We'll be in Bar Harbor for three nights end of May/early June. On our way back down the coast to Kennebunkport for our last 2 nights (flying back from Portland), would you recommend one night in the Camden area or the Boothbay area? Not interested in shopping-- just great scenery and lots of walking if weather permits. Thanks!

Will you have children with you? If so I would go to Boothbay.

If not, it depends on what you want. Boothbay is very touristy and some people love that. Camden and Mount Batty are beautiful.

There are other lovely little towns to explore down Route 1.

No kids, totally uninterested in shopping. Mainly looking for gorgeous scenery and great walking/hiking and great accommodations. If we stay in Camden area, I think we'd probably stay at Inn at Ocean's Edge; not sure where we'd stay in Boothbay (to get fine rooms, great views, fireplace, good dining, etc.)
Suggestions welcomed.

If I were you looking for gorgeous scenary and nice restaurants then I would vote for Camden.

Camden isn't touristy? I prefer Boothday Harbor-I think it's breathtaking. At night, you can look across the harbor either side and see the lights on the other side. Great lobster at a couple of "shack" type places. You could really see both; spend the night in one and if you eliminate the shopping -- plenty of time.

Which might be the most "upscale" place to stay in Boothbay? We tend not to like Victorian-- prefer something newer, more "New Englandy." Great views, great bathrooms, fireplace, etc.

I stayed at the Spruce Point Inn www.sprucepointinn.com last October. While I wouldn't say I was disappointed-I thought it was pricey (nice jacuzzi in the bathroom though) and fireplace-had an outdoor patio which was nice to drink wine and listen to the seagulls. What looked interesting was the Tug Boat Inn in town--possibly simpler, but nice location. The 2 lobster "shacks" are The Lobster Dock and the Lobsterman's Coop. I really didn't see any difference. >-

www.sunrisepoint.com

We stayed in the Welch House Inn a couple of years ago and it has a great location on a hill above the town with some nice views of the harbor. Breakfasts are excellent.

Thanks for the replies!
Tracy: Do you know both Sunrise Point and Ocean's Edge, and prefer Sunrise over the other? They both look great to me-- wouldn't know how to choose. (Except that Ocean's Edge has a restaurant and that would be handy-- IF, of course, it's quite good.)

We live in Lincolnville and believe this to be one of the real treasures on the coast of Maine. There are numerous trails in the Camden Hills, we love Bald Rock, an easy hike and spectacular view, no fee, park your car and walk to the top. (Bring bug repellant!)
There are more views of the open coast along Route One between Lincolnville and Belfast than anywhere else. The Whale's Tooth Pub on Lincolnville Beach is a great restaurant, right on the water, eat inside or out, if it's cool, they have a cozy (gigantic)fireplace...very nice ambiance and the food is excellent. Lincolnville is just 10 minutes north of Camden. While you are in the area, be sure to visit Belfast, just 12 miles further north, and a great little city. If you decide to do some shopping, you can't beat the variety and quaintness. Folks who own the businesses actually LIVE here. The brand new footbridge across the river in Belfast is also worth checking out, with the famous Perry's Nut House at the other end (celebrating their 80th birthday in '07)
Best of luck and have a great trip!

Native: Thanks so much; I've made note of your various suggestions. Any opinion abt Ocean's Edge?

Poss,

Are your travel dates carved in stone or can you change them? Weather is usually not that great that time of year.

i agree with nativemainah...camden hands down. also, the oceans edge does not have much character. its nice but if you are looking for new england try this place...
www.timbercliffecottage.com it is beautiful and was completely refurbished this past winter. (06') stayed there in july with friends and we were so disappointed we didnt plan to stay longer...karen and dave (the owners) and their sweet golden Caffrey do such a great job at making you feel comfortable and happy.
we are not really b and b people but felt very comfortable there. everyroom was spotless and the towels and linens are very high end inc. robes...the breakfasts are to die for and there are many free extras like bottled water in your room, wine in the butlers pantry, snacks like homemade cookies and pie and cappuccino.
i dont typically brag about places online like this but this place is worth it...and the prices are very reasonable. check out the website.
let me know if you need more info.

also, the inn at sunrise point looks really nice...but i have never stayed there so i cant really say...looks nice though but pricey and they may have a minumum stay...the prevous place i reco'd does not...we only stayed one eve.
www.sunrisepoint.com

We loved five gables inn in East Boothbay -- it is a beautiful place for relaxing -- views of the water from some rooms and the great porch. On the quiet side of boothbay -- about 1-2 miles to where all the activity is. www.fivegablesinn.com

The hosts are great and he is a chef from the culinary institute of america