In Maine, We Go ‘Upta Camp’
Spend a little time in Maine and it won’t be long before you hear the phrase, ‘Upta Camp.’ Or maybe you’ll see it on coffee mugs, bumper-stickers, or a well-worn sweatshirt. It’s a generations-old saying that celebrates the joy of spending time at camp and putting the rest of life firmly on hold. ‘Upta Camp’ might sound corny, but, its appeal is well understood. Camp is a place to get outdoors, take in the views, and do a lot of nothing.
Camp Isn’t a Place. It’s a State of Mind.
Camp is less about the place you stay in and more about your state of mind. Whether it’s a rustic lakeside cabin or a cozy, oceanfront B&B, you’ll feel the spirit of ‘Upta Camp’ by wandering outside, enjoying a good book, or hanging out with people you care about. And few places rival Maine’s MidCoast for unwinding. The region is arguably Maine at its best. This is where “the mountains meet the sea.” Where you’ll find pristine lakes, rolling hills, dense forests, hundreds of islands, and magnificent rocky shorelines. (Shore Hills Campground in Boothbay Harbor shown above.)
So Many Ways to Get ‘Upta Camp’
Whether your idea of ‘camp’ is stars overhead at night or nightly turndown service on feather beds, your options are nearly endless. In Maine’s MidCoast you can easily find traditional cottages, hotels, and B&Bs next to a quiet pond, along the coast, or deep in the woods. Want to really get outdoors? The MidCoast is home to scenic campgrounds, remote island tent sites, yurts, and glamping sites – the mash-up of ‘glamour’ and ‘camping.’ (Stockton Harbor Yurts pictured above, photo courtesy of Victor Salvo.)
When ‘Camp’ Really Means Camp!
If you want to set up a tent, car camp, or park an RV next to a lake or the ocean, your choice of campgrounds is nearly endless. Three of the Maine State Parks in the MidCoast offer overnight camping in some of the most beautiful locations imaginable. Paddle a canoe at Lake St. George State Park. Enjoy views of Penobscot Bay from Mt. Battie above Camden Hills State Park. Or for a Robinson Crusoe-esque adventure, escape to Warren Island State Park, off the coast of Lincolnville. It’s the only State Park reachable by water alone. Visitors choose one of 12 campsites and use their own boats or book a local charter to reach the island. It’s a magical, quiet place.
Camping Food – From Freeze-Dried to Award-Winning Stir-Fried
Let’s face it. One of the best things about ‘Upta Camp’ is the food. If you’ve set up a tent on a remote island — you’ll likely have some gourmet freeze-dried food to savor under the open sky. Staying in a lakeside cottage? Few things are as heady as blueberry pancakes on a grill and a big mug of coffee or tea (see the recipe for the pancakes shown above, photo courtesy www.freshoffthegrid.com). There are no food rules to ‘Upta Camp,’ so you and your fellow campers should plan on going out to a few great restaurants in the MidCoast. At this time of year, farm-to-table and fresh-caught-seafood dining is sensational.
Unplugging, Exploring, and Slowing Down
Just thinking about getting away from home puts people into a good mood. Spending time away from busy roads and video screens leads to easy smiles, nodding off in porch chair, and rediscovering the sounds and sights of nature. Need to explore a little? Paddle a canoe along the quiet shore of a lake or pond. Rent an ocean kayak to see an abundance of sea life, shore birds, and to explore hidden coves. Many boating outfitters offer lessons and guided tours. Or take a family-friendly walk at any state parks. Moose Point State Park in Searsport, is a great place to discover tidal pools and watch for seals, porpoises, and birds such as loons, sea ducks, bald eagles, and ospreys.
