Maine Discount Hotels - Bar Harbor Travel Guide

The summer home of the rich and famous and the playground of the wealthy at the turn of the 20th century, this is a place that is unique among the thousands of island communities lining the Maine coast. Nestled among the mountains, forests, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean is the picturesque village of Bar Harbor. Along its rocky shore the masts of fishing boats tilt rhythmically back and forth as the waves lap against the rocky shore.

When the first Europeans settled the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, they named their town Eden. This was in honor of an English statesman, Sir Richard Eden. The name they chose proved to be well-suited. Even after the name was changed to Bar Harbor in 1918, the air of paradise remained.

Mount Desert Island is blessed with a unique ecology that makes it a garden of plenty. The early settlers discovered that while the soil was poor, the sea was rich, both in food and opportunity. The thin, rocky earth provided perfect conditions for the trees that were used to build ships. Seafarers also worked the frigid waters of Maine, harvesting the wealth of the sea.

In the 1840's the sea brought two visitors who inadvertently redirected the energies of Bar Harbor. The two were the Hudson River Valley School artist, Thomas Cole and artist Frederic Church. Their artistic renderings of the sea, the forests and the majestic mountains aroused the interest of wealthy patrons in viewing first hand the locale in which these magnificent works of art originated. Suddenly, Eden was filled with visitors from around the world.

The majestic mountains of Acadia Park, the lovely lakes, the forests, the brooks, with shady pools in which the trout love to hide; the streams leaping from rock to rock in their headlong course to the sea: in every direction there were wonderful and inspiring sights to behold. wealthy families poured in, built mansions, and settled in them with their staffs of servants during each summer season.

No longer the exclusive realm of the wealthy, Bar Harbor is now a place in which people settle and raise their families as well as a favorite summer vacation destination. Bar Harbor is a place where lobstermen ply their trade; and it is also a cultural and educational center. You can breakfast with lobstermen, explore the trails and mountains of Acadia National Park, and round out the day by dining on the catch of that morning's companions as you listen to a jazz trio or a string quartet. A day in Bar Harbor is never boring!

For the adventurous, Bar Harbor makes the perfect base camp. Surrounded on three sides by Acadia National Park and on the fourth by the Atlantic Ocean, Bar Harbor has outfitters, guides, mariners, suppliers, and instructors whose daily work is centered upon helping residents and visitors make the most of the opportunities the incredible environment offers. Acadia maintains fifty five miles of carriage roads for walking, riding, biking, and skiing, and over one hundred miles of trails for hikers. The lakes, rivers, and oceans provide unlimited possibilities for those interested in boats, kayaks, and canoes.

The combination of the sea breeze and mountain air is revitalizing and invigorating. Some days are full of activity; while others can be spent enjoying a late breakfast, a relaxed stroll, some time browsing through stores, and later, dining at leisure. The pace of life in Maine reflects a time, when not everything had to be done "yesterday, " and every season is beautiful.

The first street from Route 3, West Street, showcases some of the fine mansions that made Bar Harbor the queen of the east coast at the turn of the century. Some remain private homes, while others have become elegant, inns. At the foot of West Street is the working waterfront, where fishing boats, schooners, yachts, excursion boats, and even cruise ship tenders bustle with their cargoes of seafood and passengers.

It also marks the beginning of the Shore Path, which leads to the front lawns of some of Bar Harbor's biggest "cottages", Up the hill from the town pier, lies Main Street with its stores, restaurants, and green spaces to sit and reflect.

The first major intersection on Main Street is with Cottage Street, where there are bikes, canoes, kayaks, and skis for rent. Also available are guided trips on the water or into the mountains. This is the spot to sign up for a whale watching excursion and to look over all the latest in sporting equipment.

A trail of restaurants extends down the side streets toward the Village Green. In the summer the Green is the venue for biweekly concert series, art shows, and other cultural events. On the other side of the green lies Mount Desert Street, a national historic district filled with beautiful echoing the early days of the discovery of Bar Harbor's natural wonders by the wealthy. Many of these homes now serve as luxurious inns. There is also an impressive trio of churches: Saint Saviour's with its stained glass windows, the Congregational with its classic New England lines, and Holy Redeemer with it's imposing stone architecture.

Outside of town, Main Street becomes Route 3 . Its side roads lead to the shore or up into the hills, passing beneath sheer mountain walls of bare granite and beside beaver ponds and birch stands.

The waters around Mount Desert Island, offer magnificent scenery and some of the best sailing in the world. There are excellent private and public golf courses; hundreds of clear-water rivers and lakes producing trout and salmon. There is excellent hunting for deer, moose, bear, and wild turkey. There are the mountains, islands, and trails of Acadia National Park. With seventeen mountains and four lakes, Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are magnets that draw thousands every year. The Park and its 120 miles of hiking trails, views from Cadillac Mountain, and the roar of Thunder Hole provide visitors with memory-filled vacations. Artists flock to photograph or paint the landscape. Bar Harbor's neighbors, Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor, attract visitors by land and by water.

The term "Down East" comes from the days when schooners were used to carry cargo along the coast. The prevailing winds here blow from the southwest, pushing sailing vessels downwind, to the eastward. Down East/ Bar Harbor is a source of treasure for all ages. Children love the downtown area where they can play in the parks, buy ice cream, and watch the activity on the waterfront. There are art galleries and museums including the Abbe Museum, where you'll find native American artifacts. The July and August music festivals are outstanding.. Whale-watching cruises depart daily, and Maine seafood is freshly prepared at many restaurants. The new high speed ferry, The Cat, travels daily to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and back.

The only problem with a vacation in Bar Harbor at any time of the year, is that it is so hard to leave. Many visitors have extended the time of their stay well beyond the intended "two weeks in August" and remain longer each year, well into the season of colorful Fall foliage and even beyond.

Acadia & Island Tours Oli's Trolley
It looks like a trolley; but it is a modern, comfortable luxury bus. Climb aboard, and take an historical tour of days gone by. Catch a glimpse of the cottage days of Bar Harbor with whimsical tales of a lost era. Then tour the highlights of Acadia National Park. Fun for the whole family. 2 1/2 or one hour trolley tours with stops for walks and pictures.

Acadia and Bar Harbor Tours
Bar Harbor and Acadia's premier sightseer: 2 1/2 hours of the best sights, sounds & stories available with 3 - 15 minute stops in Acadia National Park. Tour includes Bar Harbor, the mansions, Cadillac Mountain., Park Loop Rd., Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, etc. Native naturalists give thorough and humorous narrative.

Acadia Bike & Canoe
Acadia Bike features the largest bicycle rental fleet in New England. Enjoy Acadia's natural wonders as you pedal the car-free carriage roads or Ocean Drive. Bicycles (all new each summer) are meticulously maintained and custom-fitted to ensure you'll have a great ride. All sizes available, plus tandems, trailers & kids' bikes at special low rates.

The Cat (Bay Ferries Limited)
Ferry service to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Casino, dining, duty free shopping, movies, bar.

Coastal Kayaking Tours
Mt. Desert Island's kayaking company offers group tours and highly personalized service. Up to 15 departures daily. Trips from two-and-a-half hours to three days. Families welcome, no experience necessary. Located in downtown Bar Harbor, across from the post office.

Diver Ed Live Underwater Video Tours
Great for families! Journey to the bottom of the sea-without getting wet! Among spectacular coastal scenery, you will stay aboard the 50' motor vessel Seal & dive into Maine's only underwater sightseeing trip. After a short boat ride, Diver Ed suits up & you push him overboard. Watch on a 4' screen as he maneuvers a digital video camera. Back on board, Diver Ed empties his catch bag of fascinating sea creatures for you to hold and see up close.

Island Adventures Sea Kayaking
Island Adventures offers half day, two and a half-hour, and sunset tours daily, with Custom Group Tours also available. Some of Acadia's most experienced Registered Maine Guides want to share our region's beauty by sea kayak. No experience is necessary and beginners are always welcome. To ensure you get the attention you deserve we run small groups, (six couples max). Come with us and experience an adventure of a lifetime.

Sea Venture Custom Boat Tours
Captain Winston Shaw, an expert naturalist with 23 years of local experience, offers unique private boat tours for individuals and families of up to 6. Wide variety of enjoyable 1 to 8 hour trips custom designed around your interests and timetable. Discover eagles, seals, loons, and other fascinating wildlife, along with spectacular sea cliffs, secluded coves, picturesque island lighthouses, and breathtaking sunsets.

Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School
Professional climbing instruction & guiding for all levels in Acadia for half, full & multiple days. Instructors blend years of climbing experience with guide education to provide comprehensive instruction tailored to individuals, family, and small groups. AMGA accredited climbing school employing Maine's only certified guides.

Down East Nature Tours
Personalized nature tours for individuals, couples, families and small groups. Bicycle, hiking and cross-country ski tours; 1/2 day & full day, camping and more. We help you discover the flora and fauna of Mt. Desert Island and Down East Maine with special emphasis on native birds. Bald Eagles, Osprey, Shore-birds, Warblers. A truly unique and enjoyable learning experience.

Kebo Valley Golf Club
For over 100 years members and visitors have been attracted to the challenges of the finest 18 holes of championship golf in Maine. Rich in tradition, each hole has been carved into the mountains creating spectacular scenery. Our expert PGA staff is always ready to make your day a memorable occasion. Fully modern clubhouse for banquets & lunch on the deck.

Kind Cycle
Quadracycles and mopeds. Quadracycles are 4-wheel cycles. They're a safe and comfortable way to ride the carriage roads of Acadia Nat'l Park. We offer delivery to a Carriage Road Entrance. We have 2-Seat, Single Seat, Kids Quads, trailers and infant seats. We offer hourly, half-day and whole-day rentals. Perfect for everyone, regardless of skill level! We now offer mopeds and scooters. Reservations suggested.

Lulu Lobster Boat Ride
Discover Frenchman Bay's best kept tour boat secret. Lulu, a traditional Downeast wooden lobster boat previously in Hancock, now cruises out of Bar Harbor. See an up-close demonstration of lobster fishing, look for seals and share Captain John's interest in nature and local history/folklore.

National Park Sea Kayak Tours
Personalized (6 couples maximum) 1/2 day am; pm , Sunset Guided Sea Kayak Tours. See seals, eagles, porpoises, seabirds, other Marine life. Paddle along Acadia's coastline/islands in stable two-person ocean style kayaks. A fun, safe, & simple activity for beginners & experienced alike. Registered Maine Guides.

Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop
Rentals, sales and repairs. Reasonable mountain bike and road bike rentals starting for 1/2 day and full day; multi-day rates are also available. Helmets, locks, maps and child seats are included.
 

More Attractions

Abbe Museum
The Abbe is located at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park. The museum is a five-minute drive south of Bar Harbor, just off the Park Loop Road and off Route 3. It is on Mount Desert Island, which is joined to the mid-coast mainland by a causeway. A second, year-round facility is currently under construction in downtown

The Abbe Museum is dedicated to furthering the understanding and appreciation of Maine's Native American cultures, history and archaeology through exhibitions, educational programs and research. A private, not-for-profit institution, the museum is devoted solely to preserving and celebrating the heritage of all four Native communities in Maine: Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot.

Acadia National Park
One of the smaller National Parks in the country, Acadia is one of the most heavily visited. There are 17 high points of land with Cadillac mountain being the highest on the east coast. There are numerous lakes in the park, with Eagle Lake, the gem when viewed from the summit of Cadillac. The views of the ocean from the summit are breathtaking. Acadia is a combination of attractions that make it unique as a destination.

Natural History Museum At College Of The Atlantic
The Natural History Museum investigates and interprets the natural history of Maine. The Museum is housed in the original headquarters of Acadia National Park, renovated and expanded to provide a unique site for exhibits, programs and activities. A museum store offers quality books, toys, cards and other keepsakes.

Oceanarium & Lobster Hatchery
Enjoy an up-close experience with marine life. At the oceanarium on Rt. 3 see a seal program, take a guided tour of a salt marsh and the Maine Lobster Museum. At the working lobster hatchery we take you on a fascinating tour to see mother lobsters & baby lobsters & the hatchery process.

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
There's really no adventure like Pirate's Cove! Come test your skills on 36 challenging holes and explore the wonderful hideout of Pirates! At Pirate's Cove you putt your way through mountain caves, over foot bridges and under waterfalls.

Acadia National Park Outdoor Recreation Center
Tour the island and surrounding areas by water. Guided sea kayak tours depart from the waterfront location next to the Bar Harbor pier. If lakes & ponds are more your style, acanoe and kayak rental facility is located at the tip of Long Pond. If you prefer to stay dry, explore the carriage roads within Acadia National Park by renting either a mountain or hybrid bike from the Bar Harbor location which is only 1 mi from the Carriage Rd. entrance.

Atlantic Brewing Company
Visit the estate brewery located just outside of Bar Harbor. Three free brewhouse tours at 2, 3 & 4PM daily, and free tastings every 1/2 hour, starting at noon in the gift shop. Learn about brewing, how our root beer is made, and enjoy a pint in the quiet Maine woods. Bring your family to our estate & our open air tavern, serving food from 11:30 to closing and a Brewer's Barbecue on Saturdays.

Bar Harbor Brewing Co. & Soda Works
The microbrewery is 5 minutes from downtown Bar Harbor. Follow Main St. to Rte. 3 East. It's on the left, 3 miles past Jackson Laboratory. Don't miss Bar Harbor's unique microbrewery.
Tour, taste & talk beer (free) with award winning brewer Tod Foster. Taste World Beer Champions Cadillac Mountain. Stout & Thunder Hole Ale, the beers that beat Guinness, Samuel Smith, Newcastle, Sam Adams & Shipyard. There's homemade Bar Harbor Root Beer & Blueberry Soda for the children.

Arts and Entertainment

Carmen Verandah
Carmen Verandah features live music 2-3 nights a week, Bar Harbor's largest dance floor, pool tables, and great food. Our open air verandah overlooks the village green and is perfect for lunch, or dinner and then dancing. No covers, just great original blues, rock, funk & jazz. Also featuring Miss Hylies Tuesday Show and great DJ nights. Something happening every night!

Maine Lobster And Fish Company
Maine Lobsters shipped fresh daily, worldwide! Usually within 24 hrs. Wide variety of seafood, wholesale and retail.

Bark Harbor
Bark Harbor carries a complete line of dog and cat theme gifts and accessories. From jewelry to art, designer ceramics to plush animals. Pet supplies and gourmet treats are also available.

Domus Isle
Domus Isle offers a myriad of fountains, outstanding collection of CDs and cassettes, aromatherapy candles and personal care products. Now carrying fine wine, crystal, and accessories.

Grandfather's Collection
Grandfather's collection offers photographic reproductions from original antique glass plate negatives. Late 1800/early 1900 images feature lobsterman, schooners and lighthouses off the coast of Maine. Images are matted and backed with museum quality material and are sold In 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20 sizes. Prices include shipping in the United States.