The entire town of Camden is walker friendly. Head out to the park and ampitheater near the library, and enjoy the view of Camden’s waterfront year round. To the right, are shops and restaurants. Head for the end of the street to the left is and you’re back around the block and 100 yards from the Inn’s front door.
Entering the Inn, the first thing that jumps out are the many oriental art and antiques in the common areas. I did not have a chance to photograph them, but they are very interesting to look at. A cozy sitting room is off to the right, with sofas, and books galore. There is even a “Free” basket of assorted books make the place feel inviting.
The Hawthorne is a completely NONSMOKING inn and property. For dietary conscious guests, the inn does not serve breakfast meats, but instead serves a variety of fish, shellfish and smoked fish. Maryann uses locally procured, organically grown produce. They are very adept at accommodating dietary limitations.
The Jeannette is a suite with a small sitting area with a gas stove, love seat, high back chair, and a small coffee table. The space is very convenient for working with a laptop, or cuddling with a book in front of the stove. The closet space is roomy, furnished with thoughtful items: Two bathrobes, an iron, small ironing board and a flashlight for walking through the garden into town at night. Umbrellas are also provided.
The suite’s hardwood floors, oriental throw rugs and warm décor combine to create clean lines and a rest inducing appearance in the room. Double doors open to the bedroom, where a comfortable queen sized four poster bed adorned with hats on the posts awaits. The generously spaced bathroom has a huge shower (large enough for two), pedestal sink and plenty of room to move around. The suite is wallpapered with a floral print in the sitting area and a lattice print in the bedroom.
The window treatments, pull down accordion shades and sheers that look like hand made kozo fiber paper are gorgeous in the day, and needful at night. The Inn is set back from Route 1, so the traffic noise is quieter than most places in Camden.
Maryann is a gracious hostess. Coffee on a tray appears at the door of the suite at 7:30am. A morning snack of pecans and dried apricots also came with the coffee. Upon learning that I drink tea, Maryann brought up a pot for me at 2 in the afternoon. The house is beautiful, yellow exterior, the turret space is unique. White wicker furniture gives the Turret Room an endless garden feel.
Innkeepers Maryanne and Bill go to great lengths to ensure guests comfort. Breakfasts are a two course delight of beautiful presentation, the right mix of food, juice, fruit and coffee. The Poached Pear with Almonds and Raspberry glaze and the Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon was the perfect mixture of traditional with a classy twist. Coffee cups and china are easy to hold especially if ones hands are arthritic. The Carriage House in back has 4 rooms, the main house has 6. The Inn sleeps 10 at a time.
Maryann loves the celebrations of life, and after 50 weddings at the Inn, decided to have her own nuptials here. She is also a writer and heads up the Camden Literary Festival, a year long celebration with events culminating into a 3 day event in November 2010. The Hawthorne Inn is located at
9 High Street, Camden, Maine 04843
For Reservations, call (866) 381-3647.
Website: http://www.camdenhawthorn.com/
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