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.