Nestled along Frenchman’s Bay on the coast of Maine, Bar Harbor is not only a colorful city with delicious restaurants and a charming downtown, but it’s also the gateway to Acadia National Park and its 38,000 acres of clean air and water, rocky coastline and diverse wildlife.
Established in 1929, and ranking among the most popular National Parks in the US, Acadia is home to granite mountaintops, lakes, ponds, meadows and a glorious mix of both pine and leafy trees that burst in chroma color during autumn.
Grab your hiking boots, pack your camera, and prepare for a fun and food-filled weekend in beautiful Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
WHAT TO DO:
Explore Downtown Bar Harbor
Centered around the leafy town square, downtown Bar Harbor is a picture-postcard New England town. Red firetrucks park outside the firehouse, which borders the leafy park in the town square. Grab a bite to eat, admire the artisan crafts shops nestled among the tourist kitsch, or walk along the harbor. It is easy to spend a few hours exploring this lovable city.
Take a Drive
Get a quick taste of the bountiful natural splendor of Acadia National Park by taking a drive along the Park Loop Road. This 27-mile scenic drive connects the lakes, mountains, and seashore of Acadia National Park and will get you excited explore it on foot. Try to sneak over to Somesville with its idyllic library and white bridge arching over a reflective pond.
Watch the Tide Table and Explore Bar Island
Two hours on either side of low tide, a sandbar appears that connects the town of Bar Harbor with the wilds of Bar Island. Admire the seashells that litter the sand and if you are there lucky enough to cross during sunset, enjoy the glorious colors of the setting sun reflecting on the still water of the harbor.
Climb a Fire Tower
Avoid the masses that congregate at Cadillac Mountain and instead enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the Fire Tower on Beech Mountain. This easy and well-marked trail climbs 839 feet, you can add a few feet if you climb up the actual fire tower upon the summit. From there you are rewarded with stunning views of Somes Sound and Long Pond with the colorful foliage all around.
Conquer Your Fear on the Beehive
This iconic .8-mile hike starts at Sand Beach, meanders through lush woods forests and then quickly ascends up the sheer granite rock face of the Beehive. This is where the climb gets a bit more technical and those with fear of heights often turn around. Well-placed metal hand and footholds allow you to scramble up the 500-foot climb. Don’t let the stunning views of Sand Beach and Frenchman’s Bay distract you from the climb, they will be waiting for you at the summit along with an adrenaline-fueled sense of accomplishment. Once you have absorbed the view, loop down the backside on the easy Bowl Trail.
Take the Path Less Traveled
Often overlooked in favor of Acadia’s more famous hikes, Jesup Path is an easy 1-mile hike through the Great Meadow, through standing birch and hemlock trees, green grasses and wildflowers. Jesup Path is a tiny patch of solitude where you can hear the birds chirping, the breeze through the leaves and feel like you have the entire park to yourself.
Ride the Carriage Roads
Most hotels offer complimentary bicycles and there are also several local bike shops that can get you set up with two wheels. The reason for all of these two-wheelers is the proximity to the historic carriage roads. The carriage roads, with their 16 stone bridges, are 45 miles of immaculately groomed, tree-lined lanes that were used yesteryear by carriages as they traveled throughout the island. Now they are open only to non-motorized vehicles and walkers and they are a gloriously peaceful way to enjoy the beauty and quiet of the park.
If you build up an appetite, a popular stop along the carriage roads is the Jordan Pond House, famous for its buttery popovers. Its enormous grassy lawn and a spectacular view of the water make this a nice place to rest and refresh.
During the peak season, late June through early October, the free Island Explorer bus shuttle is equipped with bike racks. The bus stops at the start of the carriage roads which allows riders to avoid having to pedal up the long hill from downtown.
WHERE TO EAT:
Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast
With a name like that, expectations are set high, but one look at all of the locals packing the restaurant and you can know with confidence, this is the spot to fuel up for your Acadia adventure. Jeannie’s features her own local twist on the hearty all-American diner breakfast. Blueberries and rhubarb complement the delicious carb-busting creations. Portions are huge and the wait staff is friendly and efficient.
Choco-Latte
For the best coffee in town look no further than Choco-latte. A cute and quirky cafe that brews a perfect cup using locally roasted beans. If you have a bit of appetite try one of their house-made chewy bagels. Grab a plain bagel to go or linger over one of their gourmet bagel sandwiches, piled high with eggs, sausage, cheese, and micro-greens.
Side Street Cafe
This casual and friendly cafe is indeed located on a Side Street within downtown Bar Harbor. Always busy, it has lots of indoor and outdoor seating options to keep the crowds moving. With something for everyone including burgers, sandwiches, lobster dishes and locally made blueberry pies, this is a perfect spot to grab lunch.
Havana
One of the more popular and upscale restaurants in downtown, the chef at Havana uses creativity to blend Latin and northeastern flavors with hit or miss results. The service is friendly and the bar is a cozy place to enjoy the house mojito or sample from an impressive wine list.
Bar Harbor Inn
If you want a place to enjoy a cocktail and a view, this hotel bar overlooking Frenchman’s Bay is your spot.
WHERE TO STAY:
Acadia Hotel – Downtown
The Acadia Hotel is a cute family-run place in an 1884 home, located in the center of town. Rooms all have a nautical theme and are clean and spacious. Staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful, providing guidance on the best hikes away from the crowds. Bikes are available to guests who wish to explore the area on two wheels.
Bar Harbor Inn
The historic Bar Harbor Inn overlooks Frenchman’s Bay and sprawls over eight beautifully landscaped acres. It’s easy walking distance to the activities of downtown Bar Harbor. Rooms are decorated in traditional New England style and the hotel provides luxurious amenities such as a fitness center, pool, and several restaurants and bars.
Ivy Manor Inn
Ivy Manor Inn is an elegant twelve-room inn located on Main Street. Built as a residence in 1939, it was converted into an inn in 1996. The glorious ivy-covered, English Tudor has been renovated with cozy, yet traditional rooms featuring fireplaces, Tudor style furniture, and chintz. A great option is you are looking for an old manor experience in a perfect location.
Regardless of the season, fitness level or interests, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park have something for everyone. Enjoy the magnificent nature of Acadia National Park during the day and end the evening with a sunset cocktail and tuck into a cozy feather bed only to dream about doing it all over again the next day.
For Pinners:
