Chocolate Cooking Class a Great Success

This past weekend the Hartstone Inn featured a chocolate cooking class with Kate Shaffer of Black Dinah Chocolatiers. Both Saturday's and Sunday's classes were sold out and the response was very positive. Kate started the class with an introduction of herself and her business. She then discussed the basics of chocolate from the difference between types of chocolates (bittersweet, semisweet, milk and white chocolate) to the proper way to melt chocolate.

Next, we made two ganache fillings, perfectly selected for the upcoming holidays. First came a Gingerbread-Dark Chocolate Ganache, followed by a White Chocolate-Eggnog Ganache, my personal favorite. We then formed and cut the ganache and coated them with everything from walnuts and cocoa powder to dark chocolate and decorative transfer paper. Kate then showed the class how to dress strawberries with chocolate tuxedos and we made bark with various types of chocolates, nuts and dried fruits.

Finally, Kate discussed packaging options, we tasted the results and packaged up some samples for the students to take home with them. Thank you Kate! We look forward to your follow up class (title and class description to follow) on April 25th and 26th, 2009.

Budget Travel Article

The December 2008/January 2009 issue of Budget Travel Magazine names the Hartstone Inn as one of it's "40 Best Deals of the Month."

The Hartstone Inn is featured in a section titled "Down with Downhill! When you get tired of the slopes, these packages include other wintertime activities."

The package listed is our 2 night getaway which includes a multi course breakfast each morning, afternoon tea and cookies, five course dinner for two and 2 one-day lift tickets (or snowshoe rentals) at the Camden Snow Bowl. We also have happy hour cocktails each afternoon by the fire and serve complimentary hors d'ouevres.

The rates are as follows:
$360 Orchid, Victorian Charm, Tally- Ho, Lemon Verbena, Viola or Sweet Woodruff
$385 Magnolia, Tea Cup, Mansard, Lark's Nest, Rose Hip
$450 Sunflower, French Thyme, Arbor, Manor, Cottage, Carriage, Garden, Mt. Battie, Lavender
Click here to view a summary of the article online

Cheesemaking Workshops

This winter, our local cheesmaking guru, Caitlin Hunter at Appleton Creamery will be holding a number of cheesemaking workshops.

The first workshop (two-day), "Home Cheesemaking," focuses on cheeses that can be made in the average home kitchen without having to go out and buy additional equipment. On day one Caitlin will teach you how to make a jack cheese and it will be finished on the second day. Other cheeses to be made are: feta, ricotta, yogurt, a quick mozzarella, a lactic cheese and maybe even butter. Dates of classes: Dec. 28 and 29, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, March 21 and 22, and April 25 and 26.

The second workshop, "Goat Cheese 101," will focus on the making of fresh goat cheese or chevre. Dates of classes: Dec. 8, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16, April 22 and April 24.

Fees for the classes are $125 for the one-day class and $225 for the two-day class. A non-refundable $50 deposit is required when you sign up for the class.

For further information, please contact Caitlin by e-mail at info@appletoncreamery.com and visit her website at http://www.appletoncreamery.com/

Artisan Chocolate Making for the Holidays

Mary Jo and I are excited to announce a new series of cooking classes at the Hartstone Inn with Artisan Chocolatier Kate Shaffer of Black Dinah Chocolatiers. If you are not familiar with her chocolates, you are in for a real treat. Kate's beautiful hand-crafted chocolates are made here in Maine (on the small island of Isle au Haut) and are inspired by fresh, local ingredients and her love of flavors from the tiny corners of the world.

The first class in the series, "Artisan Chocolate Making for the Holidays," will be held on Saturday, December 6th, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. or Sunday, December 7th, from 1-3 p.m. in the kitchen at the Hartstone Inn.

Following is a brief outline of the course:
What chocolate should I use? A real quick primer on how to choose chocolate that you like and how to figure out what you like.
¨ tasting chocolate
¨ what’s with those percentages?
¨ bittersweet, semisweet, milk and white—what’s the dif?
¨ what makes chocolate “real?”
¨ reading and understanding labels

Working with chocolate in the home kitchen
¨ like water for chocolate: how to avoid ruining chocolate and what to do when you do.
¨ using the refrigerator
¨ storing chocolate

What the heck is ganache?
¨ What does it take to be a truffle?
¨ Making ganache and understanding emulsions

Making holiday chocolate confections
¨ truffles
¨ nut clusters
¨ bark
¨ strawberry tuxedos
¨ cups and bowls

Finishing
¨ packaging and storing

Visit the Black Dinah Chocolatiers online shop on her website for details on her chocolates and to order gifts for the holidays. I guarantee you will be very impressed with her product and presentation. Other classes in the Chocolate Series with Kate will be scheduled soon on our cooking class page on the Hartstone Inn website. Space is limited in each class so sign up soon by calling 1-800-788-4823 or email us at info@hartstoneinn.com.

Fabulous Foreign Automobile Festival

The Owls Head Transportation Museum is located 8 miles south of Camden in Owls Head. Visitors are delighted to find such a treasure trove of vehicles located “out in the middle of nowhere.” The vehicles are meticulously maintained by staff and a loyal and dedicated group of volunteers. The Museum is open year round and is finishing up its 2008 event schedule with this Sunday’s event. More than 150 antique automobiles from around the world will rally at the Owls Head Transportation Museum Sunday, October 12, for the Museum's annual Foreign Auto Festival and Antique Aeroplane Show. In addition to owners of pre-1988 foreign automobiles, all Porsche owners—of any year—are invited to exhibit their vehicles free of charge.

This annual event attracts foreign car enthusiasts from all over the state—from luxury sedans to the high-performance sports cars. As part of the day’s activities the Museum will actively demonstrate a few of its turn-of-the-century automobiles as well as give free rides in Ford Model Ts. The antique aeroplane show will begin at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. Rain or shine, visitors will have access to the Museum’s indoor collection of dozens of antique cars and pioneer aeroplanes. The Museum will showcase its current exhibition, “Tin Lizzie in Maine,” a 100th anniversary tribute to the automobile that revolutionized an industry; celebrating its versatility and impact on the Pine Tree State. Pets are not allowed in the Museum or outdoor exhibit area.

Bay Chamber Concerts 2008-2009

From October 2008 through May 2009, Bay Chamber Concerts will bring some of the world's most exciting performers to the Midcoast area. Join them as they present the very best in classical, jazz, world music and dance! Most seats are just $20! Here at the Hartstone Inn, our 2 night Gourmet Getaway packages start at $280 per couple based on room selection, so plan an "artsy" escape and visit us in Camden.

Chamber Music All Stars Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Rockport Opera House. Our Columbus Day weekend tradition.
Russian Visions with Max Levinson Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Rockport Opera House. A special all-Russian afternoon at the piano.
Boston Brass Jazz Workshop Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Camden Hills Regional High School. Bring your instrument along and we'll make music together.
Boston Brass Big Band Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Strom Auditorium, Rockport. Celebrate the holidays with your favorite seasonal classics.
Odeon Strings Program Fall Concert Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Rockport Opera House. Featuring youth and adults from our string orchestra programs.
Diavolo Monday, January 19, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Strom Auditorium, Rockport. From Jacques Heim, choreographer of Cirque du Soleil’s Ka.
New Black Eagle Jazz Band Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Strand Theatre, Rockland. New Orleans and Chicago style jazz, ragtime, spirituals and gospel.
L'Histoire du Soldat Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Rockport Opera House. Curtis on Tour performs Stravinsky’s narrated The Soldier’s Tale.
Cantus Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. Camden Opera House. One of America’s finest professional male a capella ensembles.
Ancient Mariners Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Rockport Opera House. Sea chanties, up-tempo jigs and maritime work songs.
Ancient Mariners Pub Sing Sunday, March 29, 4:00 p.m. Gilberts Public House, Camden. Raise your voice, and your glass, with the Ancient Mariners.
ABT II Dance Workshop Saturday, April 18, 1:00 p.m. Camden Hills Regional High School. A ballet workshop in technique and style.
ABT II Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Strom Auditorium, Rockport. One of the world's most revered and innovative ballet companies.
Doo-Wop & Oldies Spectacular Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Camden Opera House. Relive the nostalgia of the 50s & 60s - when music was fun!
Odeon Strings Program Spring Concert Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. Rockport Opera House. Featuring youth and adults from our string orchestra programs.

Maine Foliage Report

"Maine's Fall Foliage Show Expected to be Magnificent", according to state officials.

Maine's Department of Conservation has just released it's first Fall Foliage report for 2008 and the forecast is for a colorful season.

If you are planning a trip up to Maine this fall, check out this link to view the current foliage conditions. On this site you will find a map of the state of Maine divided into seven zones, each color coded to the percentage of color change; from very low to past peak.

If you haven't planned a fall trip to Maine, join us for our "Leaf Peepers" Gourmet getaway package; we look forward to seeing you in Camden.

Penobscot Narrows Observatory

Today, Mary Jo, her parents and I went on a short drive north of Camden to see the new bridge crossing the Penobscot River in Prospect, Maine. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is the only bridge in North and South America with an Observatory. In fact, there are only 2 other bridges world-wide with an observatory; one in Thailand and one in Slovakia. The bridge is located about 40 miles North-East of Camden on Route One. The Observatory sits 42 stories above the Penobscot River and commands breathtaking panoramic views South-West to Penobscot Bay and North-East (inland) where you can watch the Penobscot River weave through the landscape for miles and miles.

The Penobscot Narrows Observatory is open May 1 - June 30 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), July 1 - August 31 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and September 1 - October 31 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Admission fee is a very reasonable $5 per person and includes admission to Fort Knox State Historic Site which is right next door. A great way to spend a day on your next visit to Camden.

Hartstone Inn's "Maine Wine and Cheese Experience"

The midcoast Maine area is rich in regional culinary tradition and since we know many of you share our passion as "foodies," we are proud to feature our "Maine Wine and Cheese Experience." This five-hour tour takes you to two local wineries and a local sheep dairy.

The first stop is Savage Oakes Winery which features wines made from grapes and apples; they also tend to a herd of Belted Galloway Cows. The second stop is Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery, and they specialize in fruit wines and distilled spirits including port, gin and fruit brandies. Tastings at both wineries are included and each vineyard has a gift shop. The tour ends at Ellsfarm Sheep Dairy, run by Perry Ells. At the dairy, visitors will start with a cheese tasting of several artisanal cheeses including those made from the very sheep you will see being milked. Ellsfarm is a family run sheep dairy located on a 63 acre hill top. As Maine's largest sheep dairy, 60 - 70 ewes are milked twice a day with all the milk sold for cheesemaking. During milking "hands on" participation will be optional while Perry will describe her operation and gladly answer any questions you may have during your visit. All three establishments are in the Town of Union, less than 15 miles from the Hartstone Inn.

Tours are available every Monday. Cost is $75.00 per person.

Michael's Cheesemaking Story on "Plating Up" Blog

Following is a story I wrote for Maine Food & Lifestyle Magazine's Blog (Plating Up) titled: "What Happened to Home Cheesemaking."

I have no childhood memories of eating homemade bread. It’s not that my Mother dislikes cooking, as she often shares with me a new recipe she is trying, I think she just had her hands full raising four children while working as a Registered Nurse. No memories of my Grandmother making bread either, however, her fresh pan-fried Rainbow Trout— she and my Grandfather caught in a local stream— I remember well, along with raspberries from her garden and fresh spring rhubarb, with which she always supplied a small dipping bowl full of granulated sugar. Yum! What an amazing concept for a young boy; dip that sour stem into enough sugar—and I mean load it up—and it actually tastes good. So the question becomes; when did bread making fall out of favor, or was I merely brought up in a family with limited culinary interest?

I bring up bread since it is far more likely that the average person will have an experience with bread making in the family kitchen than a memory of cheese making at home. Unfortunately, both of these processes of fermentation have all but disappeared from the home kitchen of the 21st century.

continue reading "What Happened to Home Cheesemaking?"

Moose Sighting in Camden

It is a rather rare occurrence, here in Camden, to see a moose. Mary Jo and I have been here over 10 years now and we have had only 4 moose sightings. Two of them were actually in the parking lot of the Hartstone Inn. This recent sighting happened on Thursday, April 24th and this picture was taken by an innkeeper up the road in the back yard of his Inn. Typically, when we see a moose in town, it usually means the black flies are so bad up in the hills and the moose come down to sea level to escape them.

The two moose incidents at our Inn each have a funny story that goes with them. The first sighting occurred in our first year at the Inn. Mary Jo and I were sitting at the kitchen counter at the Inn, just finishing dinner service and having a bite to eat, when we noticed a police cruiser (flashing blue lights on) in the parking lot of the real estate agency next door. I got up to check it out and I noticed that there was also another police cruiser on the other side of the house with lights on. We were perplexed. I went up front to see what was going on and another police car in front of the Inn. Oh my God, I thought, we're surrounded. Thoughts ran through our minds - maybe one of our guests is a drug dealer or an escaped felon, or maybe someone got injured and called for help, I just know I was cautious as I exited through the front door (should I have my hands up above my head?) I approached the police car and was informed that there was a moose in my back parking lot and they were trying to chase it back up to the mountain. A little too much excitement for my first moose sighting.

The second sighting happened while Mary Jo and I were out enjoying a nice lunch with some friends down at Camden harbor. It was a beautiful day and the schooners were parading in the harbor, so I ran up to the Inn to get the camera. As I approached the Inn I spotted a police car at the Inn and a mob of people gathered. Oh no, what now I thought! Turns out that the police escort in these moose sightings is the normal protocol as a lost and confused moose can be a deadly thing. I went back to the parking lot and there it was, a young moose (much like the one pictured above) in the parking lot and just then a car pulled into our lot. The couple got out of the car and I introduced myself. They were visitors from England, checking in to the Inn and their first impression of Camden was a moose in the parking lot. I didn't spoil it for them, I'd just let them think that this was an every day occurrence. If only I could arrange that for all of our visiting guests.

photo courtesy of Terry Hazzard

Cooking Class Bloggers

On April 25th and 26th I taught a cooking class at the Hartstone Inn and the topic was "pasta." My blog entry on the 25th of April details the course and includes a recipe for basic egg pasta dough. Two of the "star" students from the class (actually everyone was shining that day - perspiration from kneading pasta dough) have gone on to write blogs on their experience in the class.

The first student and blog author is Lani Temple who happens to own the Megunticook Market here in Camden. In addition to running the market, Lani keeps busy as a regular guest on 207 WCSH NBC Portland, ME and is a columnist for Maine Food & Lifestyle. Lani's blog is titled "Food Finds, From Camden's Country Market" and her blog post includes some of her photos from the class.

The second student and blog author is Kate Shaffer who owns and operates Black Dinah Chocolatiers on the tiny off shore island of Isle au Haut, Maine. Kate makes terrific artisan truffles and candies completely by hand and my belly will attest to it. Kate has agreed to come to the Inn to conduct some chocolate cooking classes (I am reserving a space for myself) and I will be writing about her chocolates soon in an upcoming blog post. Stay tuned. Here is the link to her blog post on the pasta cooking class.

Fun for Foodies Vacation

Are you looking for a unique culinary getaway experience? Mary Jo and I started our Camden bed and breakfast and Maine restaurant with a deep passion for everything related to food and wine. We enjoy visiting farms, farmers' markets and taking tours from food and wine producers. The midcoast Maine area is rich in these regional culinary experiences and since we know many of you share our passion as "foodies," we are proud to share these experiences with you. Visit our “Fun for Foodies” page online to learn more about each of our culinary experiences.

Every "Fun for Foodies Vacation" package includes our "Everyday Bites," which is a current listing of foodie-favorite places to add to your itinerary. The list includes chocolate shops, farmer's markets, pastry shops, wineries, orchards and cooking stores, to name a few. These offerings require no appointments.

After your Hartstone Inn "Fun for Foodies Vacation," you'll be glad to know that there are a total of six participating Select Registry inns in New England offering similar Fun for Foodies regional culinary experiences and exceptional accommodations. Each participating inn will stamp your Fun for Foodies Trail Map along the way. Guests who visit at least three inns receive a free insulated wine bag, while those who visit all six will get a Select Registry gift certificate for $150 to use at any Select Registry inn.

To learn more, please visit www.selectregistry.com/funforfoodies/

Today's Pasta Cooking Class

First a little history with an excerpt from my first cookbook "Hartstone Inn, Signature Recipes from an Elegant Maine Inn." The origin of pasta is a very controversial subject in culinary history. The Arabic countries, Italy and China have all laid claim to the creation of what has become a favorite food worldwide. Most probably, different versions of pasta were made in various parts of the world as a way to preserve grains. Early pasta makers would grind the grains, mix them with water and dry the mixture, which had the added advantage of cooking quickly. It was the Italians, however, who perfected pasta. The earliest evidence of its existence was found in Etruscan tombs that date back to 4 B.C., where a wall picture contains instruments used in making pasta, including a pastry board, a rolling pin and a pastry cutter.

In today's Pasta Cooking class, we made three differently flavored pasta doughs (plain egg pasta, spinach pasta and beet pasta) which resulted in three very different looking doughs - white, green and red. After the doughs were mixed, kneaded and rested for an hour, we rolled them out, cut them into various shapes from spaghetti to pappardelle and then we stuffed others with various fillings.

We made a Sweet Potato filling for the ravioli and served it with a Pine Nut and Sage Brown Butter Sauce and we stuffed large Tortellini with a three-cheese filling and served it with a Chicken and Pesto sauce.
For the Spaghetti, we made a creamy Prosciutto and Red Pepper Sauce and for the Pappardelle we served it with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Grilled Tiger Shrimp with a homemade Pesto.

All of these recipes are from my first cookbook in the Pasta, Pasta, Pasta section from pages 206-225. Following is the recipe for plain egg pasta dough.

Egg Pasta Dough (plain)
2 1/2 cups pasta flour (semolina)
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup warm water

1. Place the flour on a clean working counter and make a well in the center. Add the remaining ingredients to the center of the well and gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, forming a smooth-soft dough (adding additional water if necessary to make the dough soft).
2. Knead the dough 10 minutes, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. This recipe makes a little over 1 pound of dough.

Cellardoor Winery - Maine Wine!

Located in a valley between Cameron and Levenseller Mountains, just five miles from Camden Harbor and the Hartstone Inn and Hideaway, Cellardoor Vineyard has a unique micro climate and a rich history. The vineyard, its accompanying fields, fruit trees and pond inhabit a special corner of the world.

As you enter the newly remodeled 1790's barn which is now Cellardoor Vineyard and Winery, you are amazed by the beauty and craftsmanship. The tasting bar, located in the main barn area is the perfect place to taste the numerous handcrafted wines (free of charge) as you gaze out over the beautiful fields, vineyards, and mountains beyond. The knowledgeable staff will gladly describe their wines and answer any questions you have about the vineyards, the history of the property or about growing grapes in Maine.
We suggest that you take one of our gourmet lunches with you and enjoy a picnic in the vineyard.

The Gift Shop, also located in the barn, is where they sell their wines, wine related products, Maine artisan crafts and a selection of Maine-made foodstuffs.

Tour the vineyard on line, get directions and a load of interesting information at their website: http://www.mainewine.com/

Maine Maple Sunday - March 23rd

Maine Maple Sunday is an annual statewide tradition. Every fourth Sunday in March, sugar makers around the state open the doors of their sugarhouses for demonstrations, tours and maple syrup related activities. The traditional Maine Maple Sunday treats are pickles, donuts and maple syrup on vanilla ice cream. Press Information Download: Maine Maple Sunday Press Release and Maine Maple Sunday Calendar Listing.

One of our favorite locations is Maine Gold's Maple Headquarters at 229 Park St., Rockland (about 10 minutes from the Hartstone Inn).

Activities & Features: Free Pancakes! Free Treats! Tree-Tapping Demonstrations, Sugar House Tours, Kid's Egg Hunt and Maine Maple Sunday Trivia. Cafe Opens: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The Hideaway Spa

Take a little time to rejuvenate during your next visit to Camden. Let us pamper you with one of our relaxing spa treatments at the Hideaway Spa located on-site at the Hideaway Inn. Treatments can be scheduled seven days a week with one of the Innkeepers and we also offer couples massages for those looking for a romantic and relaxing escape for two.

Treatments available:
Combination Massage - (60 or 90 minutes) Full-body treatment that combines traditional and contemporary massage techniques.
Deep Tissue Massage - (60 minutes) Relaxes you with slower, deeper strokes to relieve specific muscle tension and stimulate circulation deeper within the tissue. Great if you enjoy a very firm massage.
Aromatherapy Massage - (60 or 90 minutes) Choose from a selection of scented essential oils to enhance your massage experience.
Hot-Stone Therapy Massage - (60 minutes) A highly relaxing, stress reduction massage. The warmth and weight of the stones allows the therapist to address specific problem areas with more detailed work or deeper pressure.
Sea Salt Scrub – (60 minutes) Cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing of the entire body.
Deluxe Spa Package - 60 minute therapeutic massage, 30 minute sea salt scrub and hand and foot massage.

Nineteen days till Spring?

With these huge bursts of snow, it's hard to believe that the First Day of Spring (Thursday, March 20, 2008) is only 19 days away! Up to 10 inches of snow is expected today, and possibly a little more tomorrow. Last week I was purchasing seeds for my Spring vegetable garden and today the idea of garden planting seems absurd.

This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the winter sports available in the Camden area - skiing (down hill and cross country), snow shoeing, relaxing in front of the fireplace with a book and some hot cocoa, or join us for one of our cooking classes.

The Camden Snow Bowl is open Tuesday - Saturday until 7 p.m. and Sunday until 4 p.m. Closed on Monday except for holidays and vacation weeks. For current conditions, prices, a live web cam and further information, visit the Camden Snow Bowl online at: http://www.camdensnowbowl.com/.

Check out our winter packages at: www.hartstoneinn.com/packages.htm, and plan a trip up to see us in the snow. Back to garden planning.

Portland Magazine - Valentine Pick

Portland Magazine's Winterguide 2008 has just published a list of "27 Romantic Getaways for the Ultimate Valentine's Day!" We are proud to announce that the Hartstone Inn is listed as number 6.

To read the article, click here.

Celebrate Valentines Day everyday in the Month of February!

Your Two Night February Romance Package includes: a half bottle of champagne, chocolate truffles and a rose petal turndown. Memorable Breakfast Each Morning, Afternoon Tea and Cookies and Happy Hour Martini’s each afternoon by the fire. A five-course candle lit dinner for two.

If you would like to pamper yourself with one of our spa treatments (at our new "on property" massage room) we are offering 10% off in the month of February.

Rates: Rooms – $358, Jr. Suites- $388 and Suites – $438

Camden Snow Bowl

The Camden Snow Bowl is a community owned ski and recreation area and is located four miles from the Hartstone Inn and Hideaway. From the summit of 1300' Ragged Mountain, home to the Snow Bowl's trails, skiers and riders have an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a view quite unlike any other in the east. The Camden Snow Bowl really is "where the mountains meet the sea".
In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, there are many other winter activities available at the Snow Bowl. A snow tubing slope provides fun for all family members, ice skating on Hosmer pond and a thrilling 400' toboggan chute. The National Toboggan Championships are held here the first weekend of February. There is also a cross country ski and snowshoeing trail available.
Four lifts serve 850' of vertical. One chairlift, two T-Bars and a surface lift in the beginner area service the ten trails and a terrain park. All trails lead back to a classic A-frame lodge where you will find all services. The Camden Snow Bowl has a ski and snowboard school, full rental shop, an active youth racing program and a fully qualified ski patrol. Coastal Maine sees its share of big winter storms, but we have a snowmaking system that covers 45% of our area to ensure plenty of skiing and riding. Most trails are groomed daily.

The Camden Snow Bowl is open Tuesday - Saturday until 7 p.m. and Sunday until 4 p.m. Closed on Monday except for holidays and vacation weeks.

For current conditions, prices, a live web cam and further information, visit the Camden Snow Bowl online at: http://www.camdensnowbowl.com/.

Mountain Facts
Trails: 11
Lifts: 4 (1 Chairlift, 2 T-Bars, 1 surface lift)
Terrain: 20% Easiest, 60% Intermediate, 20% Difficult
Evening Skiing on: Clipper, Muscle Ridge, Windjammer, Foxy and the Terrain Park
Longest Run: 1 mile/1.6 km - Spinnaker
Terrain Parks: 1
Glades: 3
Skiable Acres: 80
Snowmaking On: 36 acres/45% of ski area
Vertical Drop: 943 feet
Base Elevation: 150 feet above sea level
Top Elevation: 1093 feet above sea level
Annual Snowfall: 72 inches
Tubing Hill: 2 lanes
Toboggan Chute: 400 feet long
Ice Skating on Hosmer Pond

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve dinner went off without a hitch. Dinner consisted of 10 courses from an amuse of baked brie to homemade chocolates at the end of the evening. Everyone was in good spirits, as you can imagine with that much Champagne, and the plates came back to the kitchen very clean.

At the stroke of midnight we gathered out in front of the Inn as the church bells chimed in the new year. Mary Jo "cut" the top of a Champagne bottle off with my largest kitchen cleaver and we had a New Year's toast. Following is the menu from the evening. I hope your evening was as memorable as ours. Happy, Happy New Year!!!!

New Years Eve 2007-2008 - Dinner Menu
Amuse - Baked Brie with Frangelico and Hazelnuts

Whole Grain Oak Leaf with a Foie Gras Mousse and Mushroom Duxelle

Maine Lobster Custard with an Arugula Pesto

House Smoked Salmon and Caviar Parfait with Smoked Sturgeon

Australian Lamb Chop with a Grilled Caponata

Crab Bisque with Prosciutto Crisped Monkfish

Blood Orange Sorbet with Champagne

Seared Veal Medallions with a Morel Cream

Eggnog “Baked Alaska”

Hartstone Chocolates

US National Toboggan Championships

Located only five minutes from the Hartstone Inn, the Camden Snow Bowl (perched upon Ragged Mountain) is home for our local downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating on the pond, tubing and of course tobogganing. The 400 foot toboggan chute is a great deal of fun and is open to the public when conditions are favorable; for ice, that is.

For true thrill-seekers, the 18th Annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships race into action on February 8-10, 2008 at the Camden Snow Bowl. The Toboggan Nationals, the only recognized National Toboggan Championships in the U.S., are equal parts competition and costume party.

Tailgating isn't suggested, it's encouraged - but reserve your space early. Hundreds of participants will team up and be fired down the wooden chute - eight seconds of choreographed chaos - before sliding across the frozen surface of Hosmer Pond. Registration opens October 15, 2007 and closes January 25, 2008.

Check the Camden Snow Bowl's website at http://www.camdensnowbowl.com/ to register and see updated information

Bay Chamber Concerts

We are very fortunate to have an active "Performing Arts Series" in the Camden/Rockport area organized by Bay Chamber Concerts. Below I have included a few highlights from their upcoming winter season, but the full schedule can be seen online at http://www.baychamberconcerts.org/. Tickets for all events are available online or we would be happy to make any arrangements for you. Whether you would like to add a concert to an upcoming visit to Camden, or you want to plan a trip to the Hartstone Inn to enjoy an upcoming concert, it would be our pleasure to assist you.

Libana - Saturday, February 09, 2008 7:30 PM Camden Opera House
Back by popular demand! The seven women who make up Libana perform an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary world music. In addition to their a cappella singing, they play an array of instruments including double bass, clarinet, dumbek, accordion, oud, charango, hammered dulcimer, and conga.
Visit Libana's website.

Anne-Marie McDermott Saturday, March 29, 2008 2:30 PM Rockport Opera House McDermott is the 1995 winner of the Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award, and is a regular with the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society. Since winning the Wolf Award, she's gone on to perform at some of the most prestigious venues around the world. Her program will include a Haydn sonata, Bach's Chaconne and Schubert's great last piano sonata.

Imani Winds Sunday, April 27, 2008 2:30 PM The Strand Theatre
Grammy-nominated Imani Winds has worked to create a new genre - "urban classical music." It is a wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, bassoon) comprised of African-American and Latino musicians who combine their rich cultural background with the classical tradition.
Visit Imani Winds' website.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Saturday, May 17, 2008 7:00 PM Owls Head Transportation Museum
Last year's dance party was such a hit that we've decided to bring it back again! Everyone knows and loves the music of Glenn Miller, the seminal Big Band leader. We'll have food, a dance lesson and lots of energy on the dance floor among the cars and planes of the Owls Head Transportation Museum. General admission, dancing encouraged!

Carver Hill Gallery

Mary Jo and I came across this new gallery during a summer drive and fell in love with it. Carver Hill features an impressive collection of art, most of it created by local artists and artisans. Located a short 5 minute drive from the Hartstone Inn, the gallery is easy to get to.

A beautifully restored estate with a center chimney Cape, furnished like a gracious home, is the setting for this unique Gallery filled with fine art paintings, sculpture, exquisite hand made furniture, rugs, pottery, and jewelry. The Gallery also serves as a showcase for home interiors, displaying a custom kitchen, tiles, floors, faux painting and more.

Hours - Open Year Round
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am to 5pm

Saturday 10am to 5pm

Sunday 11am to 4pm

Closed Tuesdays until June 15th, after which we are open 7 days a week into Autumn.

Visit Carver Hill Gallery online at: http://www.carverhillgallery.com/

Hartstone Fashion Show Brunch

On Saturday, December 1, 2007, the Hartstone Inn hosted a "Fashion Show Brunch" during the annual Christmas by the Sea celebration, featuring fine apparel from Leonard's. Nancy and Mona are pictured here modeling "New Year's Eve" attire as brunch diners in the background admire their grace and beauty.

Hartstone Brunch Menu:

• Mango and Passion Fruit Smoothie
• Poached Pears with a Raspberry-Star Anise Sauce and Pistachio Pound Cake
• Hartstone Benedict with either House Smoked Salmon or Prosciutto
or
• Shrimp and Mushroom Quiche with Gruyere Cheese and tossed Greens
or
• Grilled Atlantic Salmon with wilted Spinach Walnut Dressing
• Assorted Tarts and Petite Fours

To read more about Leonard's click here: http://www.camdenme.org/news/release.php?ID=143