Bar Harbor/Acadia Insight
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2017
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Bar Harbor/Acadia Insight
Hello! My husband, myself and our 8 month old will be traveling to Bar Harbor for the first time and plan on doing some easy hikes in Acadia (with the baby in a carrier). We plan on going to Jordan Pond, and following the trail from Sand Beach to Otter Point (Ocean Trail). Is Cadillac Mountain a must-see? Better to go during the week as opposed to the weekend? Would love some tips on favorite places to eat as well. We've been told Thurstons and Coffee Hound have delicious lobster rolls. TIA!
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Ocean Trail is mostly level, though there are stairs in a couple of spots if you go all the way to Otter Point.
The trail around Jordan Pond is also mostly level, but the western(?) half of the trail is on boardwalks, which I personally hate, YMMV.
I don't think a trip to Acadia is complete without a trip up Cadillac, it's the only mountain peak with car access.
I've been to Acadia numerous times, but not for a couple of years. MorningGlory bakery is my favorite coffee/breakfast place, and th e Thirsty Whale is a good place for simple dinners.
Have a great trip!
The trail around Jordan Pond is also mostly level, but the western(?) half of the trail is on boardwalks, which I personally hate, YMMV.
I don't think a trip to Acadia is complete without a trip up Cadillac, it's the only mountain peak with car access.
I've been to Acadia numerous times, but not for a couple of years. MorningGlory bakery is my favorite coffee/breakfast place, and th e Thirsty Whale is a good place for simple dinners.
Have a great trip!
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When you go to Jordan Pond, be sure to go to the Jordan Pond House for their famous popovers and strawberry jam either before or after your hike. It's very popular, so you might want to make a reservation, unless you don't mind waiting a long time to be seated. If the weather's nice you can sit at a table on the lawn with a great view of the pond and The Bubbles.
In Northeast Harbor There are two beautiful gardens you can visit, the Thuya Garden and the Asticou Garden, which is a Japanese style garden. The Thuya Garden is on a hill, and you can either drive up the hill to the garden, or park at the bottom of the hill and walk up the trail that goes up to the garden - there are a few viewpoints along the way with nice views of the harbor. The charming little village of Northeast Harbor is worth a visit, it has some nice shops along the short main street and is a nice, quiet break from busy Bar Harbor.
Yes, you should definitely drive up Cadillac Mountain, There's a nice, easy loop trail at the top, and the views are incredible. I've been up there a number of times, and I never get tired of seeing those views!
In Northeast Harbor There are two beautiful gardens you can visit, the Thuya Garden and the Asticou Garden, which is a Japanese style garden. The Thuya Garden is on a hill, and you can either drive up the hill to the garden, or park at the bottom of the hill and walk up the trail that goes up to the garden - there are a few viewpoints along the way with nice views of the harbor. The charming little village of Northeast Harbor is worth a visit, it has some nice shops along the short main street and is a nice, quiet break from busy Bar Harbor.
Yes, you should definitely drive up Cadillac Mountain, There's a nice, easy loop trail at the top, and the views are incredible. I've been up there a number of times, and I never get tired of seeing those views!
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Weekends are generally crowded in Bar Harbor and all the big sights. I agree, make a reservation at Jordan Pond House if you want to go there. The traffic can surprise you so make sure with a baby you plan to perhaps be sitting for a little while. Cadillac Mountain was my first big place I went to in Maine. We lived nearby for 10 years. It's so beautiful! Enjoy your trip.