Back to Nature in Bar Harbor, Maine

Posted - June 24, 2019

Over the years, magnificent mansions were built by the wealthy throughout Mount Desert Island, where Bar Harbor is located. Many of these mansions have since been converted into businesses. Along West Street, a National Historic District, visitors can see some of the old houses that have been carefully preserved.

Surrounded by Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a magnet for nature lovers. The park contains more than 120 miles of historic hiking trails, and is home to many plants and animals, as well as the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the beauty.

Points of interest in the Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island region include Bass Harbor Head Light, Abbe Museum and the Park Loop Road. The 27-mile Park Loop Road provides an excellent introduction to the park. Allow at least half a day to explore sites along the way.

Bass Harbor Head Light, built in 1858, is one of the most photographed lights in Maine. Though the residence and grounds are U.S. Coast Guard property, great views of the seaside can be found from two trails surrounding the property.

At Abbe Museum, which is dedicated to Maine’s indigenous Wabanaki tribes, visitors can see an archaeological exhibit displaying bone tools, spear points and other artifacts found around Mount Desert Island.

Of course, one of the delights of travel is sampling the local cuisine. If you’re a seafood lover, Bar Harbor’s restaurants are sure to please with ocean-side Downeast lobster and clambakes as well as indigenous fish dishes such as mussels, steamers and clam chowder, accompanied by all the fixings, including corn on the cob and blueberry pie. For a feast like this, check out Stewman’s Lobster Pound, Looking Glass Restaurant and Acadia Lobster Bakes.

Beyond Bar Harbor town limits, seekers of scenic beauty can expect to find quiet fishing villages, deep woodlands, and unexpected ocean views – all of the elements that make this historic region so undeniably attractive.