Preview: Take a Cake Walk to historic Camden

Mothers can have their cake and eat it too thanks to the Camden-Rockport Historical Society's Cake Walk event on Saturday.

Twelve historic inns in Camden have agreed to open their doors and put their Maine hospitality on display for the day. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample some scrumptious sweets and experience the resplendent beauty of each building.

"We chose Mother's Day weekend for the Cake Walk because it's so quiet here (at this time of year) and thought it would be a fun gift idea for dads, husbands and brothers to give their mothers, wives and daughters for Mother's Day," said Dana Fittante, a volunteer with the Camden Cake Walk Committee.

But this event isn't just for mothers. The Cake Walk is a family affair and children will enjoy the adventure of exploring the history and splendor of each inn just as much as their parents and grandparents.

"These innkeepers are great, and many have families of their own, so there will be a welcoming feel for all who have kids in tow," said Fittante. "And what kid doesn't love cake?"

The participating inns are within reasonable walking distance of one another so a stroll from one location to the next -- and a bit of exercise before the next slice of cake -- might be just your cup of tea. For those who need some time off their feet, Rockland's All Aboard Trolley will be on hand to offer rides to each location.

Marlene Hall, executive director of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society, believes this event is a win-win for the society, the inns and the community at large.

"We are extremely pleased to premiere the inns and Cake Walk in this kind of format," she said. "We're all working together to preserve our local historical landmarks."

All proceeds from the Cake Walk will benefit the Camden-Rockport Historical Society, its complex and its ongoing educational programs.

Hall said that each inn will have something special to offer Cake Walk participants. When pressed to choose a location not to miss she offered two suggestions: Hawthorn Inn and Camden Maine Stay Inn. Both are part of the town's High Street historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tickets for the Camden Cake Walk must be purchased in advance (by Friday) at one of four locations in and around Camden. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Walkers will receive a detailed map including locations for each inn and trolley stops.

CAMDEN CAKE WALK
WHEN: Saturday, May 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Camden
HOW MUCH: Tickets $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at HAVII, 87 Elm St., 236-6777; Surroundings, 39 Main St., 236-8536; Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce, 2 Public Landing, 236-4404; and Dot's, Route 1, Lincolnville, 706-7922.
FOOD OPTIONS: Each venue will offer a different type of cake.
PARKING: The Camden Cake Walk map denotes parking areas. Because it's off-season, on-street parking should be plentiful.
DON'T MISS: Hawthorn Inn and Camden Maine Stay Inn, both on the National Register of Historic Places.
KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: Great.
BENEFITS: All proceeds benefit the Camden-Rockport Historical Society to support the society's buildings and ongoing educational programs.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Event is rain or shine.
MORE INFO: www.conwayhousemuseum.org/cakewalk10.html

Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram May 2, 2010