After strolling around a gray, dreary and rainy Camden, Maine during a chilly autumn day, and a disappointing lunch in town we were loathe to drive back in the rain for dinner. We had heard good things about the restaurant and had hard to come by reservations so we moved forward as planned. As we drove down the dark two lane slick road from Lincolnville Beach south toward Natalie’s we wondered whether we would be better off returning to the dry and warm comfort of our inn.
Cold, rainy gray weather made it challenging to enjoy the features, facilities and amenities of the Inn to full advantage. The 22 acre property had pretty green lawns and 500 feet fronting a rocky beach. Perhaps because the 32 rooms were spread across three separate buildings the only time we became aware it was full was at breakfast and when the parking lot overflowed.
At the beginning of our trip to Maine while we were in Portland, I searched high and low for a massage. Some windows announced treatments, but most of the time on close viewing the listing was unrelated to the shop where it was posted. One shop had a single masseuse and she was unavailable for several days. Others were less desirable. Frustrated, I gave up following several unsuccessful attempts at booking a massage.
The first surprise we had regarding the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens was how popular it was when we arrived at midday on a Friday in the fall to find most of the parking space was already taken. The second surprise was how many areas beyond the immediate entrance felt secluded despite the number of people we knew were inside the attraction.
The 270 acre tidal shoreline park was the largest botanical garden in New England and the only botanical garden in Maine. It had display gardens, shore land trails, wild woodlands, 50 sculptures on exhibit (and rotating art exhibits inside the Bosarge Family Education Center), and educational programming. We liked the cleverly organized design of the attraction itself, its interactive features like the fairy garden, varied plant life, water views and separate garden sections. We especially appreciated the serenity of the contemplative garden.
It was evident the management and staff dedicated much thought and effort to the layout and maintenance of the Gardens. It was a pleasant place to spend time enjoying and admiring nature. We would gladly return should we be in the Portland or Boothbay area of Maine again.