Known for it's stunning rockbound coastline, virtually unlimited number of hiking trails, exciting nightlife, and warm coastal charm, Bar Harbor has built a reputation as one of the premier summer vacation hotspots in the country.
Located about 2 1/2 hours up the coast from Portland. Bar Harbor is one of several towns on Mount Desert Island which is connected to the mainland via bridge from the gateway town of Trenton. When an individual refers to vacationing in Bar Harbor, he is generally referring to the entire island itself including Acadia National Park.
What To Do
Hiking
Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park have some of the most beautiful and well maintained hiking trails anywhere. You will find trails for any ability or skill level, from the famous Carriage Trails to challenging near vertical ascents. One highly recommended trail is the "Precipice" which winds up Champlain Mountain and offers amazing views of Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain, and Frenchman's Bay. My personal favorite is the Bubble Rock Trail which takes you to the top Bubble Mountain to the famous gravity defying "Bubble Rock" which sits precariously on a steep ledge overlooking the valley below. The rock offers a great photo opportunity; one of my cousins actually broke his leg trying to push the rock off the ledge when he was younger.
Biking
The Carriage Trails, originally built for John D. Rockefeller, Jr in the early 1930's, offer nearly 50 miles of hard packed gravel roads that wind throughout the island. Not only do the trails offer some of the most spectacular vantage points on the island, they are an amazing landmark in their own rite with 16 hand-laid granite stone bridges spanning streams and gorges throughout the park. There are a number of bike rental companies around the island (The Bar Harbor Bike Shop, Acadia Bike)that can outfit you and your family with everything you need for a day or by the week.
Whale Watching
Bar Harbor is home to one of the most active whale watching areas in the world. A number of well respected whale watch companies are based here making several trips throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening. Check out Bar Harbor Whale Watching Tours, and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company; the later has the Friendship V which is billed as the newest, most luxurious, and fastest whale watch vessel in the USA. Most companies will guarantee that you will see whales and will offer you another trip if you don't. On any given day you may see Humpback, Finback, or Mink whales. You will also have the chance to see puffins, seals, and dolphins. While you're on the water you also might be amazed at some of the stately waterfront mansions that line the coast, or the historic lighthouses that have been guiding mariners to safe harbor for over a hundred years.
Shopping
The island towns Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor each offer their own eclectic mix of shops, and galleries. Over a hundred professional artists make their home in the area and proudly display their works in art galleries around the island.
Zoos and Aquariums
There are several aquariums and a large zoo in the area. Spend a day in Trenton visiting the Trenton Zoo, where you'll find a variety of animals including buffalo, monkeys, lions, reptiles, as well as other species. From there you can head back on to the island and get hands on with marine life at the Mount Desert Oceanarium in Bar Harbor, and Southwest Harbor.
Golfing
There are 3 populuar golf course to choose from in the Bar Harbor Region, each offering it's own unique advantages. You can read our review of the three courses here.
Beer Tasting
In case you haven't heard, Maine has some of the best mircobreweries in the country. If you enjoy a good beer from time to time you may wish consider visiting one of Bar Harbors breweries. My favorites are The Bar Harbor Brewing Company, and the Atlantic Brewing Company. Before you leave you have to try Atlantic Brewing Company's Blueberry Ale, it is one of my favorite beers of all time! Both breweries cater to the entire family with tours and tastings (yummy homemade rootbeer and soda for the kids!). Atlantic Brewing Company also offers tasty BBQ lunches as well!
Beach
Maine is famous for it's rockbound coastline, you may be suprised to know that there are a number of fine sand beaches in the area as well incuding Fine Sand Beach within Acadia. There is also excellent freshwater swiming in Echo Lake which is right before the town of Southwest Harbor.
Boating and Kayaking
The coastline along the Bar Harbor Region is ideal for sea kayaking with many companies in the area offering group tours or kayak rentals. National Park Sea Kayak, Acadia1, and National Park Canoe Rental for great adventures on both salt and fresh water.
Historic Schooner/Windjammer Cruises
Take a step back in time on board a historic coastal schooner departing daily from the island for day and over night trips. Pitch in with the crew and get your hands wet, or just kick back and relax to gentle breeze and distant chatter of sea birds. There are several schooner operations in the area presenting vessels of different character. Check out Downeast Windjammer Cruises for information sailing and power vessel trips including sunset cruises, and shuttles to the remote outer islands in Frenchman's and Penobscot Bays.
Where to Stay
Hotels
There is a wide variety of hotels available in the area from ones providing a basic "bed and a bath", to luxurious ocean side resorts that cater to your every need. Be sure to book well in advance since rooms have a tendency to fill up quickly in the summertime. If money were not a limiting factor, I would stay at either the Harborside Hotel, or Blue Nose Inn every day of the year. Both offer uncompromising attention to detail with fabulous vistas of Frenchman's Bay and the Bar Harbor Waterfront. The Blue Nose Inn also is home the internationally recognized Rose Garden Restaurant which is annually receives the coveted 4-Diamond Award for excellence (It's one of those places where they sprinkle rose pedals in the commodes!). For less expensive options consider booking rooms in Ellsworth, or Trenton which are off island location but within a short drive of all the action the area has to offer. For more information on the area's hotels, check out actual customer reviews HERE.
Rental Properties
One of the best ways to experience life in the region is to rent you own cottage for a week or two. Read our review of the best rental property companies in the area HERE.
Campgrounds
A variety of different campgrounds in the Bar Harbor Region offer an inexpensive alternative to some of the pricier lodging options around the island. Most offer shower facilities and community rec areas, and many have electrical/water hookups for those traveling in RV's. Check out Bar Harbor Camping Resorts, and The Bar Harbor Campground for an idea on rates and restrictions.
Bed and Breakfasts
Perhaps the most intimate form of lodging in the area is a stay at one of the local Bed and Breakfast Inns. Typically, these Inns are former private summer residences that have had their bedrooms converted into guest rooms (most have in-suite bathrooms as well). Guest are treated as family members of the inn keepers and many create long lasting friendships that keep them returning year after year. Each inn offers it's own unique charm from being located directly on the water, centered inside a working farm, or catering specifically to families traveling with animals. For information on Inns in the Area and for reservations check out the Maine Innkeepers Association Website. Highly rated inns include Castlemaine Inn in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, or relax in the quiet village of Northeast Harbor at the Maison Suisse Inn designed by legendary architect Fred Savage.
Where to Eat
OK, Where's the Lobster?
With so much to do in the area your bound to get hungry. Fortunately for you, there are literally hundreds of places in the area to get some fresh Maine seafood including lobster, mussels, clams (steamers), fish, and the famous clam "chowdah". Because the recipe for lobster is so simple (lobster + boiling salt water) you'll find great lobster anyplace you go. One of my favorite places is the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound located on Rt.3 ("Bar Harbor Road") right before you get on the island, look for it when your driving to the island on the right. Nothing fancy here, just good old fashion Maine Lobster with all the fixings, done the same way for the last 50 years. If you don't believe me, you can actually order the lobster from them online and try it out for yourself before you get here!
Other Dining Options
If your looking for something a little less fishy, one of my favorite non seafood places is Miguel's Mexican Restaurant on Rodick St. in Bar Harbor. Living in the area year round as a child, you would hear people talking about the seasonal opening of Miguel's months before. When I finally became of age I realized why, not only is the food outstanding, but the margaritas are amazing and you can order them by the pitcher!
The Jordan Pond House is truly a unique place and a must for any visitor to the area. Located in the heart of the island, and easily accessible by main roads and the elaborate carriage trail network, the Jordan Pond house is perfect place for lunch or afternoon tea. Enjoy their world famous popovers and fresh squeezed lemonade on the patio while over 100 species of flowers from the well landscaped premises brighten the view of the surrounding mountains, forests, ponds, and streams. My high school class had our prom here back in 1995
Nightlife
The "village" of Bar Harbor is definitely the areas "place to be" on any given night in the summer time. There is always something going on at one of the many bars in town. For a true taste of a local Maine pub check out the locals' favorite water hole The Thirsty Whale on Cottage St, there's nothing fancy about this place, just friendly people having a good time. Other favorite bars are Geddy's on Main St. which also has a great lunch and dinner menu. Geddy's features great local acoustic acts most nights in the summer.
If you're really looking for a place to party check out the Carmen Verandah on Main St. adjacent to the village green. This place really gets going after ten on warm summer nights. No mater where you go, always be sure to have a designated driver, or call a cab. Maine's DWI laws are tough, and besides I want you driving through my parent's yard in the middle of the night (It's happened!).
Send Us Your Suggestions!
If you have an suggestions for interesting places around Bar Harbor not covered here, I'd love to hear from you!
April 18, 2008
Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park Region Guide
April 15, 2008
Freeport, ME: The Best Place to Shop on the East Coast
A trip along the Maine Coast isn't complete without a stop in the historic coastal town of Freeport, ME. Though it was once the center of a flourishing shipbuilding industry, Freeport has reinvented itself into one of the most visited outlet shopping destinations on the East Coast.
The transformation began in 1912 when Leon Leanwood Bean open his name sake retail store (LL Bean) along Main St. in the heart of what has become known as Freeport Village. Thanks to iconic designs such as the Maine Hunting Shoe, and a legendary 100% satisfaction guarantee, LL Bean's flagship store now welcomes over 3 million visitors a year.
With LL Beans success, a number of other companies began converting nearby residences into retail spaces of their own. Present day Freeport has over 100 specialty retail stores all within walking distance of the center of town. Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, GAP, Brooks Brothers, and many more labels now fill centuries old Federal and Greek Revival Colonials that proudly span throughout the area.
Things To Do
Shopping
As mentioned above, the village in Freeport has something for just about everyone on your list. If your looking for fun Maine souvenirs check out "Cool as a Moose" on Bow St just off Main St. down the hill from the Polo Ralph Lauren store. You'll also find J. Crew, The North Face, Nine West, Abercrombie and Fitch, Nautica, and Wilson's Leather Goods, among others, all within a 5 minute stroll of the intersection of Main and Bow.
Along the northern side of Main St. (which is also part of the famous US Rt. 1) is the sprawling campus of LL Bean. Plan to spend several hours covering everything in the LL Bean store alone. If you need a break to catch your breath, their is a fantastic Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream stand situated right on the front patio steps of the main entrance to LL Bean. Also, be sure to go around to the side entrance of the store and have your picture taken with the giant LL Bean Boot! In the summer time there are concerts, and live product demonstrations on the green between the LL Bean outlet store and retail store.
There are other outlet stores further down Rt. one including the Chocolate Factory, and Carter's Children's Wear but these are out of walking distance for most visitors' tastes.
Wolf's Neck Farm
Take a trip out to Wolfe's Neck Farm. The farm is an historic 626 acre farm on the Maine coast dedicated to sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and community well-being through the enjoyment of the natural landscape. Visitors are invited to visit the farm and enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. If you're making an extended stay in the area you can enroll your children in one of their day camp programs, where children learn about taking care of the animals and living on a self sustaining farm. Their is an excellent campground on the farm if you're in the mood for more "adventurous" accommodations.
Golf
There are two golf courses in the immediate area. The Freeport Country Club and Brunswick Golf Club. The casual golfer will enjoy the great value of the 9 hole course at the Freeport Country Club. Serious golfers, or those seeking a more upscale golfing experience will prefer the plush beauty that is the Brunswick Golf Club. You can read a complete collection of my Maine golf reviews here.
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of wonderful places to eat in the Freeport area. In the center of the shopping center you'll find delicious fresh lobster and lobster rolls at the Lobster Cooker Restaurant. For pub fare you can try Gritty's McDuffs Brew Pub which is located about a half mile south of LL Bean down Rt1. on the left hand side I highly recommend the haddock sandwich, and brown ale (brewed on the premises). Gritty's is a fun place to be after dinner as well, with a great crowd and atmosphere.
The Jameson Tavern is also on Main St. and offer delicious seafood and pub fare. Local legend has it that the tavern served as the state declaration signing spot when Maine separated from Massacheusetts in 1789. For this reason, some locals refer to the tavern as the "Birthplace of Maine".
For an elegant dining experience try the Azure Cafe. Though the Azure's decor is upscale and our waitress was spectacular, the lobster dinner was priced very reasonably and billed as the "least expensive" in town.
For you Italian lovers try Antonia's Pizzeria next to Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub. We recently spent a great afternoon here listening to live music from a local musician and getting our fill of some of the best pizza around!
