LINCONVILLE, MAINE: The labors of fishermen, farmers, artisanal producers, and a 30-year old chef who also forages are the focus at The Edge, so named because of its perch overlooking Penobscot Bay at the Inn at Ocean's Edge. Chef Bryan Dame makes the most of the state's natural resources, turning out local cod in a creamy bacon-and-vegetable-laden chowder, whole lobster roasted on rock salt in a wood-fired oven, and a pâté of rabbit and chanterelles. Route 1 (207-236-4430; innatoceansedge.com).
Your Maine Stay. Considering a romantic getaway somewhere Down East this summer? Why not avoid the hordes along the touristy coast of Maine and pamper yourselves with serene luxury at an oceanfront hideaway. Set on 22 landscaped acres overlooking the sea, The Inn at Ocean's Edge is one of those rare "finds" that savvy travelers prefer to keep secret.
Everything about this intimate little haven is tranquil and romantic. Fireplaces and Jacuzzis add finishing touches to the spacious and luxuriously appointed rooms. You can mingle with fellow guests (or not) in the book-lined common rooms where you'll also find computers and wi-fi. Should ocean swimming seem too rigorous, there's an oceanfront "infinity" pool edged with flowers and comfy chaises. And a short stroll through the private pine forest leads to The Edge, a superb restaurant where, on warm evenings, you can dine on the deck while enjoying spectacular views of the ocean.
Innkeepers Mary Ann and David Barrett have mastered the art of making you feel like VIP's while, at the same time, letting you pretend you're invisible in your own private bubble. And that's the Maine thing.
The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Lincolnville
The owners of the Inn at Ocean’s Edge, 4 ½ miles north of Camden,
are wise enough not to compete much with the views of Penobscot Bay. Set
on 23 breathtaking bay-front acres, this upscale inn recently benefited from
a $3 million makeover complete with an infinity-edge heated pool, sensitive landscaping,
and a top-notch restaurant that serves delicately prepared fare using local products. It’s
close enough to the attractions of Camden and Lincolnville Beach for guests to
get out during the day, but it’s a world apart come evening.
At the end of a narrow, tree-lined road just a few short miles outside the wonderful hustle and bustle of downtown Camden, there is an inn perched on the edge of the Atlantic that feels a world away from the daily summer hubbub. The aptly named Inn at Ocean’s Edge is cut into a plunging hillside that tumbles down to Penobscot Bay. Looking across the water to both Islesboro and Seven Hundred Acre Island as they rise up from the chilly sea, the Inn is the picture of an idyllic Maine getaway.
With just 32 rooms spread across three buildings on 23 secluded acres, the Inn is large enough to offer more privacy than your average bed and breakfast, and yet it isn’t so big that it sacrifi ces coziness or character. With its ideal location and attention to detail, the Inn combines the charm of the bygone era of grand hotels with a modern sophistication and elegance. In the four years since they purchased it, the owners—husband and wife Tim and Joan Porta and partner Jesse Henry—have overseen a dramatic transformation of the Inn at Ocean’s Edge. But anyone who knows the Porta name won’t be surprised: the family has been associated with one of Maine’s most popular and luxurious accommodations for decades.