Bar Harbor, a Wonderful Little Seaside Town and the Gateway to Acadia National Park
Written: Dec 20 '02 (Updated Aug 27 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great summer town with wonderful seafood restaurants.
Cons: Does get crowded and parking is difficult at dinner time.
The Bottom Line: Bar Harbor is the perfect accompaniment to Acadia National Park.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Bar Harbor |
Simply said, I love Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park! My wife and I "found" the area when we were first married almost thirty-five years ago. At age twenty-one we did a two and a half week tour of route 95 going north from NY. We went through the Cape Cod area, Boston, and then many small towns on the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine Coasts. We made it as far north as Bar Harbor and we have continued visiting the area time and time again. At least eighteen times if not more. We just came home from another visit last night, August 1st, 2005.
GETTING THERE
Taking Interstate 95 north to Augusta and taking route 3 heading to the coast in Maine will get you there. The roads are pretty good and move well even with trailer homes and RVs on the road.
I have also taken bus rides to Bar Harbor. The family would be up there and I would have to catch up on some business.
Years ago, Greyhound would drive right to the town of Bar Harbor. They no longer do. You can get a shuttle service in the summer that makes the run from Bar Harbor to Bangor, Maine. From Bangor you can catch major bus rides that go through Boston. Bangor also has an airport. There is a very small airport between Bar Harbor and Ellsworth for those with less time for travel and more dollars.
A BIT ABOUT TOWN
Once in Bar Harbor you will find a small town with all the tourist trappings you might expect yet at the same time it is always very homey. There is a Village Green where we have listened to local bands play in the cool of the evening. All around the green are stores catering to every tourist's fancy. They have a good book store where I find my "read" for the vacation. The name is Sherman's.
Do be sure to visit one of the museums in town and learn more about the area. Artists have their work in galleries and in storefronts. Most is of local work that is fantastic.
Antiques are everywhere on the roads getting to town on rt 3.in Searsport. Boutiques will be the place to find that "special" piece you have been looking for.
Sports shops with camping equipment are in town for campers from the nearby park campgrounds. Blackwoods and Seawall. Both are run by the National Parks. Blackwoods is about five miles south town. Sea Wall is on the other side of the island. There are many, many private campgrounds on the island of Mt. Dessert where Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are.
RENTALS AND TOURS
You will also find at least two if not more, bicycle rental places. It's a great area to ride if you are daring and somewhat fit. The area is hilly. Taking the bikes into the parks and onto the carriage paths is worth doing, but again, you must be somewhat fit. A ride on a carriage path via horse and buggy can be done in the park.
Many places also rent kayaks. They have become a "hot" item up there. You can also sign up for bicycle and sea kayak tours too. We always rent a canoe when in town. We happen to like taking it on Jordan Pond and also to Otter Cove.
Ask about the Cadillac Mountain Sunrise Tour. I did it a couple of times with my kids. You sign up ahead of time because reservation fill up quickly. You meet at the bike rental place about 4:30 am. They drive you up to the top of Cadillac Mountain. You see the sunrise on the first place it touches continental United States. They serve a continental breakfast and then you hop onto a bicycle and glide down the mountain. It's safe and exhilarating at the same time! The guide pulls over at places that are overlooking Bar Harbor. The views are sensational!
The guide tells a bit of local history and lore. We found out that much of Bar Harbor and it's Summer Cottages burned down in a devastating fire that also took large piece of Mount Dessert Island where both Acadia Park and Bar Harbor are. The cottages were huge mansions owned by the very wealthy of the day. There was once a railroad that left from Bar Harbor and went to the top of Cadillac Mountain. It has long been gone. Update 2005, this tour does not seem to be available any longer but do go into town and ask about other bike tours or just take a bike out on your own.
PLACES TO EAT!!!
Bar Harbor is a place with a diverse quality and types of restaurants. You can go out on a pier and get a lobster and eat it at picnic benches or find a fine upscale restaurant.
Food is abundant as are the different types of eateries. Pizza, Sushi, Vegetarian restaurants, burger places, Thai, Mexican and fine dining are all here. Many places have dining rooms that sprawl out up to the sidewalks. I love eating outside and this is a great town to do it in whether at dockside looking at the islands and many marine craft or in the middle of town just people watching.
We like to go to a few local places that have good service and great food. I miss a little place called The Opera House. Unfortunately it closed it's doors a few years ago for dinner. Actually it is still open but now as an Internet Cafe. That's where most seasonal workers would go to keep up with happenings at home. It also has wonderful freshly baked goods and coffee all day from 8:00am till about 11:00pm. Be sure to stop inside if only to use the cleanest restrooms in town. They do invite you to use them.
One particular place that is off the beaten path but right in town is Georges. This place is a bit pricey and it's for couples. Don't bring the kids here. It is a romantic place of four small rooms and an outside porch. No views but just a lovely candle lighted atmosphere. The place is known for its Contemporary Mediterranean fare. Have either their lamb or scallop dishes. They are my favorite!! There are quite a few places with that "candle light" atmosphere in town.
A good place for a fine breakfast is at the Bar Harbor Inn's Reading Room. This building was a gentleman's club in the late 1800s. It's also a beautiful place to stay. The views from this gorgeous breakfast and dining room are spectacular. Though they offer fine dining we always seem to gravitate to their outside patio where we enjoy some moderately priced, wonderful lunches and diners. The name of it is The Terrace Grille. You are overlooking Frenchman's Bay and the Porcupine Islands. The islands look like porcupines from a distance, hence the name. Even if you don't eat here be sure to take a walk around the shoreline of the property. It's a must!
For one of the best values and good food and a super Lobster Special at $16.95 be sure to visit Poor Boy's Gourmet. It's great! We had dinner there a few times during this last stay. The special includes a lobster or crab legs, soup, pasta, veggie, and a great desert. We went both times as a family. We were six and they accommodated us fairly easily. We dined upstairs inside one day and in the downstairs porch the next visits. Do expect a ten or fifteen minute wait at peek times. It's worth it. Call ahead for reservations.
There are many little places for breakfast, discover them. Our favorite in the morning is a place by the name of Jordan's Restaurant. This diner-like eatery specialize in blueberry muffins and pancakes. The six of us ate very well. The tab came to $47.00.
A great place to go with the kids for lunch and dinner is Route 66. Good burgers and lively fun atmosphere. The kids will love the rest rooms. Nothing like pushing buttons and hearing "World Class Farts!!" Yes,I'm serious. The good thing is that odors don't come with the sounds.
A fun atmosphere with live music every night is Geddy's. Great burgers in this pub like setting that serves all kinds of fare.I enjoy checking out everything on the walls.
For a change of the usual why not try Reel Pizza. This is a place where you can order pizza, beer and wine, and then sit in the theatre with it on sofas and the like and watch a first run movie. Another place we just tried and went to twicwe this last trip is Improv/Acadia. This is on Cottage Street and they now have two shows per night. It's a group of comedians from Chicago who do an hour and a half improve show ala, "Whose line is it anyway". They were terrific!
As far as eating lobster is always a must for us. We have it with some clams and a cold beer and we are very happy campers. There are a few places to search out and enjoy. The Quarter Deck is OK as is the Pier. Also try a few of the local micro beers. We enjoyed The Atlantic Brewing Company of Bar Harbor Maine's Blueberry Ale. This part of Maine is known for it's blueberries. Mix that with some beer and you have a winner!
For a fine and fun tasting and brewery tour and the best stout anywhere in the world take a tour of the Bar Harbor Brewery just a few miles south of town on Rt. 3. You have to try Bar Harbor's Cadillac Mtn. Stout. Outstanding!
Another must stop just fifteen minutes from town is The Jordan Pond House. They have a real fine menu. If you don't make it for dinner then I recommend an noon lunch or afternoon tea. Have their Popovers with Jam and the best Lobster Stew you have ever experienced. In day light you also get the grand views. This restaurant has been serving over 110 years.
WHERE TO STAY
When we first visited we camped. Those days are over for us. We stay at a little place just outside of town on Rt. 3. No, I'm not telling you the name of the place. We are planning a family reunion of sorts at this place this coming August. It doesn't have many units and I can't afford to be shut out. Check this review after August, I'll give the name then.
OK, this review has been updated and I will give you the name of the place in a bit.
There are many different kinds of places you can stay while in town. There are small motels along the road.
Many B&Bs are in town and along the water. Some old Inn's and "Cottages" are still doing business up there. There are many fine hotels in town too.
Unfortunately the town is still offering permits for more building that doesn't suit the rest of town. There is a new place on rt3 just north of town that was recently constructed. It's like a Disney eyesore to me. While all the other structures in town are one and two stories, somehow this five story building, right on the road, doesn't look right. This kind of continued construction will certainly ruin the warm, small town feel of Bar Harbor.
Now the one site I do recommend and it is the place we have stayed many, many times over the years has a combination of cottages, efficiency apartments, and motel rooms with queen beds, fridge and microwaves. The Ocean Drive Motor Court is run by a friendly, young couple who have been working hard to keep this place looking great and updating it constantly, yet keeping a quaint feel.
This is a terrific place for both couples and families alike. They have a well kept sparkling clean pool and a convenient fast food place a short walk away. You have a short walk through woods to Acadia shore and the closest entrance to the park from their place.
The Ocean Drive Motor Court is a warm, cozy place with modern conveniences that is just one mile out of Bar Harbor yet it is quiet and relatively isolated. Be sure to say hello from Phil of Epinions to Chip and Lil when you arrive.
Blackwoods and Seawall are two campgrounds run by the National Parks. Blackwoods is about three miles away from town. Sea Wall is on the other side of the island. There are many, many private campgrounds on the island of Mt. Dessert where Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are.
If you are camping or in an efficiency or motel you can get groceries in town. There is a supermarket there along with small deli type places. Prices are a bit higher than at home. If price is an issue pick up goods in Ellsworth. You must pass through this town to get to Bar Harbor. It's still on the mainland.
WEATHER
We have always traveled to Bar Harbor in the summer. It can be hot during the day and cold at night. Sweat shirts and jackets are a must in Maine. I will say though that on this last visit we had shorts and t-shirts on most of the time. It was just the last two nights where we needed light jackets or sweatshirts.
One other thing you must know about Bar Harbor and Maine weather is that at times the fog rolls inn and it stays in. It has happened to us a couple of times and we did not see the sun for days. This is shopping time, spending time checking out the many restaurants, seeing a movie, going to the museums and galleries and also time to make reservations and go on "Ranger guided walks" in the park. For you campers it's the day to do your laundry and then spend some time and dollars in town. The entrance to Acadia National Park is just a mile and a half up route 3 from town. It's fun to have breakfast in town and then go off adventuring in the park for the day. That's what we often do. We then come home, shower-up, and then go to town for the evening.
Do know there is a great demand for parking in the evening. Park at the first spot you see and walk the rest. Don't bother trying to get close to the location of your restaurant or stores especially if you are staying in town. There are a few handicapped parking spots on the street. Walk the streets and the dock areas and discover the town. It's not all that large an area, however, there is much to discover.
There is interesting shopping for adults and kids alike. My kids 16 and 17 always liked having their free time and meeting us an hour or so later.
Bar Harbor has a tiny little old time movie theatre, the Criteria. See a movie there or at least get a peek inside. It should be on the National Historic Building list. Maybe it is now?
JUST OUTSIDE TOWN
One fun thing we did with the kids is going to the Lumber Jack Show You will pass it just before coming onto the Island on RT 3. It's a lot of fun and fairly inexpensive. A good value. Shows are every night at 7:pm. I don't know if I mentioned the Miniature golf. Pirate's Cove has some wonderful courses and the fellows running it are very friendly. I'll take a moment here to suggest writing the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce for more information Bar Harbor's shops and restaurants. This happens to be my favorite place to visit and I believe one of the best in all the US. That's how much I like the combo of Bar harbor and Acadia National Park.
THE WATERFRONT
I haven't talked much about the waterfront. It's always fun to check out. Have your camera for some great shots of a four masted schooner in the harbor. It's the Margaret Todd. I have been out on her. It's a comfortable and smooth few hours of learning a bit about sailing, helping with the crew, and just relaxing. They have a sunset cruise too.
I love getting down to the docks early in the morning and watching the lobstermen and fisherman preparing for the day. Look for them coming in at the late part of the day and see the catches they brought in.
There are cruises of the bays that go out of town. Be sure to take one of them. Our favorite to acclimate yourself with the history, geography, and wildlife of the area is the Naturalist Cruise. A number of different cruises are available. Just ask. It is very informative and if it's a clear day you will definitely see, harbor seals, ospreys, and eagles.
Speaking of cruises, big cruise ships do come to Bar Harbor. Thank goodness most of the day people from them are gone by dinner time. They really aren't there too often. We did get to see the QE2 a couple of years ago. What a grand looking ship, even from a distance.
Another must that we did twice with excellent results was Whale Watching. It was very exciting and we saw many, many of them from a state of the art jet powered catamaran. It is docked at the town pier in Bar Harbor. The name is Friendship V. We did it again this year with great results!
There is also now a new guy in town with an even bigger jet powered catamaran that advertises under water cameras and sound equipment that is relayed to screens and speakers on board. We couldn't make arrangements with this place to get on and meet the crew this year. Maybe next year.
There is also a popular ferry to Nova Scotia that is just a mile or two out of town.
There is so much to see and do in Bar Harbor. Mix that with the tranquility, diversity, and beauty of Acadia National Park and you have a northern paradise.
other reviews of the Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park region by popsrocks
Bar Harbor What a great seaside town!!
Acadia National Park My favorite place in the USA!
Carriage Rides in Acadia National Park
Whale Watching from Bar Harbor
Windjammer Cruises, The Margaret Todd A two hour cruise on a four masted schooner.
Ocean Drive Motor Court A great place to stay just outside Bar Harbor
The Improvacadia, ME
The Cromwell Harbor Motel
The Chart Room
The Jordan Pond House A wonderful restaurant right in Acadia Park
Jordan's Restaurant cheap eats, clean and fast!
Poor Boy's Gourmet on Maine Street
The Pier Restaurant
The Terrace Grille good value and good food with a wonderful view outside under umbrellas
The Reading Room Excellent breakfast in a beautiful setting.
Two Cats A charming breakfast and dinner spot on Cottage Street in Bar Harbor
China Joy The joy of Chinese food in Bar Harbor
Geddy's Pub Good food, good music, great atmosphere.
Route 66 on Cottage Street
George's Restaurant Top quality in Bar Harbor
Reel Pizza Have pizza served to you and watch a film.
Bar Harbor Brewing Company
Cadillac Mtn. Stout
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National Parks Passports
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1,000 Places to See Before You Die Maine has some of them!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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