Christmas is a special time of year at the Inn and in Camden. The shops seem more cheerful somehow, and the main street is bustling with people purchasing special gifts (and maybe a few things for themselves, it’s hard to resist the temptation!).

The harbor is as beautiful as ever and sometimes in the December sun looks deceivingly warm. The shrink wrapped boats stored high above the water in the marina are visible reminders that it is winter however, and that spring is quite a ways off.

We love this time of year here and have found that the guests who stay with us enjoy the small town atmosphere. Shopkeepers will stop to chat with you while ringing up your purchases and if you get tired while carrying your gifts stop in to Boynton McKay for a cup of coffee and a homemade donut. Here you will find warmth and a comforting atmosphere unlike any in a big city.

At the Inn, we’ll be fully decorated for the holiday with thousands of white lights wrapped around a big old oak tree at our entrance and Christmas decor indoors. The fireplace will be burning brightly in the lounge, the perfect spot for a hot chocolate – or a cocktail.

If you are looking to escape the stress of the holiday season we highly recommend our Five Days of Christmas Celebration Package. The package includes skiing at the Camden Snow Bowl, a visit and wine tasting at Cellardoor Winery, Christmas Dinner at Natalie’s and even a hot stone massage in our mini-spa. There is more too to enjoy, including a special Christmas present from us.

We hope your holiday plans include a relaxing stay with us!

For 26 years, Camden has begun its Christmas celebrations with Christmas by the Sea, a weekend of fun activities for the whole family.

Join us for an evening Christmas parade through the center of Camden on the 29th, followed by the lighting of our holiday trees in town, and the lighting of the tree at the Camden Harbour Inn. The town comes to life with the twinkling lights and the sounds of horse hooves and carriage bells from the free carriage rides through the village.

Santa arrives by boat in Rockport Harbor on Saturday, December 1 in the morning, adding to the excitement and merriment.

The entire weekend is filled with special sales, craft fairs and more. We’re serving a special three course holiday dinner at the nearby Cellardoor Vineyard on Saturday night, it’s part of their meet the Art Collector Maine series and promises to be an extraordinary evening with artist Craig Mooney.

We are offering a two night package for Christmas by the Sea, including the holiday dinner at Cellardoor. Imagine, relax in comfort, indulge in the a la carte champagne breakfast at the Inn, reconnect with the wonder of Christmas that you remember as a child, and purchase unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.

Package details are online. We hope to see you for one of our favorite weekends of the year!

We’re excited and proud that Maine to say that in our adopted home state of Maine, voters made history by being the first in the country to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote.

Oscar and I come from the Netherlands, where same-sex marriage has been legal for over a decade. We believe that marriage is about the love and commitment of two people who work together as equals to weather life’s celebrations and challenges, become members of each others families, and often raise children together. In the Netherlands, we believe that one can never deny another person the right to equality. We are born free and equal, endowed with reason and a conscience, and we should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

To celebrate this historical milestone in Maine we have created a wonderful same sex marriage package benefiting the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in support of Americans for Marriage Equality. Gay couples are expected to be able to get married in Maine by the beginning of January 2013.

Called the Maine Is For All! Lovers Wedding Package, this package  is a two night package and includes all 20 guestrooms and suites, overlooking the harbor or bay. In addition, the package includes our famous Champagne breakfast every morning; a one-hour cocktail reception with a signature cocktail and passed
 hors d’oeuvres; a four-course sit-down dinner, Champagne toast, open bar and a
 Rainbow Wedding Cake with coffee and tea. For the wedding couple we will also include a 60-minute couples massage.

In addition, we will make a donation in honor of the wedding couple to the HRC, they are developing a public engagement campaign featuring prominent Americans who support the marriage of committed gay and lesbian
couples. There is still a lot of work to be done in the rest of the country, and we hope that this campaign will help others understand the importance of allowing everyone to have the opportunity to marry.

For pricing and more information, visit our website.

And a hearty congratulations to all the newly engaged couples!

The “Moody Mountain Flip” is one of a series of cocktails featuring Maine-made ingredients, created by Natalie’s mixologist Tom Laslavic.

This bourbon based cocktail features the rich flavor of a dark maple syrup produced in Hope, Maine at Moody Mountain Farm. We think this local maple syrup is one of the best you’ll find anywhere.

The cocktail has a smooth texture and is scented by the Angostura bitters. The rich maple flavor sweetens the Bulleit Bourbon and lasts into the cocktail’s smooth finish.

You can make it yourself at home, or stop by at Natalie’s and Tom will be happy to make one for you. While you’re here, we hope you’ll join us for dinner and make an evening of it.

The tasty "Moody Mountain Flip"

Moody Mountain Flip

Moody Mountain Maple Syrup, Lemon, Bulleit Rye, Egg White, Angostura Bitters
1 ½ oz Bulleit Bourbon
¾ oz Lemon
½ Moody Mountain Maple Syrup
1 egg white
ice

Combine all of the above in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into cocktail glass and top with Angostura Bitters drops.

Cheers!

Anyone who grew up as a fan of “Who’s the Boss” will remember Jonathan Bower. Well, Jonathon grew up, and on November 2, the actor who portrayed him, Daniel Pintauro, will visit Camden to perform in the zany all male comedy “Mommie Queerest.”

Daniel Pintauro

Pintauro began his professional career at the age of 2 as a model and commercial actor, at age 3 he began a 5 year contract role on CBS-TV’s daytime drama As The World Turns, which was followed by his acclaimed film debut as Tad in Stephen King’s “Cujo.” Other film and television credits include “The Benniker Gang” with Andrew McCarthy, CBS-TV’s Timestalkers, and a two-part season opener on Highway To Heaven with Michael Landon.

The star studded evening doesn’t end with Danny though. The full cast features many of the actors who have performed across the country. Christopher, Joan Crawford’s adopted son, is played by Brian Dunham; Brooks Braselman plays Christina, Joan Crawford’s adopted daughter and playwright Jamie Morris plays Joan Crawford.

The always sensational Edie

Christopher Kenney is well known to Camden Opera House audiences and beyond as drag sensation EDIE and The Mistress of Sensuality, the host and emcee of one of the most popular shows in Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil’s “Zumanity”, will direct “Mommie Queerest”. Kenney is taking time out of his busy performance schedule to return to Camden, due to his love of the village, the cause, and his desire to bring a Broadway class act to town. Kenney won the LA Weekly Theater Award as Best Comedy Director for his work on “Mommie Queerest,” and was named by Las Vegas City Life readers as Best Local Theater Director for his work on Jamie Morris’ trilogy of plays.

Morris is best known for his stage parodies, which have toured the country since 2003. His other works include The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode and The Silence of the Clams, both of which had world premieres in Provincetown. He lives in Las Vegas and plays Father Mark in the long-running interactive comedy Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding at Bally’s Hotel & Casino.

We hope you’ll join us on Friday, November 2 at 8 pm at the Camden Opera House for what promises to be a raucous evening. Continue the fun at the cast party at Natalie’s after the show.

Individual tickets are $25 and are available through the Camden Opera House. Dinner packages at Natalie’s, Camden Harbour Inn, are available for $67 including a 3-course dinner and reserved orchestra seats at “Mommie Queerest.”

We are also offering a two-night package including tickets and a 3-course dinner the night of the show and a 5-course tasting menu on the second night as well as breakfast daily for $333 per person.

For tickets to “Mommie Queerest,” contact the Camden Opera House at (207) 470-7066 or book online. For dinner packages at Natalie’s, including reserved seating at the Camden Opera House, call 207-236-7008.

While news of Apple 5.0′s arrival has swept the nation our mixologist, Tom Laslavic, has created a different version here at the bar at Natalie’s.

His recipe is tasty, and doesn’t require standing in any line. All you have to do is get a seat at the bar and Tom will mix one up for you.

Here is his recipe in case you’d like to try this at home:

Tom’s Apple 5.0
Muddle 1/4 apple in 2 parts Apple Ice Wine.

Add 1/2 part lemon juice, 1/2 part Amaretto and 1 part Honeymaker Blueberry Mead.

Shake with ice and double strain into a small wine glass and top with 3 oz of a brut sparkling wine.

Apple 5.0

Best of all, it’s a celebration of the flavors of fall. Today’s bright blue sky has made all the gorgeous colors really shine.

We hope you can join us to see some of the breathtaking foliage and indulge in fall’s new flavor, Tom’s “Apple 5.0″

Cheers!

It’s the 30th Anniversary of the cult classic film Mommie Dearest and we’re bringing Jamie Morris’ twisted comedy “Mommie Queerest,” to the Camden Opera House for one night only, Friday, November 2 at 8 pm, in honor of Equality Maine and to celebrate.

This outrageously funny comedy premiered in Provincetown in 2003 to sold-out Rocky Horror-type crowds and has since played every major city in America. Featuring an all-male cast, this LA Weekly Theater Award-winning play tells the now-famous story of Hollywood’s baddest Mama and her rocky relationship with adopted daughter Christina, with a twist: What if Joan Crawford had really been a man?

Christopher Kenney – well known to Camden Opera House audiences and beyond as drag sensation EDIE – will direct. Kenney’s character EDIE is currently featured as The Mistress of Sensuality, the host and emcee of one of the most popular shows in Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil’s “Zumanity.”

Morris is best known for his stage parodies, which have toured the country since 2003. His other works include “The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode” and “The Silence of the Clams,” both of which premiered in Provincetown. He lives in Las Vegas and plays Father Mark in the long-running interactive comedy “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” at Bally’s Hotel & Casino.

We are presenting “Mommie Queerest” in support of Equality Maine.

 Individual tickets are $25 and are available through the Camden Opera House. Dinner packages at Natalie’s are available for $67 including a 3-course dinner and reserved orchestra seats at “Mommie Queerest.”

If you’d like to make a weekend out of it, we’re also offering a two-night package including tickets and a 3 course dinner the night of the show and a 5-course tasting menu on the second night as well as breakfast daily for $333 per person. For reservations, give us a call at 207-236-4200.

Following the performance all ticket holders are invited to an after party here at Natalie’s. We’re serving complimentary hors d’oeuvres and will host a meet and greet with the cast from “Mommie Queerest.”

For tickets to “Mommie Queerest,” contact the Camden Opera House at 207-236-7963 or book online at camdenoperahouse.com. For dinner packages at Natalie’s, including reserved seating at the Camden Opera House, call 207-236-7008.

Executive Chef Geoffroy Deconinck has launched his new fall menu at Natalie’s. We’re excited to share this menu with you and look forward to hearing your thoughts. We’ve already received some rave reviews from dinner guests and we hope you will enjoy the food as well.

We are open for dinner Monday – Saturday this time of year. As we get closer to the winter we will be open Tuesday- Saturday. Reservations are always recommended, please give us a call at 236-7008 or book online.

The new menu offers lots of options designed to suit your mood. We have a three course and five course menu with selections from our a la carte menu, a five course Chef’s Tasting Menu created daily with new dishes, our four course Lobster Tasting Menu, which also changes daily, and a la carte options.

The new a la carte appetizers include a refreshing Fall Salad with Local Greens, Blue Cheese Stuffed Apple, Candied Walnuts, House-made Duck Prosciutto and Cider Vinaigrette; House Cured Scottish Salmon with Cucumber and Avocado, and to add a bit of zip Spicy Croutons and Horseradish Cream; Wild Mushroom Soup with Black Trumpet Mushroom, Scallions and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds; Chef’s take on a traditional Lobster Bisque with Lobster Fricassee, Sautéed Corn and Peppers; tender Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Braised Endives, Speck Ham and Preserved Black Truffle Sauce, and Housemade Tagliatelle with Local Tomatoes, Squash and Pesto.

For entrees, Chef has added Roasted Maine Lobster with Celeriac Puree, Root Vegetables and Shellfish Foam to the menu; his favorite lamb from Roasted North Star Farm, is served with Fennel Puree, Broccolini, Cherry Tomatoes and Fried Polenta, and Chef is well known for his “duos,” for the fall he is serving Beef Duo of Braised Short Ribs & Roasted Aged Striploin, Onion Puree, Parsnip, Radicchio and Jus de Braisage. For vegetarians and fans of fall vegetables there is a Cocotte of Seasonal Vegetables with Preserved Black Truffle; other menu items include a Seared Codfish dish and Seared Berkshire Pork Loin.

To conclude the meal our International Cheese Plate is always an option. New for the fall we also have a lovely Anise Crème Brulee with Gingerbread and Wine Poached Pear, a tempting Chocolate Souffle and a delicious Apple Tart as well as a selection of sorbets.

Bon appetit!

While the leaves aren’t changing quite yet in Camden we did want to share some great news! This year is predicted to be an incredible year to see fall colors in Maine. The summer was fairly dry, and hot, which means we can look forward to those incredible scarlet, blaze orange and golden leaves that made Camden, Maine one of the most beautiful places in New England for fall foliage.

You can check out Maine’s foliage in real time by going to Maine’s Fall Foliage website. The chart, which just launched today, shows which areas of the state are beginning to turn.

Here is a picture that shows off the beauty of what’s in store, it’s taken from the window of one of our guest rooms at the Camden Harbour Inn.

If you’d like to visit us this fall, we’ve got some great package options for you. We hope you can join us.

The Camden Hills

September is upon us with all its glory. The ocean breeze, the blue skies, the cool evenings and days filled with warm sunshine are a treat for everyone.

This is the time of year for renewal as well, and in our restaurant Natalie’s, Executive Chef Geoffroy Deconinck is preparing a new menu highlighting the best flavors of the season. Current plans are for him to present a staff tasting of the menu next week, and then the menu will be launched in the restaurant shortly after. We’ll definitely post about the new items as soon as it’s finalized, but based on the wonderful aromas from the kitchen and the rave reviews to Chef’s summer menu, we’re confident it will be a hit.

Speaking of flavors of the season, fall for many in Maine is synonymous with apples, and we’ve got you covered if you are hoping to enjoy a lovely afternoon picking some of the most flavorful apples anywhere. Hope Orchards, in Hope, just opened today for picking. Cider pressing, which is always interesting, will be later in the month. If you don’t feel like picking any apples yourself you can just pick some up at the stand.

There is a lot more to do here than apple picking though. Later this month Camden is host to two very different events – the Camden International Film Festival and Vinfest. The Camden International Film Festival starts on Thursday, September 27 and features a great line up of documentaries, events and programs for film makers and those curious about the process of making documentaries. The Festival runs through Sunday, September 30.

The same weekend, starting on Friday, September 28, is Cellardoor Winery’s famous Vinfest. This event features a sit down dinner with live music (sold out, sorry about that) followed by desserts and dancing with The Commodores. There are tickets available for the dessert and dancing, and what an intimate and amazing concert that promises to be! On Saturday the festivities continue with a full day of grape stomping, food and wine pairings, BBQ and more. Then on Sunday, a Gatsby Affair at the Vineyard will conclude this extraordinary weekend. The event supports the Bay Chamber Concerts and promises to be an incredible party.

We hope you are able to join us for some of the fun!