??? on Maine Towns
 

Okay, I've found a number of lovely cottages available in early September and am trying to narrow my choices.

I want to focus in and around the Camden area and explore the coves just north and south. I went to MDI two years ago so I'm looking for something a little away from there. I want to hike, explore, visit galleries and probably take at least one day sail. If it's warm enough I definitely want to swim. And of course, some nice restaurants within a convenient distance.

I have found places in Bayside/Northport, Lincolnville, Christmas Cove, and a lovely cottage a block from the harbor in Camden itself. All the prices are comparable

Any information on Bayside/Northport? There are two houses back to back on the common facing the water. The views are wonderful from both and the cottages look lovely but I don't know anything about the town. Same with Lincolnville - there's a lovely garden cottage with views of Penobscot Bay.

The place in Christmas Cove looks wonderful, also right on the water but they charge a cleaning fee of $125, which is a bit off putting, since no one else charges a fee. Am I stupid to let that influence my decision? (I know that's more of a Lounge question but put in the context of Maine, perhaps you experts can offer some insight.)

Also, I know distances can be deceiving on back roads, so does anyone know what the approximate driving time would be from Christmas Cove to Camden?
TIA

Anybody??

panecott, I love Christmas Cove. I would allow 1.25 to 1.5 hours to Camden, so not an easy out to dinner.

Personally, I don't love the idea of a cleaning fee, but I believe that if a place speaks ot you and reviews are good, the exact cost os less important.

Sorry, no info on other towns.

Lincoln is too small. Rockland is too big. Camden is just right!

Thanks for the replies, jub and Ackislander. Now I have some thinking to do.

We just stayed at Oakland Seashore in Rockland (just south of Camden) for 3 nights at the end of June because we broke down in the area which changed our island camping plans. It is off of Rt 1, but set way back from the road. We were surprised at how quiet and secluded it was despite being in Rockland. The rates are reasonable and the property is beautiful. The cottages are very rustic, but clean. The only drawbacks here are the full sized beds.

I agree with the statement about Camden....it is just right. There are a lot of great restaurants and shops. There is a lot to do in the harbor: sail, kayak, eat, shop, hike!

Lincolnville is small, but there are a couple of nice restaurants near the beach and ferry terminal. It is very close to the entrance to Camden Hills State Park for hiking Mt. Battie and Megunticook.

Check the driving directions to Bayside. It looks like the charming village we drove past that's a ways off Rt 1. I can visualize wonderful strolls around the area but a long drive to restaurants. We've visited Camden in late September. It will still be busy on weekends so make restaurant reservations.

I would definitely consider Bayside. You can visit other islands on the ferry in Northport and Camden is very close.

I'm narrowing things down a bit. My priorities are a view of the ocean and convenient location for exploring, so I think I''ve eliminated a couple of places that are a bit remote, like Christmas Cove, and there was another cottage on nearby Seal Cove, even tho' they look wonderful. I'll save those for when I want to veg out for a week.

I found a place on the water along Route 1, 2.5 mi. from Camden. It''s a "green farm" with a small motel, a cottage and an apartment for rent, all with water views. The apt. is on the top floor, looks bright and airy and has a little terrace and wonderful views. Since I'm alone I like the idea of being in a quiet area but not too isolated.
Bayside also fits the bill so that's still in the running.

tooch, Oakland Seashore looks great, with the cottages right on the water. That didn't show up in any of my searches.

Thanks again for all the replies.

Please please please eat at Primo in Rockland. The Chef won the James Beard award this year. It is my favorite restaurant in Maine.

Bayside is very small and quiet, you'll be traveling to Belfast and Camden for grocery shopping, dining etc. Route 1, no matter how green the farm is, is still Route 1, though the traffic lets up a bit in September. Owl's Head, Tenant's Harbor and Spruce Head are all worth looking at. High Tide Inn, just north of Camden, is nicely set on a private cove yet a short drive into all the conveniences of town. The cottages are quite basic, however.

Katie, I've seen Primo mentioned in a couple of guidebooks I was browsing through. It sounds great.

clark, there are many nice cottages in the areas you mentioned. And still close enough to Camden, I think.

I need to stop looking and make a decision. There's plenty to choose from.

Thanks for the info.