Where to Go for a Less-Crowded East Coast Summer Vacation

"One of the few towns on the East Coast with a beach and ski mountain 10 minutes apart from one another, Camden’s town slogan is “where the mountains meet the sea.” That means you can go for a hike in Camden Hills State Park and end the day with a sunset swim (with both saltwater and freshwater beach options). When you’ve had your fill of the natural world, Camden’s charming downtown strip scenically located along the harbor is home to some seriously good eats, fun shops, and cool art galleries: grab breakfast at the cozy Zoot Coffee and dinner at local establishment Long Grain for deliciously fresh Asian cuisine. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Camden does attract a fair amount of summer traffic; the adjacent fishing village of Rockport offers a more laid-back, less-touristy feel. While it’s definitely worth its own trip, Camden also makes for an ideal pit stop between Portland and Bar Harbor if you’re heading to Acadia National Park this summer. Book a stay at the Camden Harbour Inn Browse more Camden hotels" - Hannah Towey