Hi Muffy, First of all, thank you for taking the time to create such an enjoyable and informative blog. I read it everyday and am always excited to see a new post. Later this month I will be camping in Acadia with my children (8 and 11). I wonder if you've ever done this with your son, and perhaps have some general tips for Acadia and points of interest in Bar Harbor that we shouldn't miss? If you recommend something, I trust that it will be worth our effort! Take care.
Acadia is so beautiful, and especially at this time of year, that it may be enough all on its own. I have yet to hear of anyone visiting the park who has not enjoyed the popovers at The Jordan Pond House. I am not a fan at all of Bar Harbor (with the exception of College of the Atlantic, and visiting friends and family), but then again I am not an eight or eleven year old boy. I find it crowded and terribly commercial, so they might love it!
We do tend to head to quieter places like Southwest Harbor, home to Sawyer’s Market and Hinckley Yachts, and Bass Harbor, home to Morris Yachts and the ferry to Swans Island. A ferry ride out of Bass Harbor to Swans Island might be fun. Swans Island is where the famous (and famously expensive) Swans Island Blankets originated. Although there is absolutely “nothing to do” on the island, which is why I like it; the ferry ride is only about thirty minutes each way and it has a decent schedule, so it, in itself, might be worth it.
If you are driving up, and depending on which route you take, there are some very pretty towns along the way. We are always coming from the Route 1, midcoast region, and often have reason to stop in: Thomaston (with its “devasting little sign” - Thomaston, 1605); Owls Head, which has the well known Transportation Museum and a spectacularly set light house; Rockland (and the ferries to Vinalhaven and North Haven), which went from shipbuilding to canneries to the”Rockland Renaissance”; Rockport and its exquisite little harbor; Camden with its windjammers (my father's picture) and tourists; and Belfast which has experienced recent and rapid gentrification. Also, the ferry to Isleboro is out of Lincolnville. Just don’t stop in Ellsworth!
7 comments:
Just to add two things...
Bar Harbor off-season is great... so don't completely write it off!
Also, I spent my youth and early adult years summering on Islesboro, and unfortunately, there is not really much to do there if you don't have a cottage. There are very few hotels (down to just one, I believe) and only some general stores. It's small and there is no "downtown" area. However, some people do like to take bikes over on the ferry, and bike as a day trip. I LOVE Islesboro - it's my favorite place on earth - but it's just not a great destination for daytrippers. I can, however, recommend getting the fried clams at the ferry landing! Yum. Fried clams and onion rings.
I've been to Bar Harbor a few times. I stayed at the Asticou Inn in Northeast Harbor. After a few times, I got tired of the place. Jordan's in downtown Bar Harbor is a good place for breakfast. There is a place around Southwest or Northeast Harbor called Wunderland. It is a park of huge flat rocks. Great for a picnic or to just sit and read.
Why don't you like Ellsworth? I always stop there when I'm in that part of Maine - love the Grasshopper Shop.
@Anonymous - You make a good point about Bar Harbor. Islesboro is a wonderful place. I spent much time there as a youth attempting to brave the icy water.
@Tammy B - Thank you for the tips!
@Anonymous - No, I don't really dislike Ellsworth - it is simply a contrast to some of the surrounding towns. In fact, I have a soft spot for their police force, as over the years they have done an excellent job of ticketing out-of-state speeders!
My wife and I enjoy hiking the "mountains" of Acadia. Don't expect the Rockies, but some of the views are stunning. The Jordan Pond House popovers are welcome in the middle of a hike, but the mayflies around the pond are, well, thick as flies during parts of the Spring - and they're really nasty.
I agree with Anonymous that Bar Harbor off-season can be great. You can find some nice bed and breakfasts to stay in, and though it's been a few years since we've been there, I seem to remember a couple of worthwhile restaurants.
Mt. Desert Island is one of my favorite spots on the planet. Thanks for highlighting it so nicely.
I like Ellsworth, at least it ain't Veazie, but then again I am from Brewer.
@Anonymous - You have piqued my curiosity. Now I want to go to Veazie!
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