A Maine Vacation

Blue Hill

Home to Blue Hill Fairgrounds where the children’s story, Charlotte’s Web, is based. There isn’t much to see when the fair is not being held except the empty stands and barns. I rode through the grounds hoping there would be a permanent marker or something but could not find anything. The fair is held on Labor Day weekend.

If you like reading, there is the small independent book store, Blue Hill Books. It has an interesting collection and friendly staff. 2 Pleasant St, Blue Hill, ME 04614, http://www.bluehillbooks.com

In Blue Hill itself you can find some cafes and galleries as well as Horton Emerson Park on Water Street. Park is a big term for the patch of green in the harbor but it does have Window of the Sea, another part of the Maine Sculpture Trail.

Deer Isle

Scott’s Landing Preserve, is an old farm that has been allowed to go back to its natural state. It also has Deer Isle Project, part of the Maine Sculpture Trail, by the parking area.

Barred Island Preserve is a small island that is accessible by foot at low tide. The trail is short with interesting moss and pine trees. We were there at high tide so we could only look at the island and watch the waves coming in. This would be a nice place for an easy hike especially with a picnic lunch. https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC1YZF8_barred-islands-tombolo

Acadia National Park

Stop at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to get a parking pass, a week’s pass at $25 is a bargain and supports the park. There you can get free maps and buy a guide at the small gift shop. The Rangers are very helpful even when it is packed with people. You can also take the obligatory photo in front of the park sign and count the 52 steps as you make your way up from the parking lot.

https://www.nps.gov/acad

Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is a short drive along the Park Loop road although parking is challenging. The mountain is actually the remnants of an old volcano. Use the first lot at the top and walk the short distance to the summit. Make sure to have a jacket as it is windy and the temperature can be surprisingly colder. There are numerous easy paths around the summit with beautiful vistas of the surrounding countryside and water. Make sure to follow Middle Peak Road (behind the small store) for about 50-100 yards to reach the official summit which is marked by a US Geological Society marker on a rock.

The easiest way to hike up is the North Ridge Trail. The trailhead is near the start of the one way section of Park Loop Road and has limited parking so be prepared for someone to have to drive to the top. Even at a relaxed pace, you can reach the top in under 2 hours. The trail is well marked even if you only use the cairns (stone markers) to find your way. Be prepared to stop and take lots of pictures only to realize that you haven’t reached the top.

A round trip bike ride from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center can be done in under an hour with the actual Cadillac Mountain climb taking 20 minutes.

Bar Harbor

Small tourist town with a harbor that is home to multiple types of tourist boats. Named after the Bar Island just offshore, this is where you can take care of your souvenir needs as well as go for a stroll along the shore.

The Shore Path: start from Agamont Park, we only went to Grant Park and back. This is where I would spend more time on our next visit instead of in town by the shops.

Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor (the original museum is still open inside Acadia) is a modern museum with Native American artifacts and contemporary work by authentic craftsmen. From baskets to canoes to art, you can see examples of the local tribal culture and make connections between the old and new ways of expression. I especially enjoyed the meditation room which was a beautiful place to relax and clear your mind. 26 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Yourcenar House is the former home of the Belgian author, Marguerite Yourcenar. Visits are by appointment only and we did not call ahead. Luckily, we were spotted by a staff member, who gave us a tour once my wife talked about the books that she enjoyed that were written by “Madam” as our guide referred to her. The house is exactly as it was lived in and gives you an insight into her personality. I loved some of the Native American musical instruments that she collected. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside. This is a must stop for anyone interested in French literature. 35 S Shore Rd, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, (207) 276-3940.

Restaurants in Bar Harbor

Testa's Restaurant – I had lobster, mussels and clams which were great but if I could have a replay, I would have the largest bowl of their lobster bisque that I could have and find a way to bring some home. 53 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Coffee Hound Coffee Bar – Crowded, narrow café that we stopped at just before closing yet they did not rush us. Service was friendly and most importantly, the coffee was good. 27 Main St B, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Geddy’s – Recommended by friends, this is a perfect place to go with a mixed group as there will be something for everyone. Kids will enjoy the eclectic decor and adults will leave with their appetites satiated. 19 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Jordan's – Typical American diner faire, nothing particularly interesting from a local perspective. 80 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Searsport

Penobscot Marine Museum – Our daughter found out about this museum and we were thrilled that she did. If you are interested in the lives of those who worked or just departed from the Maine coast, this is the place. There are hands-on exhibits for active mind, multi-media presentations on different aspects of maritime life, a wonderful collection of nautical paintings, the history and strategic importance of Penobscot Bay during the American Revolution. The list goes on and on. We spent the entire day exploring the buildings and listening to the well informed docents. 5 Church St, Searsport, ME 04974