Hidden in the small town of Camden, Maine the Hartstone Inn is perfect for a weekend foodie getaway.Housed in a converted Federal style home built in 1835, Chef Michael Salmon (a former recipient of Caribbean Chef of the Year) and his wife Mary Jo run their inn with a focus on comfortable luxury and gourmet cuisine. Rooms are comfortably appointed with sumptuous linens and french provincial touches while the common spaces retain a Victorian feel with a nod to the building’s historic charms. During my travels through Maine I became increasingly convinced that all Maine residents have a sixth sense when it comes to gardening and the Hartstone was no different. Hydrangeas, with their white fluffy blooms greet me at the entrance while cheerful lilies and demure daisies line the path to my room. Mary Jo’s love of orchids is on also display with the delicate flowers gracing nearly every space.
Guests of the inn will be treated to a delectable 2 course breakfast featuring seasonal and local ingredients while Mary Jo and Chef Michael help you plan your day around Maine’s beautiful mid coast.Dessert is always a good start to the day in my opinion and the lemon-berry trifle that greeted us was kissed with the best of Maine’s midsummer blueberry harvest. A savory ham and swiss crepe, an elevated take on the omelet, justified breakfast’s reputation as the most important meal of the day.
I had the chance to speak with Chef Michael as he graciously gave me a behind the scenes tour of his kitchen. He still blushes when asked about the time he and Mary Jo welcomed Julia Child as a dinner guest at the inn. While visiting her summer home in nearby Deer Isle Julia, her beloved husband Paul and a good friend spent an evening in Camden to dine at the Hartstone. (They originally wanted to stay overnight but the Inn was completely booked. Can you imagine having to tell Julia Child no?). Chef Michael took obvious delight in recounting the culinary icon’s overflowing personality and gracious warmth as she complimented dinner and asked to meet the couple’s two feline children, holding and petting both of them. Before leaving she posed for pictures and signed Chef Michael’s 1966 copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
The kitchen is not only the studio for the restaurant’s daily creations but also serves as the classroom for the Inn’s weekend cooking classes. Classes cover a wide variety of culinary topics and techniques from how to best showcase Maine’s famous lobster to holiday favorites. Foodies looking for a more personalized experience can sign up to be a Chef for the Day, with one-on-one instruction as you help prepare that evening’s dinner. I’m tempted to join Mary Jo and Chef Michael on their next Foodie Adventure Tour, which in recent years has explored Tuscany, Catalonia and France. Their small group tours explore local villages and markets in search of the region’s best fare before returning to a luxury villa for hands on instruction preparing regional specialties.
Be sure to save room for the Hartstone’s 5 course chef’s tasting dinner. Chef Michael marries classic French technique with global influences, each course better than the one before. The standout of the night for me was the butter poached lobster with vanilla buerre blanc, the fragrant sauce a perfect foil for Maine’s succulent lobster. Of course you simply must end the meal with one of Chef Michael’s signature souffles(If they’re good enough for Julia Child you better believe I had to try one). Perfectly airy, the rich chocolate souffle was topped with toasty macadamia and finished table side with a cappuccino creme anglaise.
Follow in Julia’s footsteps and head for this charming culinary retreat in Maine. The good food and luxurious quarters in this quintessential coastal New England town have me longing to return.
Charles McCool says
Hard to beat a b&b in Maine in nice weather. And your food descriptions (and pictures) are making me hungry!
Brianna says
This B &B was really a home away from home(if you have a world class chef at home that is).
Denver Photographer says
What a cute place. My GF, and I have recently been going to more B+B’s and we’ve really started to love them. I love the people you end up meeting, and everyone seems to be so nice in that house setting.
Brianna says
I completely agree that B&Bs have a much more relaxed and personal feel than a large hotel. I also think they are more reflective on an area’s local culture.
Will Tang says
Looks beautiful here! Just did a B&B stay locally here and absolutely loved it (and I’m usually more of a resort kind of guy).
Brianna says
I love luxury inns and B&Bs, for me they seem to have a much more personal touch.
Claudia says
Even a totally not interested in food person like i am starts wanting to try food with such descriptions and pictures. I love the inside of the hotel. So charming!
Mindi @ 2foodtrippers says
If it’s good enough for Julia Child, then dinner at the Hartstone Inns is certainly good enough for me! Seriously, the inn looks to be a lovely place to both stay and dine.
Axelle says
Beautiful interior and food! I must remember this one when going to Maine 🙂
Em says
This looks like a prefect place for a get-away. And the food looks amazing, although reading this on an empty stomach has made me very hungry indeed! 🙂 Great article
Samantha @ mytanfeet says
I’m sold on the food! I’m sure Maine is really pretty during the summers too so that’s a great combination 🙂
Amanda C @ UnrestingSea says
I absolutely adore the decor! I would be facepalming so hard if I had to turn away Julia Child. I’ve yet to legitimately stay in a B&B, but if they’re all as charming as this one, I think I would love it. 🙂
Brianna says
I’ve stayed in a few, I really enjoy the personal touches B&Bs offer
Britany says
Looks like the perfect way to experience Maine! I would love to go there someday during the summer months. (I could do without a Maine winter.)
Brianna says
The summer weather was just perfect!
Adrian of Adrian's Travel Tales says
Oh yummy. That is about the only thing I can say when I see those pictures. The B&B looks so quaint and picturesque. I can imagine wanting to stay there for weeks on end because of all the beauty and great food!
Brianna says
With a cozy room and great food, who would want to leave?
Anne Klien says
Gourmet getaway thats perfect I love those food pics looks so yummy
Michael Huxley says
Wow, this place looks amazing! I’ve always loved those huge American Federal style houses, although I admit my pictures of them so far have usually been from films and TV!
This looks like an ideal romantic getaway place, I may have to look into it and get a surprise trip planned …
Brianna says
A surprise romantic trip here would definitely score you bonus points
Emily says
I don’t know why I’ve never thought about having dessert for breakfast! It makes so much sense 🙂 I absolutely the old style decor, and having them actually help you plan your day must have been so helpful!
Brianna says
The personal touches really made the stay. Dessert goes so well with coffee, its just natural to have it for breakfast 🙂
Sarah Ebner says
Whoa Julia Child! This sounds such a great place to stay (and eat). Would love it.
Brianna says
If its good enough for Julia, its good enough for me.
Emily says
That final desert (creme brulee?) looks utterly divine!
Brianna says
Chocolate souffle, it was divine!
sam says
makes me hungry just reading it. Have never really experienced a B&B but this has definitely opened my eyes, it looks amazing and so homely.
Brianna says
I’ve grown to love B&Bs, especially if the have a gourmet chef at the helm!
Brianna says
The B&B was absolutely charming and the food was delicious
Jessica says
As always your foodie posts leave me drooling and wanting to head to the east coast to try all of this cuisine you taunt us with 😉 I really enjoy staying at B&Bs like this when I travel, my favorite of all being in Savannah, Georgia at the Ballastone Inn. Great post!
Brianna says
Aw, thanks 🙂 For me food is one of life’s great pleasures so I can’t help but to gush over it.I’ll have to give the Ballastone Inn a look!
Adelina // Pack Me To says
What a great looking B&B! Looks so relaxing and great looking food! What else could you ask for with a getaway?
Alli says
Oh my heavens. You have a way with food writing, that’s for sure. I feel irritated now because I am so hungry and want to eat your photos. “butter poached lobster with vanilla buerre blanc” . . . Looks like an incredible getaway with even better food 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks, food is definitely something I’m passionate about and one of my favorite aspects of travel.
Gran Canaria Local says
B&Bs, what’s not to love?
Brianna says
Exactly!
Jon @ jonistravelling.com says
Looks like some amazing (but very expensive) food!
Brianna says
Worth every penny
Christine says
I’m loving your Maine posts! It’s somewhere I wouldn’t necessarily think to go but looks enticing! That trifle looks absolutely delicious. They sound like gracious hosts!
Brianna says
This trip was for my husband’s mother and Maine is where she chose. We found a state full of natural beauty and some seriously good food.
Elaine says
I’ve found myself checking out the B+B and specialty lodging on Tripadvisor more and more lately! Sometimes there are real gems hidden among them and looks like the Hartsone Inn is one of them.
Brianna says
I like the personal touches and individuality of each place
Margherita @The Crowded Planet says
Amazing place! Looks like a lovely B&B with amazing food. And… can you believe it? I have exactly the same plates here in Italy, the one that you can see in the pic with the ham and cheese crepe! Small world right?
Brianna says
That is crazy! Mary Jo and Chef Michael love exploring Europe and have been to Italy many times so it wouldn’t surprise me if they picked them up there.
Bianca @itsallbee says
Gorgeous little place! I love that little blue love seat. The food looks delicious.
Brianna says
It was so charming, we loved it!
Susanne says
My husband and I have been to the Hartstone Inn at least seven times — when I get to our room, I always sigh and say, “We’re home”. It is the most amazing combination of warm and welcoming, absolute professionalism, and out of this world food. I had the lobster you describe. I makes me smile to remember it!
Brianna says
Nice to hear from someone who is even more enchanted with the Hartstone than I. The Hartstone and Camden really are a special find aren’t they?
Paul (@luxury__travel) says
Looks a little dated for my liking but I guess that’s part of its charm and appeal to those who stay there. Certainly very quaint…
Brianna says
It was perfectly suited to its location which is what I look for. I prefer a more modern hotel in urban areas.