CAMDEN — For outdoor enthusiasts, the Midcoast is a playground of mountains, lakes, rivers, forest and the ocean. However, not everybody has experienced it. Perhaps, it’s because they didn’t have the right equipment, didn’t know where to go, or thought that adventure day tripping was only something tourists did. 

A new Camden-based business is poised to introduce this outdoor world to all. On June 1, entrepreneur Ali Farrell is set to launch Wanderlust Camden, a Maine adventure guide to local areas, in which, she and her team of Registered Maine Guides, will provide the equipment and knowledge, and lead participants on adventures in the Midcoast.

Picture kayaking or paddle boarding to a lighthouse; island hopping; island yoga; hiking; a kayak trip that ends in a lobster/clam bake—these are only a few of the ideas Farrell has in her menu of services.

Having grown up in both Camden and in the Boston area most of her life, Farrell was ready to leave her Boston job in real estate and pursue her own wanderlust.

"I moved up here two years ago permanently, and after working as a photographer, I realized starting an outdoor adventure company is what I really wanted to do," she said. "I have always had an urge to explore this area and community has always been special to me. Real estate was super cutthroat in Boston, and after 10 years of it, I realized to be genuinely happy I'd have to completely revamp my lifestyle. This community is exactly where I want to be."

Unlike traditional adventure tour companies, Farrell is also adding a beer and wine tasting element to her services, pairing up with local brewers and vinters. Say one item on your bucket list this summer would be to choose an island, find a boat to transport you, then show up and have the beverages all ready for you and friends. Farrell has the connections and coordinates with marine transport to make it happen.

With a fleet of kayaks, paddleboards and giant inflatables (such as a five-person unicorn!) in a nearby storage area, she and her team will be able to bring equipment to various Midcoast locations, including the ocean launch just at the end of Sea Street. “Within a certain distance, we’ll be able to come meet people wherever they are staying,” she said. “We want to make it easy on people.”

Farrell is excited to be a positive influence in the community, teaming up with all local businesses for various aspects of the adventures including food, beverages, and artists. 

“We want to make this more of an experience for people, rather than it just be a straight equipment rental,” said Farrell. “We want this to be something they will talk about the rest of their life.”

For more information visit: wanderlustcamden.com

All photos courtesy Ali Farrell/Wanderlust Camden

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com