Bar Harbor Maine

[Jen1098]

Hopefully there are some Maine girls here who can help me. :D

We're traveling to Bar Harbor next week with the inlaws. This will be my first time there so I'm very excited.

We'll be staying with family and some days will be spent doing family things etc. but DH and I will take one day and evening to do something just the two of us and one day to do with just our 14 month old son.

Any ideas as to what to see or do. We can't do anything on a boat b/c DH gets sea sick. We were thinking of just the two of us renting bikes to bike at Arcadia Park. THen maybe with DS having a picnic somewhere.

I do know one day we're going to Jordans(? ) to get popstickers.

Any tips on where him and I can go out at night-we really need a good night out.

Oh and what's the weather like this time of year? Does it get chilly in the evenings, do I need warm clothes for DS?

TIA!

[kiddo]

Bar Harbor is one of my favorite places.

Definitely bike Acadia, the carriage roads are beautiful and generally easy. There are some steep hills, but the roads are well kept. There are plenty of places in town where you can rent bikes. They will also give you maps and suggestions on what routes to take. One year we did a 15 mile loop and stopped at Jordan's in the middle for lunch. The popovers are amazing.

Within Acadia there are plenty of places you can drive, I suggest taking your son on a ride the major loop and stopping at places that look good for a picnic. There are plenty of places you can park and hike.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse is also a must see, absolutely beautiful. Take a drive around the island. It is very easy to find your way around and there are some really beautiful spots.

Downtown Bar Harbor is really cute. there are tons of restautants, bars, and shops. We went to a couple of restaurants there, but I can't remeber their names. I know one we weren't crazy about was The Chart House.

If you go out for lobster, check out one of the lobster pounds rather than one of the nicer restaurants. You can usually get a better deal and there are better selections for sizes and it just seems more "authentic". We like the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound.

Definitely bring some warm clothes, it can get very chilly some nights and even days. But also prepare for warm weather too. Basically, this time of year you never know!

[Jen1098]

Thanks kiddo

DH says the same thing about the road side lobster places. I've never eaten lobster on the side of a road before. :D

Thanks for the suggestion of the lighthouse we'll definetly check it out.

DH's aunt and grandmother live within walking distance to downtown so I'm sure we'll be there alot.

I'm getting excited thanks for the tips.

[kiddo]

Oh, and I just realized that there are 2 "Jordans"

There is Jordan Pond House, that I was talking about. The one with the popovers.

And there is Jordan's Restaurant, which is a diner that serves only breakfast and lunch. I've never been there.

[MaineBelle]

I just love Acadia. I also recommend bike riding the carriage trails. You can also take a drive up to Cadillac Mtn to see the view. We had a great breakfast at a place called 'This Way Cafe', it was a fun place with great food! We are usually sitting around our campfire at night, so I can't recommend any night spots.

[Jen1098]

Kiddo - Jordan's Pond House-yes that's where we're going for popovers. I know DH said his grandfather went to a diner every am for coffee, wonder if it's the same place.

MaineBelle Thanks for the recomendation. It looks like we'll probably ending up biking. OH boy-haven't been on a bike in years and certainly not up any hills! This Way Cafe sounds neat, thanks.

I'll be sure to post an update when we get back and let you guys know what we did and where we went.

[justHB]

While I've never been to Bar Harbor, Maine, I have been to Kennebunkport for a week and I have to say it was one of our most relaxing and enjoyable vacations ever. Have a great time!

[Boopy]

My DH and I just got back from Bar Harbor on Saturday! It was our first time there and we really liked it. We camped at the Seawall campground in Acadia a few nights then spent two nights in a B&B.

The downtown area is very cute. We had several good meals while there, the one I liked the best was at a place called Galyn's on Main Street. Slightly upscale, but not overly so. There were a couple lobster pounds on the piers that looked popular if you want the traditional lobster dinner. We also had a really nice cheese plate and wine at a small wine bar in town (can't remember the name, small but cute though).

I would definitely suggest bringing a mix of warm and cool weather clothes. It got up to 85 during the day, but at night it got very chilly.

[Lydia]

Any recommendations on places to stay (it would be 2 or 3 families with kids)

[southerner]

No, we camped when we went. I just saw the title of this thread and had to come in and say have fun!! I'm jealous :(

[kwsu44]

I love Bar Harbor! (or Bah Hah-bah as the Mainers say). I've been a few times, have been camping and also stayed at Edenbrook Motel (http://www.acadia.net/edenbrook/) and Anchorage Motel (http://www.anchoragebarharbor.com/)

You definitely have to go get the popovers at Jordan Pond in Acadia Nat'l Park!

[1MegMeg]

How long are you going for?

We are going in September and found it was more cost effective to rent a cottage rather than a hotel room.