Winter,Spring,Summer & Fall: Acadia is such a pretty part of the state. The majestic mountains and glistening bay offer visitors a opportunity to experience Maine the way life should be. One of my last trips there, was a weekend adventure. We spent the night at the Bluenose Inn which looks over Frenchman’s Bay. From our room’s balcony you could see clear across to Deer Isle. The weekend was filled with sightseeing which included a trip up Cadillac Mountain. The views from the top of the mountain were breathtaking. We stopped in at Thunder Hole to hear the surf crashing up into the rocks. Next, we headed to Sand Beach where we walked for what seems like miles on one of the most pristine beaches in Maine. After taking some great photos we left and headed into town. Bar Harbor is quaint, yet bustling with tourist and locals all enjoying the great assortment of shops choke full of fun unique items and antique treasures from the past. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and in the center of it all is a great park that we spent time in enjoying our “lobster” ice cream. Acadia has so much more to offer from hiking to camping there are plenty of things to do it just depends on what you are looking for.
Tag: Fall
Downeast: Find Unique Things To Do Downeast
Spring,Summer & Fall: If you are looking for a way to enjoy the coast of Maine and escape the crowds of the southern half of the state than you may want to consider a trip Downeast. This area offers some of the most beautiful coastline in Maine. Calais is known for it’s multiple lakes along with the rocky coast. A great place to check out while you are there is the Downeast Heritage Museum. The museum is an interactive place for families and visitors to understand the Passamaquoddy culture, French settlement of the area as well as discover the sea-faring heritage of this region. There is a great marine tide pool where you can touch live sea creatures. This area actually has one of the most dramatic tides on the east coast and near Cobscook Cove you can withness the unique phenomenon called a reverse fall which entices sea life and serves as a feeding ground for many species. It is not unusual to find seals and eagles in this area feasting on what is being churned up from the bottom of the sea floor. This area is also a great place for birdwatching. With the mixed habitat of both forest and sea there are plenty of species to spot. If you really want to spot one of the most unique and probably most comical birds than a trip aboard a Puffin boat tour is in order. These tours head out to Machias Seal Island where there are plenty of these colorful birds to spot. For all of you fly fisherman, this area is known for it’s great fishing. The St. Croix River offers plenty of hotspots to fish and is just a peaceful place to spend some time. Whatever you may be looking for Downeast Maine has if all and with so many things to do, why not stop in and check it out for yourself.
Bar Harbor: Discover One Of Maine’s Best Destinations
Spring,Summer,Fall & Winter: Bar Harbor is one of the top destinations in Maine. This historic island town offers visitors a step back into the turn of the century with its antique, Victorian homes. The whole area is the perfect summer spot and caters to visitors by offering hospitality and charm. Bar Harbor is also home to Acadia National Park where visitors can find Cadillac Mountain. From the top of this mountain you have a 360 degree view of the entire area which includes the beautiful Frenchman’s Bay. In and around Acadia visitors will find plenty of places to camp with a wide variety of campsites. Whether you are looking for rustic campgrounds or one that offers many amenities and entertainment to their guest you are sure to find it in Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor also has a beautiful lighthouse to visit, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. This lighthouse is located near Acadia and is a must see. There are great tide pools that form among the rocks near the lighthouse and it is a fascinating place to explore and find wonderful sea creatures such as urchins and crabs. In addition to Acadia, the island offers a variety of things to do whether you decide to rent bicycles for the day to explore the island or rent a sea kayak to explore the inlets and private coves along the shore. In town, there is a wonderful Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery located on the College of the Atlantics campus with live touch tanks and a great overview of the history of lobstering in Maine. Bar Harbor also has plenty of romantic Victorian B & B’s to choose from in the historic district of town. If you are looking for entertainment, Bar Harbor comes alive when the sun goes down with some great pubs and music events that go through the summer months. This year make sure you put Bar Harbor on the top of your list as one of your places to visit, you won’t be disappointed.
Campgrounds, Bar Harbor: Beautiful Camping In The Acadia Area
Summer & Fall: Bar Harbor offers some of the best spots to visit in Maine and it also offers beautiful campgrounds along the Atlantic shoreline. With Acadia National Park visitors will find several campgrounds to choose from that cater to all campers. If you are looking for ocean front camping than Bar Harbor KOA Kampground is the spot you want to stay. The views from the campsites are unbelievable, you literally can watch the sun set into the cool Atlantic right from the flyway of your tent. The campground also offers wooded sites that are both quiet and private. If you are not into tenting but, still like the idea of “camping” you can check out one of their new Kamp cabins. The campground offers a pool which is nice if you are not wanting or brave enough, to dip your toes into the cold ocean water. This is a great campground if you have kids in tow. They have a snack bar, playground, bike and kayak rentals and the little ones will love the outdoor cinema and train that runs through the grounds. If you are interested in camping right in Acadia National Park and are looking for a more rustic camping experience than Seawall Campground is a great spot. This campground does not accept reservations and it is in high demand so if you are interested in staying there the lines begin to form in the morning and they let folks in first come first serve. The campground is located across from Seawall which formed from loose granite stones and boulders that form a jetty out into the ocean. This is a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the crashing waves and beautiful view around you. Another great campground with Acadia National Park is Blackwood Campground which is just off the Loop Road. This is a very private and wooded campground offering double sized camping sites. This campground is by reservation only so you will want to secure your spot early in the year to get your first choice dates. The amenities are minimal each site has its own fire pit with grate and a picnic table but, what surrounds you makes up for its limited amenities. This campground is just a short hike from Thunder Hole and the hiking trails on Cadillac Mountain. Where ever you choose to camp one thing is for sure, you won’t be disappointed with Bar Harbor and all it has to offer!
Quiet Harbors: Escape And Find The Perfect Hideaway
Summer & Fall: So you have decided that you want to explore a true Maine coast town that hasn’t been tainted by lobster and lighthouse t-shirt shops and the typical tourist attractions. You are searching for a quiet harbor where the sounds of gulls is the loudest sound you will hear. Southwest Harbor is just the place you may be looking for. Located on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island at the mouth of the Somes Sound this place is the just the opposite of it nearby neighbor Bar Harbor. The town was born and raised on one thing central to the whole community, the sea. Lobster boats and sailboats comingle in the harbor and the quiet is a welcome reprieve to to its busy counterparts nearby. The town is small and quaint and offers a few amenities but, the biggest draw is the peace and beauty that envelops this wonderful spot. Nearby you will find Bass Harbor where the Bass Harbor Head Light is located. There you will find amazing views and great spots to practice your photography skills. Close by is another great spot, Seal Cove which offers perfect picnic spots and wonderful panoramic views of the ocean. Quiet harbors can be found slightly off the beaten path, you just have to look and enjoy.