Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a town of about 5,000 residents on Mount Desert Island in what is known as "Down East" Maine -- the easternmost part of the state's Atlantic coastline. Bar Harbor calls itself the "gateway to Acadia National Park" and staying in town or nearby provides easy access to the only National Park in the northeastern U.S.
Bar Harbor has maintained its image as a quaint, coastal New England village by successfully resisting the expansion of national chain businesses into its storefronts. Classic architecture is also well-preserved. Although Acadia is clearly the main attraction on the island, there are several great restaurants in town. The natural beauty of Frenchman Bay and several islands directly across the bay from downtown are also not to be missed!
Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast
This place specializes in breakfast and delivers! We especially enjoyed "Betty's Blueberry Pancakes" -- made using native Maine blueberries -- for their amazing local taste. Jeannie's homemade jams on toast are another great treat.
15 Cottage Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-4166
Route 66 Restaurant
This restaurant is decked out in 50s memorabilia and evokes classic American nostalgia both with its decor and its menu. Our favorite item was the traditional hamburger and fries. Barbecue ribs are also on the extensive menu, as is the ever-popular Maine lobster.
21 Cottage Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3708
Bar Island in Frenchman Bay
The largest of Bar Harbor's natural islands is Bar Island, situated directly across Frenchman Bay from downtown. Because of the extreme tidal range in the area, the bay parts far enough to allow people to walk or drive to Bar Island at low tide. Be careful, however, as you don't want to be stranded on the island when the tide comes in! There is a hiking trail that you can climb to the highest point on Bar Island, offering amazing views of the town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
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