A Family Getaway to Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

One October, a family of five arrived in Bar Harbor, Maine. Little did they know it would be their best vacation to date. Let us tell you about it.

We stayed in a historic cottage just steps away from Downtown Bar Harbor, which in turn meant we were steps away from all the restaurants, shopping, and the shore, yet it was quiet and cozy.

Bar Harbor is a gateway to Acadia National Park. We took a day to drive though the park and go to the visitor center, and then set off on various beautiful hikes throughout the week.

We enjoyed walking or running the shoreline path almost daily. It took us by historic cottages with picturesque gardens, the Bar Harbor Inn, and the waterfront with all of it’s fishing boats.

Some of our days were spent popping in the town’s shops with intermissions for naps.

We loved most places we ate and drank which included Side Street Cafe, The Chart Room, Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast, 2 Cats, Cafe This Way, Blaze, Choco-Latte Cafe, Coffee Hound, The Independent Cafe, Pink Pastry Shop, Mount Desert Ice Cream, and Ben and Bill’s Chocolate Emporium. Not to pick favorites, but we did visit Side Street Cafe twice and the food, drinks, environment, and service was incredible both times.

We recommend bringing a pair of hiking boots, walking to Bar Harbor Island at low tide, having a lobster roll if allergies permit, going to Cadillac Mountain where the sun first rises in the U.S. (bundle up), browsing Sherman’s Bookstore, and enjoying the charm of this town.

We can’t wait to return.