topic Re: Bar Harbor, Maine in Community Chat

Bar Harbor, Maine

Carly2005 — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 14:57:39 GMT

Does anyone have a recommendation for nice, moderately priced, waterfront accommodations in the Bar Harbor Maine area? We will be traveling there for the first time in September. I don't know anything about the area yet so any advice is appreciated. Also, any must-see destinations while we are there? I will only be there 2-3 days. Thanks friends!

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

Reever — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 16:59:15 GMT

I can't recommend a waterfront accommodation. I stayed last year at the Acadia Pines motel which was a quaint family operated motel about a 6 or 7 minute drive to downtown Bar Harbor which is where the shopping and action is. It was reasonably priced and clean (around 90 dollars a night). It provided very good access to Acadia National Park. Since you will be there 2 or 3 days I suggest you devote an entire day to Acadia Park. Take the loop drive in your car but be sure to get out and do some hiking and enjoy the fabulous scenery, including the carriage trails, The other day you may want to just walk around downtown and have lunch. There are many cute stores, some of which are very touristy. I'd say a must stop would be an authentic Maine lobster pound! my favorite being the Trenton bridge Lobster Company where you can order lobsters in the rough on picnic tables. You probably won't have time, but if you can take a drive to the "quiet side" of Mount Dessert island in Southwest harbor. Lots of artists live there and you can find art galleries. Far fewer people and gives you a typical maine experience.

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

Carly2005 — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:55:16 GMT

Thanks for the suggestions Reever! I just checked out Southwest Harbor. I definitely want to make time to get there. And I think spending a full day at the park sounds like a good idea. I appreciate the info! Can't wait to go....

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

lolakimono — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 15:24:54 GMT

This is a good place for breakfast.

http://www.2catsbarharbor.com/intro.html

https://www.facebook.com/LompocCafe

http://www.poorboysgourmet.com/index.html

And don't forget to try some blueberry beer!

L.L. Bean is not too far away, if you like outlet shopping.

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

pepmom — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 00:31:44 GMT

Wow we have been going there for 10+ years....for the past 2 or 3 years we have stayed at the Harborside it is beautiful and close to all food and shopping. Stewmans is great for late night eating....eat on the deck...great views. Go into the small town and look for a breakfast place called.....I think Jeanies......something like that I just can't remember at the moment.....but anyway great breakfast and good prices. Enjoy and shop!!! Oh and make sure you take the Margaret Todd...a beautiful sunset cruise. Enjoy and shop and eat till you drop Oh and try the lobster ice cream. Have a wonderful time.

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

Shelbelle — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 00:59:40 GMT

Not waterfront, but the Bar Harbor Grand is just wonderful. Sister hotel to the famous Bar Harbor Inn. Lovely, very accommodating, breakfast included. Great location, walking distance to Main Street . You must go to Acadia Park, also enjoy the Down Home Lobster Bake for dinner at Bar Harbor Inn, fabulous!!! Bar Harbor Inn also features a lovely dining room with regular menu called the Reading Room. FYI, it can be fairly chilly there in Sept, we went in August.

We also went on the Margaret Todd for an afternoon sail, delightful.

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

Peaches McPhee — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 15:08:35 GMT

Another vote for 2 Cats Diner.

There are 4 main things to do in Bar Harbor -- Acadia Park, village shopping, the bar itself, and of course, eating.

Enjoy!

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

Carly2005 — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:58:59 GMT

Thank you lolakimono, pepmom, Shelbelle and Peaches! Wonderful ideas! Lobster ice cream? That's a little scary. But I'm willing to try. I really appreciate the suggestions. Thank you!

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

chrystaltree — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 19:24:26 GMT

http://www.barharborinfo.com/

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

cuddlesmama — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 11:31:21 GMT

Has anyone stayed at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel? What are your thoughts and would you recommend it? We plan on visiting in May.

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

ZoetheCat — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 15:15:27 GMT

@cuddlesmama wrote:
Has anyone stayed at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel? What are your thoughts and would you recommend it? We plan on visiting in May.

My husband and I stayed at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel about 7 years ago. The location is perfect. Just past the busiest section of Main Street but totally walkable to everything in town. The room was clean and comfortable. The complimentary breakfast was nothing to write home about. We ended up having breakfast at a place called Cafe This Way. It was so good that we went back for dinner. Very casual place, a little loud, but the food was great.

The best attraction in the area is Acadia National Park. Definitely worth the drive.

I noticed that this thread is several years old. You may get more suggestions if you post in the travel forum. I hope you have a great trip to Maine!

Re: Bar Harbor, Maine

Shelbelle — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 15:23:22 GMT

@cuddlesmama wrote:
Has anyone stayed at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel? What are your thoughts and would you recommend it? We plan on visiting in May.

See my post above, wonderful hotel. we took a package that included a few wonderful meals at sister hotels and a boat trip.