Hartstone Inn
Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant

The elegant Hartstone Inn offers an enchanting hideaway in the heart of Camden, Maine.

Luxurious bed and breakfast lodging accommodations, intimate touches, and gourmet cuisine prepared by none other than the owner himself are all part of your stay, making this New England Inn a welcome hotel alternative.

Carefully chosen furnishings, authentic period antiques, family heirlooms, and exacting reproductions create a mood of long-ago charm and romance.

Michael Salmon, an international, award-winning chef with nearly two decades of cooking experience, and his wife, Mary Jo, bought this 1835 Mansard-style Victorian home back in 1998 after a stint in Aruba. Their Caribbean experiences prompted Mary Jo's love of orchids, some of which are featured in the front parlor, and influenced Chef Michael's cuisine. Together, they have over thirty years' hospitality experience. Chef Michael Salmon has also been invited to cook at the James Beard House in October.

All of the Hartstone accommodations are air-conditioned and pamper guests with the finest in coordinated designer bedding. Each of the inn's seven queen-sized guest rooms has a private bath, and seven suites provide the additional amenities of a fireplace, television, VCR, large sitting area, and private garden. Some of the more romantic quarters also come with claw-foot soaking tubs, Jacuzzi tubs, or lace canopy beds. Other special touches include soft robes, special soaps, chocolate truffles, and fresh flowers.

Guests awaken each day to the aroma of freshly brewed gourmet coffee and home-baked breads, muffins, and pastries. Enjoy Chef Michael's Seven-Grain Vanilla Waffles, Maine Lobster with Asparagus Quiche, Atlantic Smoked Salmon Benedict, and other sumptuous entrees on the sunny porch or in front of the Inn's dining room fireplace.

Afternoon arrives with a serving of tea and cookies in the library. Other culinary amenities may be special ordered to make your stay at Hartstone even more memorable, whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply wish to pamper someone special. These include personalized cakes; fruit baskets; gourmet picnic baskets; homemade chocolates and truffles served on china with a personal message; and wine, cheese, and sausage trays.

Chef Michael, previously named Caribbean Chef of the Year, also tantalizes taste buds with a fabulous, candle-lit, five-course dinner served on fine china and crystal. Signature dishes include Caribbean Peppered Tenderloin of Pork with a Mango-Cilantro Sauce and Sweet Potato Crusted Salmon with a Chive Beurre Blanc. The evening menu changes daily to utilize the freshest possible ingredients and includes a list of on-site cellar wines and an assortment of imported and domestic beers.

Although this may seem like a country inn, the Hartstone's location in the heart of Camden puts you in the middle of all the action. You'll be just a short stroll away from all the great shops, galleries, and restaurants. The harbor is a "stone's throw" away, with its fleet of Windjammers and bustle of activity. Early risers won't want to miss the sun rising over Camden Harbor.

Recreational options include sailing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, golf, cycling, skiing, and a little friendly competition in Hartstone's on-site game room. The Camden Snow Bowl, just five minutes from the inn, offers 11 ski trails and a famed toboggan chute. And if you'd rather ski cross-country, you'll find numerous trails in Camden Hills State Park.

Camden's state park also contains a roadway that will take you to the top of Mount Battie, where you'll enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view of Penobscot Bay and all of its many islands. Acadia National Park makes a great day trip, and the local ferry will transport you to the attractions of any one of several popular islands. The area's various lighthouse and museum tours will pique the interest of history buffs.

For those who enjoy great food, the Hartstone features seasonal food festivals, such as the Lobster Festival, Maine Blueberry Festival, and Spring Asparagus Festival. Chef Michael also offers various cooking classes throughout the year and packages several "cooking weekends" for those who want to take his class and also get a fill of his gourmet fare.