My husband and I are planning our "one last trip alone together " before our first baby arrives this fall. We're planning a 4-day stay in Bar Harbor in July and looking for suggestions for a relaxing and peaceful place to stay with water views. Any thoughts on things to do/see (we're active and athletic) and great places to eat also welcome! Thanks.

At this point, you may be stuck with whatever is available. Maine has a short "season" and all the good stuff is probably booked already.

If price is no object, then try Balance Rock. It's right on the water, with it's own spa services. It's an old mansion that's been converted to an inn. My husband and I frequently stay at the Bluenose/Bar Harbor Hotel (which is owned by the same group that owns the Bar Harbor Inn, another place I'd recommend).

Bar Harbor is one of our favorite places and we usually stay at the Bayview which has beautiful views of Frenchmans Bay. Acadia National Park has wonderful trails, all degrees of difficulty, depending on your stamina at that point. Don't miss lobster stew and homemade ice cream in popovers at the Jordan Pond House. Whale watching is usually pretty good at that time of year. Enjoy!

Bar Harbor and Acadia are great! I am planning on cancelling my reservation for fourth of July this week due to other obligations. Check out Woodland Park Cottages for cancellation coming up. I have not stayed there before so I am not sure about the cottages.

Hello Meg! You are visiting one of my most favorite vacation destinations. Bar Harbor is truly a wonderful place. Some tips:

The Bar Harbor Inn is great. We have stayed in the Main Inn rooms overlooking the pool area. The rooms are huge and the jet tubs are wonderfully large and deep!

Rosalie's Pizza is a great little lunch spot with magnificent pizza pies!

Able's Lobster Pound (Northeast or Southeast Harbor in Acadia..I don't remember which) is the best. Perfect setting for a nice lobster dinner. It is overlooking a cove and when the sun goes down it's magical.

Thunderhole in Acadia is great for spreading a blanket on the rocks and watching the sun go down. Sand Beach is beautiful!

Take a trip on the big windjammer ship out in front of the Bar Harbor Inn. It's worth it.

Have a great visit!