Off the coast of Maine, southeast of Bangor and accessible by car, is Mount Desert Island. The most charming and popular town on the island is Bar Harbor, located on the east side overlooking Frenchman’s Bay.
Bar Harbor has a quaint New England feel accented by the ever present lobster buoys dotting Frenchman’s Bay. If you’re a foodie, Bar Harbor is heaven on earth for the fresh and readily available lobster and also Maine is the largest producer of blueberries which means yummy breakfasts and desserts. Bar Harbor offers all kinds of activities, which are particularly appealing if you enjoy nature and being outdoors.
Outdoor Activities
I really love the outdoors and made the most of my visit by experiencing as much as possible during my stay.
Acadia National Park: The park encompasses a big portion of the island and has approximately 125 miles of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. There are different routes, all with amazing scenery: evergreen forests, beach and sea cliffs, ponds and lakes, and panoramic views of the harbor and bay from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The 45 miles of bike trails on the original carriage roads that run by Eagle Lake and Jordon Pond are also a great way to cover the scenic inner part of the park.
Kayaking: Guided kayaking through the Porcupine islands in Frenchman’s bay is beautiful and serene, and the guides are locals with a wealth of information on the history of the island and Bar Harbor.
Boat Trips: There are several options but the most popular is whale watching. The best spot to catch the whales is about 25 miles south of the island and they guarantee seeing at least one! Bring a jacket, it gets chilly on the catamaran even during the warmest summer months.
Restaurants
You have lots to choose from, for both lobster and a variety of other cuisines. For the best lobster eating experience, I highly recommend one of the roadside lobster pounds. You can see your lobster cook, enjoy a good local brew and dine al fresco all for a lot less than in any restaurant.
Havana on Main Street is Latin influenced with a gorgeous indoor and outdoor space and an impressive wine list.
For breakfast, the absolute best spot is Jeannie’s. Her homemade fruit spread and baked goods are to die for.
Accommodations
From hotels with various amenities to charming New England style bed and breakfasts and inns, there’s something to suit all tastes. We chose a hotel with tennis courts just up the road from the main town area. With free shuttle buses and trolleys it’s easy to get around wherever you stay.
Around Mount Desert Island
If you have time, try to explore other areas of the island such as Northeast Harbor (particularly the Asticou Azalea Garden) and Southwest Harbor which are considerably less touristy and simply down home Maine.
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