Sunrise in Bar Harbor from my balcony at the West Street Hotel overlooking Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Bar Harbor, the largest town (of only some 4,000 year-round residents) on Mount Desert Island (the second largest island on the east coast after Long Island, NY) along Maine’s northern coast, is a dream destination for active adventure-seekers, who also happen to enjoy good food! In the middle of pristine and beautiful Acadia National Park, and overlooking Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond, Bar Harbor is a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities, including cruises to go whale and puffin watching, biking, fishing, kayaking, and hiking in the National Park (you can climb or drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain (1,530 feet), the tallest point within 20 miles of the eastern seaboard, which is also the first spot to see the sunrise during part of the year. A cruise aboard The Margaret Todd, the only 4 masted schooner on the east coast makes for a fun afternoon of adventure!
Sunset from the rooftop pool at The West Street Hotel.
Just climbed Cadillac Mountain!
Sand Beach in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, just several miles from downtown Bar Harbor.
For dining, start at Havana (local seafood with Cuban flair). Next, Bar Harbor Inn, which dates back to 1887 features breathtaking water views and offers elegant dining (candles and piano player) in The Reading Room for dinner, or lunch al fresco (best Lobster Bisque), and is also a nice place to stay. The charming Old Friar Inn is a great bed and breakfast also a favorite for drinks and dinner.
Lobster and a freshly baked blueberry muffin for dinner at The Reading Room.
Lunch at Bar Harbor Inn al fresco, enjoying Lobster Bisque with a Blueberry Mojito.
The historic Balance Rock Inn, overlooking the water is another top choice for drinks and small plates overlooking the water. Mache Bistro is a local favorite featuring excellent meat and seafood dishes. For the best cocktails, start at convivial Cottage Street and head past the village green to Project Social for great drinks and bites. The best lobster on the island is worth the 25-minute drive to Southwest Harbor to visit Beal’s Lobster Pier. Get the “soft shell” lobster, which recently shed their shell, locals swear they are sweeter (I concur).
Another historical spot worth checking out is the Asticou Inn, overlooking the water in Northeast Harbor. Dine with locals in the know and be sure to try the popovers with local preserves. My favorite place to stay is The West Street, part of the Opal Collection, which opened in 2012. Featuring comfortable rooms with a nautical motif, rooftop pool, fitness center, Paddy’s, a fun Irish pub (great drinks) and breakfast (get the Lobster Benedict), guests also have access to their larger Harborside Hotel across the street, as well as the Bar Harbor Club with spa and waterfront pool. Early risers take note: the sun rises before 5am in June into mid July. Adventurous folks get up at 3am to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain to catch the sunrise! Other great breakfast spots are 2 Cats, and Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast. Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy anything made with local blueberries during the summer months—once you taste a Maine blueberry, you will understand.
Lobster Benedict with fresh fruit at Paddy’s at The West Street Hotel.
2 Cats is a local favorite spot for breakfast and lunch.
Great Maine Breakfast opens at 6:30 and is full by 7. Enjoy Benny’s, blueberry pancakes, and their homemade strawberry rhubarb compote.
The Black Friar is a charming, historical B&B with great food and drinks tucked away on a quiet street just off busy West St. and Cottage St’s.
My favorite cocktail bar in town is Cottage Street.
The famous sandbar for which Bar Harbor gets its name. At low tide, a land bridge connects Mount Desert Island (Bar Harbor) with Bar Island (about a half mile trek). Beware: the tides come and go quickly up here, and this area is under water most of the time! Hikers and even motorists who try to park on the bar have been stranded and cars have been submerged!
Definitely explore the bar, but take this very seriously.
If you are looking for an incredible culinary journey, combined with recreation and natural beauty, Bar Harbor is an excellent choice! I will be back and will be putting together a list of my top restaurants in town as well as in Portland and Rockland-Rockport-Camden, Maine, great destinations for foodies!
For more from my trip to Bar Harbor, follow me on Instagram (@fboitalia1), Twitter (@fboitalia1), and Facebook (Fred Bollaci Enterprises).
Fred Bollaci’s first book, “The Restaurant Diet” (Mango Media) will be on shelves nationwide January 2, 2018, and is available for pre-order on Amazon.com! www.fredbollacienterprises.com
