Perhaps you'll prepare a meal like this...

Send your cooks to this Maine Bed and Breakfast, where they’ll breathe in plenty of fresh sea air and work up an appetite exploring the historic seaport of Camden. Then they’ll join Chef Michael in his kitchen, where they’ll roll up their sleeves and get to the real fun.

There are several options of Private Cooking Classes available at Hartstone Inn between November and May. Gather together a group of six to twelve friends and spend a few hours in the kitchen learning and having fun with Chef Michael. Or join him one day for a private class in the Hartstone kitchen, where individual attention is sure to give a great boost to your cooking skills. Another good option is to participate in one of several scheduled classes at our Maine Bed and Breakfast.

Your cook will be thrilled with a gift of Foodie Travel. Think of it: a stay in a Maine bed and breakfast that includes cooking in a state of the art kitchen with a professional chef. For some folks, life just doesn’t get any better.

Our “Chef for a Day” program continues to be a very popular way for guests to experience the Hartstone Inn kitchen firsthand. Recently, a couple from Pennsylvania came to visit us and they joined me for two days in the kitchen, assisting in the preparation of dinner. It was a true pleasure working with Marla and Doug and their passion for cooking was very apparent. Following is a brief story that Marla wrote on her experience:

“From the time I was young, I wanted to be a chef.  My career path ultimately led me in a totally different direction, but I never lost the desire to work in a professional kitchen.  A last minute opportunity for some vacation time arose, and I found the Hartstone Inn’s website.  Not only did they offer group cooking classes at the Inn, but private “chef for a day” programs with award winning chef Michael Salmon.  I immediately signed up for 2 days.

From the moment I called, the staff at the Inn couldn’t have been more accommodating.  Lots of things to do and see in the area, friendly advice, lovely rooms, and the FOOD!!!!  Chef Michael’s gourmet breakfasts were a delight each morning, but don’t even think about eating anywhere else for dinner.  A delectable five course meal each night that shouldn’t be missed.  And working side-by-side with Chef Michael to prepare the meals!  For the home cook who still wants to be a chef when (if) she grows up, it was a dream come true.  Fun for foodies doesn’t begin to describe it.  I’m still hoping Michael will call me if he needs a sous chef (sorry, Zeph!)

Can’t wait to go back.  In the meantime, I’ll keep working on my knife skills, and preparing the recipes from Chef Michael’s cookbooks.  And dreaming of the Hartstone Inn.”