bar harbor/acadia

[Anonymous]

We're interested in driving to Bar Harbor with our kids (ages 9 and 11) this August, spending some time in Acadia and some in Bar Harbor itself. I would love tips on any places to stop along the way - I mean for a few nights, not rest stops - since we have 2 weeks for the trip. Also I would appreciate any suggestions of things to do in Bar Harbor, any hikes or activities you would recommend in Acadia, and how long you think is a good amount of time to spend there. I'd like to make this a family road trip, not hurried, with a mix of age appropriate physical activities, other activities like boat trips, time spent at/on/in the water, and exploring the town, lighthouses, etc. Oh, and if I haven't already asked enough, any suggested places to stay or eat in Bar Harbor? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Bar Harbor is very touristed. Check out Southwest Harbor. We stayed in some cabins there and it was a lot quieter and more peaceful. It is relatively easy to get around by bike and the bus service is good. There are many books that describe good hikes, just do a quick search on Amazon--we found one in the house we rented which was excellent. Try to make it to Cadillac Mountain for sunrise. Beales for lobster is great.

What route do you plan to take to Maine? Portland is a great city for a stop, the Camden area is wonderful and the entire NE coastline is lovely in the summer.

[Anonymous]

Last August, my DDs were 9 and 11, and we stayed at Bar Harbor Manor (something like that, called "Manor" and it was a good location and nice rooms. ) We got adjoining rooms and loved that! We went to a few places for breakfast but quickly settled on a nearby cafe that was all about cats (and Cat is in the title)--very good.

My DH wanted to rent bikes and ride on the Carriage Trails, and I didn't want to but it was the best idea ever--do that and end up at Jordan Pond, and see if you can get a table (we could!)

Independent of that, do make reservations ahead and go to lunch at Jordon Pond and have the famous popovers

Check the tides and walk out to the island that is connected by the sand dune when the tide is low. It's walking distance from that Manor place we stayed at.

We hiked The Beehive Trail which is the second most scary trail in the park. The weather changed so we could not do the more famous other one, but I want to recommend the Beehive trail because after you get to the top, you go down the backside and there's a lake we had all to ourselves to swim in. So pack your swimsuit. Then the hike back is no big deal because the hike is a loop, and the scary part was at the beginning before the lake. I highly recommend this hike unless someone in your group is afraid of heights.

We flew in so I don't have recommendations for you…other than Boston, if you are drying from DC. Lots of threads here on Boston...

[Anonymous]

18:44 again forgot to say, the most famous hike is amazing (we did it pre-kids) but nothing happens once you get to the top.

Also totally forgot about Cadillac Mountain sunrise. It's the first place in the US that gets the sun, so you drive up the backside and then walk there. Did that years ago pre-DH and pre-kids and loved it! (it's cold and might be breezy so just bundle up and you'll be fine). Sort of a famous thing to do there but again, we got weathered out.

Weather is a bit of an issue so if you have a good day, don't dawdle--do those outdoor things!

Finally the cafe is called "Two Cats Cafe"

[Anonymous]

Check the moon phases when you plan to be there and see if you can go to Stars Over Sand Beach on a clear night with a new moon. Absolutely spectacular and the park rangers do a fabulous job guiding through the starlit sky.

[Anonymous]

Great rock climbing guides in Acadia.

[Anonymous]

Love Acadia. Bring bicycles. Make reservations at Jordan Pond House- go early to find parking. Order popovers! Loop hike around Jordan Pond is fun too. BeeHive has a back route if any in your party has trouble with heights. Cadillac Mountain at sunset- overlook that faces southwest at top. Beach at Echo Lake is freezing, but still warmer than ocean.

Best lobster at Beal's Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor. It is right before the entrance to the Coast Guard station.

It is a loooooooooong way up. Hartford is about halfway. Stop at LLBean in Freeport either on the way up or on the way back.

[Anonymous]

18:44 again. Meant to say "adjacent" rooms, not "adjoining."

Also, if you go to the NP visitors center FIRST, pick up the Jr Ranger booklets and the kids can fill them out (they also have to attend a ranger program but they are good) and they get a badge and a patch. My kids have a bunch of NP Jr. Ranger patches that I've sewn on their camelpaks.

[Anonymous]

Lots of great suggestions already in this thread. A couple of more ideas:
Lulu lobster boat tour - kids really enjoyed it http://lululobsterboat.com/

Sea kayaking at sunset - http://www.mainestatekayak.com/index.html