The Inn At Ocean's Edge blog

About three weeks ago we were scratching our heads about the “ice-out” date on Lake Megunticook, which stretches north to south across the border between Camden and Lincolnville on the West side of Camden Hills State Park, and this morning I captured this shot of the lake on my way into town. Serenity, sun rays poking through morning clouds, buds growing on the trees which surround small houses on the handful tiny islands that dot the lake. Summer, we are waiting for you with open arms!

The 2009 season at The Inn at Ocean’s Edge wrapped up with a big party for the Pop!Tech conference. Now we’re taking a break, putting away pool furniture, putting the edge back into our edgeless infinity pool by draining it in preparation for Maine’s famous snowfall. The Black Point Inn is finishing its season with a Thanksgiving dinner, and Migis Lodge has already stowed their boats preparing for winter.

Our only property which remains open is the Inn at Camden Place, in downtown Camden. Check it out for quiet, comfortable accommodations in the heart of a busy little harbor town.

What happens to the staff? Some have taken off for college a couple of months ago. Others migrate south to Florida and the islands for seasonal jobs in other luxurious hospitality locations. And yet others stay around in Maine, working out new menus for the 2010 seasons, performing maintenance on equipment and staffing the office to answer calls and emails about reservations for the coming season. We catch up with our families during the holidays and begin the countdown to Mother’s Day weekend – May 7, 2010 – our opening date!

Enjoy your winter! Happy Holidays!

A room at The Inn at Camden Place

Fireplace in the Tantalus Lounge at The Edge

We’re hosting a Tweetup at The Edge tomorrow night, Thursday, at 7pm. PopTech sessions end around 6:30, so c’mon over. Find us on Twitter @InnOceansEdge

The Edge at night

When: Thursday, 10/22, 7pm

Where: At The Edge Oceanfront Restaurant at The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, 4 and 1/2 miles north of the Camden Opera House. Plug in 2268 Atlantic Highway, Lincolnville, ME into your GPS – detailed directions

This week’s menu if you want to grab a bite – dining, casual, sweets, drinks

Farmers’ Fare just opened in the neighboring town of Rockport. In the open letter greeting visitors on their site, they welcome us, “We at Farmers Fare want to bring a contemporary interpretation to traditions that have always enriched our lives. We will host Sunday suppers, pig roasts, pumpkin carvings and other fun events. We pledge to provide a welcoming atmosphere, and scrumptious local food and products of highest quality. We will provide rooms for lectures and informal meetings about food, cooking, and growing healthy crops.” We visited one afternoon last week to check it out. One open large space serves as a market and a cafe. One of the walls has been painted with chalk paint, where many a recent visitor has left his mark.

Along the southern wall of the room stand coolers stocked with drinks and meats. The last one in line says, “Pay It Forward”. Hmm? What a wonderful idea! One can help themselves to a sweet frozen treat and, optionally, leave a dollar – “feed the cow”. Or put a buck in now and pick up your treat another time. Treats come in a variety of flavors including lemon, multi-berry and one labeled “???” – mystery flavor! Yum!

Stop by and visit our new neighbors, on Route 90, within a half mile of its northern intersection with Route 1 in Rockport.

The Juice Conference connects leaders of the creative economy to foster growth and prosperity. Weaving together the arts, technology, and entrepreneurship, Juice inspires innovation by bringing talented people together from widely different backgrounds to build on Maine’s traditions. Juice is a forum where attendees can learn, exchange ideas, share success stories and provide input to shape the development of strategies for Maine’s future.

The speakers’ list has just been announced and includes Nick Spitzer, Governor Baldacci, Liz Lerman, Marci Rossell and many others!

View of Camden from Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park

PopTech fellows, speakers and participants are beginning to arrive into the Camden area. The conference officially begins on Thursday, October 22. “Held in a beautifully restored, 19th-century opera house, this three-day summit explores major trends shaping our future, the social impact of new technologies, and new approaches to addressing the world’s most significant challenges.”

Michael Pollan is on the list of Speakers. He is the author of best-selling and award winning “In Defense of Food”, “Omnivore’s Dilemma”, “The Botany of Desire” and many others. “Few people reflect and report more astutely on the state of American food production and consumption than Michael Pollan. Beginning with his fascination in plant cultivation, THE BOTANY OF DESIRE, Pollan has become a mixture of reporter and prophet, documenting the state of American food and warning of the consequences if we don’t change our ways.”

“The Botany of Desire”, the movie based on Pollan’s book, is scheduled for released on PBS within the next two weeks, around October 28. Check your local listings and times.

Damariscotta’s Pumpkinfest as a word hits the nail on the head: this is one festival where pumpkin is king. The pumpkin weigh-off, completed three days ago, paved the way for the festivities of the weekend. Pumpkin building, carving and painting, pumpkin “chunkin” (distance), a parade of the giant pumpkins, underwater carving, motorized pumpkin boat regatta, pumpkin catapult, pumpkin paddleboat races, and, of course, pancake and pie eating galore. Here is the full schedule of events, but don’t bother reading the whole list, just jump in your car and go – I promise you a lot of fun!

Camden Hills State Park signature location is the scenic vista high atop Mt. Battie where sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands await. On a clear day, like today, visitors can see Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park, Islesboro, Northaven, Vinalhaven and many smaller islands in the bay.

Fast Tube by Casper

A parade shut down Route 1 through Lincolnville Beach as the rain held back on Saturday morning, October 2. Shoestring Theater from Portland stole the show with their costumes and stilts, entertaining the crowd, young and old. Many were entertained by the firetrucks, tractors, kids on bikes, a Ferris Wheel, a Farmer’s Market and much more. Traffic was temporarily rerouted via Beach Rd and Ducktrap Rd. Our camera crew captured some of the fun.

Fast Tube by Casper

This time – an update from the Inn:

“The plentiful summer rain allowed the foliage to develop vigorously, and most crowns now appear full, dense and very  lush. All regions appear to be on track for another spectacular season,” said Bill Ostrofsky, a forest pathologist with the Maine Forest Service.

Traditionally, Midcoast Maine’s peak foliage is between the last week of September and the middle week of October. New this year, we’re offering a limited-time promotion for a memorable foliage experience:

- One night in one of our Premium Oceanview Rooms with a fireplace (balcony optional)

- Full gourmet breakfast in the morning

- Dinner for two one night in our oceanfront restaurant The Edge

- Scenic helicopter ride for two (15-20 miles) to capture the ephemeral beauty of the coastal foliage from the air!!

Call the office to reserve (207)236-0945.