Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is located in Bar Harbor Maine which can be seen on the map midway up the 'down east' coast. Known as the first national park east of the Mississippi, Acadia hosts more then just scenic views. In fact, Acadia is home to the largest mountain on the US Atlantic Coast. Cadillac Mountain's breathtaking ocean views can be achieved by driving up the winding, scenic road or climbed via hiking trails. There are many other things to see and do within the park itself. If you are more adventurous you could bike, or hike the parks loop trail system which offers spectacular ocean, and wildlife views. The system is 27 miles of pure park fury with levels of trails for all ages and members of the family. Not interested in hiking or biking, no problem! Explore Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, a historical museum and many other natural phenomena such as falls. Most of the park is accessible by car, which makes it ideal for everyone.

If scenery is what you are after you will not be disapointed. No matter what time of day you are in the park itself, or in the area of Bar Harbor there is forest, ocean and wildlife galor. Beyond your typical experience during daylight you can also experience something very rare. At night, on a clear night, the view of the stars is the best in the country. Unpolluted by the lights of the 'big cities' the Eastern Maine view of the stars has been claimed to be the most pristine in all the country.

Prehaps you are interested in a less 'rustic' experience. The town of Bar Harbor does not disapoint. Populated at around 4,000 the town is amazingly still holds its 'small town; feel while exploding with life, vitality and tourist ammenities. Bar Harbor itself is located on Mount Desert Island, but no worries there is a bridge. Surrounded by ocean, and amazing scenery there is also a lot of life on Main Street. There are shops, resteraunts, and quaint streets that will give you the feeling of stepping back in time. The buildings on Main street are clean, well kept and classic. You can find something for any budget or taste including hotels, camping, and enterainment. You will want to plan ahead if you plan to vacation here, reserve a hotel or camp site in advance.

If you decide to embark on this 'Maine Destination' decide first how you want to get there. Driving up the Maine coast is a great way to see all that Maine has to offer. Route One offers the true taste of the coastal Maine experience while catering to travelers. If time is costly, consider a ferry; The CAT, which is a high speed ferry that takes you from Portland to Bar Harbor. This can be a fun way to see the ocean, and save time. The ferry can however be a costly alternative to driving. Flying into Maine can pose challanges, cost, convienence and location of airports may deter some from making the trip. Portland International may be your best bet, however Bangor Maine also has an airport with some closer route's to the sea. Small charter flights fly from Bangor to the Bar Harbor area.

Staying in Bar Harbor is a great idea because there is a lot to see and do. Hotels range from expensive and luxurious, to quaint and country. Bar Harbor Hotel Bluenose Inn represents one of the most moder, and most expensive choices. This is a 5 star rated hotel with excellent reviews. There are several modern, and mainstream hotels such as a Best Western which offer comfort and luxury. If you are looking for something more 'auntentic' there are many bed & breakfasts, inns and motels which offer comfort, class and style while remaining affordable. Camping is an alternative which is family oriented, gets you in touch with the outdoorsmen in all of us, and can be very affordable. If your interest is more about entertainment, activities rather then expensive linin then camping might be for you. Personally I have camped in the area and found the experience to be great! The National Park itself has camping right in the park which is great for people interested in doing all that Acadia has to offer. There is also camping outside Bar Harbor which offers a lower rate and same great experience.

On a personal level I have been to Bar Harbor several times. I have gone for day trips, and one overnight. I stayed at a campground just outside of Bar Harbor and enjoyed the campground as well as the site we had. The expereince was so wonderful. We toured the National Park, and saw the breathtaking views of Cadillac Mountain. The wilderness is just so untouched. Miles and miles of untouched forest, lakes and ocean views. The town of Bar Harbor offers great shopping, sight seeing, whale watching and more. I ate at China Joy, located on Main Street both times I visited Bar Harbor. I have never been a fan of sea food and the alternative for me was chinese food. I loved the place, it was cute, clean and the food was amazing. The meals were filling, not pricy and the place was always busy. I reccomend this food for people looking for something a little unique. One of my biggest joys of the trip to Bar Harbor were the antique shops, book stores and indoor flea markets which lined the roads on our way to Bar Harbor. One of the days we were there it rained, which was a bummer but you know I had a lot of fun going through the flea markets, shops and indoor attractions. Rain did not stop my enjoyment of the town.