous views of the harbor, you’ll find the price off the water is usually a bit less and you won’t sacrifice anything in the quality department! 

As is the case with most restaurants today, the atmosphere is casual.  There are two levels.  The bar area was in the lower level.  We choose to eat in the upstairs in the dining room.  It was a cute place!

Guess what we ordered!!!! Two cull (one claw missing) lobsters - each!! Both of our servings had 3 of the  4 claws.  One full lobster was $18, so, if you’re hungry for lobster, the cull special is really quite a bargain.  We did notice many other diners ordering other dishes (they must have been allergic to shell fish!), so we  presume all of the food is good.  Besides the lobsters, we did try the clam chowder which was excellent. 

If you are ever in Newport, a meal at Benjamin’s will not disappoint you!

Marla and Bill

Our hosts at the Carriage Inn suggested we try the La Forge Restaurant for lunch. It’s in the middle of a cute shopping area, right on the street that leads to the mansions, so it was convenient to our other activity of the day.  

Besides being associated with a casino, which we didn’t experience as we’re not into the “action”‘, it is situated within the grounds of  the International Tennis Hall of Fame.  Not being big tennis aficionados either, we didn’t tour the Hall, but the surrounding gardens were very charming.  

There was the grass court with small stadium seating.  Sometimes players can be seen using the court, and, if you’re lucky, it might be someone famous!  

It was a trendy little spot for lunch, and not outrageous in price. We ordered a reuben – it was delicious –  and tried one of the house specialities, a very interesting meat loaf sandwich!  

So, if you’re looking for a nice lunch spot, we think you’ll enjoy both the uniqueness and the wonderful food at the La Forge Restaurant. If you’re not hungry, there’s always the casino or tennis for entertainment!

The Grove Park Inn; image from flickr by Suzie T

Where we ate:   

She said:   

The next night we dined at the Grove Park Inn, also recommended by the Albemarle Inn.  Isn’t it beautiful?  As you might expect, its not an inexpensive place to stay. The rooms start at $280.00/night!        

View from the back porch of the Grove Park Inn; image from flickr by Skvidal

Asheville is such a beautiful town!  We were at the inn in the evening so, unfortunately, we didn’t experience this stunning view.      

This is the Horizons Dining Room, one of about 10 or 12 places to eat at the inn.       

Here’s Bill studying the menu.  It was very good, but pricey.  So much so, that I passed on my all time favorite appetizer – grilled artisan duck foie gras – and simply had the diver scallops.  Bill had the fish de jour.   

He said:   

We asked for a special, fine dining recommendation and, per our hosts, the Horizon Dining Room was the only place to consider. And they were right!  The Grove Park Inn is a marvelous establishment and has hosted many celebrities and dignitaries, including Presidents. Remember hearing about our current first family’s spring break to Asheville? Well, this is where they were!!!  I loved our meal. We were the only ones in the restaurant (a snow/ice storm was just beginning). A wonderful pianist, who’s been at the inn for about forty years, serenaded us with delightful blend of classical music mixed with an occasional show tune.  I’m sure we’ll be back to Asheville sometime and, when we’re here, I definitely want to see the Grove Park Inn in the daylight – sans the snow and ice!!

Where we ate:

She said:

We asked the Albemarle Inn for dinner recommendations and they suggested Bouchon.  It is French comfort food. 

Here I am, patiently awaiting my first portion of mussels.  It was a cute little restaurant.  We both had their Tuesday special – all you can eat mussels and a choice of five different sauces – for $14.00. We tried them all!!  We liked the Parisienne and Mediterranean sauces the best.

He said:

It was easy to choose among the various recommendations offered by our hosts.

A unique, local restaurant.    Marla loves mussels.      All you can eat.      Need I say more!!

This was a lively spot right downtown.  The mussels were fine.  Judging from the number of local patrons, many of whom were choosing entrees other than the mussels, I would definitely visit again.

Where we ate:

She said:

This is the Casa Monica Hotel.  It is one of the oldest hotels in the United States.

No…..we didn’t stay here the rooms start at around $250/night, but we did eat here for our second dinner in St. Augustine.

This is the hotel lobby and yes, it was very impressive.

There is an entrance to the restaurant on the side of the hotel, as well as through the lobby.

95 Cordova was also recommended to us by the St. Francis Inn.

This is the dining room and, guess what??  They actually had menus that opened up and lighted up!!!  The food is new world, middle eastern and Asian influence.  Bill had the Ahi Tuna and I had the scallops.  All very good but on the pricey side.

He said:

I liked dining here. I was a bit worried about reading the menu since its pretty dark, but the lighted menu’s (like a Kindle) were needed - and appreciated. We were like most of the other diners, opening and closing our menus, enjoying the treat of being able to read in the dark! I suppose we were like kids playing at dinner and, probably would have been repremanded for our behavior!

Bistro de Leon: image from flickr by Travelin'John's

Where we ate:   

She said:   

We asked for a recommendation from the inn for dinner that evening and their first suggestion was the Bistro de Leon.  It’s a cute little French bistro with entrees in the $20 range.  I had the special and it was wonderful!  The couple that was next to us were back the second night in a row.  It was so good that we, too, were considering  coming back the next night, but decided we should try something new.     

It was also suggested by the inn that we should try the A1A Ale Works for lunch.    

It was a fun little place for lunch.  I had the crab BLT sandwich with sweet potato fries for $10.00, and Bill was very good with a spinach salad for $11.00  All was very good!  

He said:  

Bistro de Leon was one of my favorite spots. I guess I liked the cozy, European feel. The attentive, courteous wait staff and delicious food made it all the more memorable. It is located on a quaint park near the center of town and was within walking distance from the St. Francis Inn.  

The A1A Ale works was what I expected, being that it was right on the main road near the river. The food was decent, but not exceedingly memorable. I would imagine that it gets quite busy during the warmer months. And the two story seating areas – both without door options – make it a a pleasant resting spot to eat, drink and/or people watch.