I personally love this time of the year on the island because there are fewer people in Acadia meaning you get a much less crowded experience! In addition to Acadia National Park, the island is also home to many coastal towns; the park winds in and out of these towns meaning that it is never far away and is always accessible. Looking ahead at the weather, it looks like it will be windy but not too cold during your stay- just pack lots of layers to make sure you can enjoy your time! Below are some recommendations- I've broken them up into clusters of what I think would fit well together based on the locations but all could be done individually! Most are outdoor activities but we do have a fireplace and lots of hot beverages and wine to warm you up at the end of the day here at the Inn :)
- Walk out to Bar Island via the sandbar, walk the Shore Path from downtown, get yummy pastries and coffee from Mount Desert Bakery, explore downtown, drive the Park Loop Road and do a hike or walk around Jordan Pond.
- Visit Seawall , then walk the Ships Harbor Nature Trail, after visit Bass Harbor lighthouse; on the way back shop around Southwest Harbor and grab some food! I have attached a photo from the nature trail I just mentions because it is one of my highest recommendations!
- Drive over to Northeast Harbor and visit the art galleries and local shops downtown, Asticou Gardens, Sargent Drive, take the Cranberry Island Ferry for a round trip ride to see the island from a different perspective (indoor seating available)! I also love to drive around and look at the mansions and beautiful architecture in this area
- Grab lunch at Town Hill general store and head over to Indian Point Nature Preserve! This spot is a hidden gem- it is about a half mile walk through the forest which leads out to a peninsula on the Western Bay and is the perfect spot to picnic!
- Visit hunters beach in Otter Creek, come back into town and grab lunch, and then do a walk or hike!
List of nature walks
-
Jesup Path
- Great Medow Loop
- The Tarn via Kane path (can connect with Jesup)
- Great Head
- Ocean Path (from Sand Beach)
Hikes
- Huguenot Head
- The Bubbles
- Parkman
- Sargent
- Beech
- Acadia
Restaurant Recommendations
- Blaze
- Side Street
- Havana
- Jack Russell
- La Bella Vita
- Royal Indian
- Siam Orchid
- Reel Pizza
- Leary's Landing
Shops in Bar Harbor
- Debbahs
- Sherman's
- Bark Harbor
- Acadia Country Store
- Cadillac Mountain Sports
- I know there are more than these!
I hope this helps! I love to explore this island and am so happy to show you on a map where each of these places are as well as show you pictures! Safe travels!
