Herbch

We have been trying to get to maine in sept for the last several years and it looks like it won't work out this year either.

so we will probably go in august. planning on rockport/camden area, bar harbour/acadia - and maybe boothbay - also a day or so in bangor to visit friends.

will probably do bangor on the weekend, so can use the weekdays to be in the more tourist places.

will all these places be crowded? should we skip bar harbor? have heard that can really be bad.

thanks

CAPH52

We were in Bar Harbor in July of '03. Yes, it was crowded. But not to the point where it made our stay uncomfortable. We waited in line for a while to eat the first night. But, other than that, I don't remember being inconvenienced at all. We were able to do everything we'd planned. Of course, you need to make lodging reservations well ahead.

I realize you said August. But in many places July and August seem to be "high season". So I thought our July experience may be of some use.

nytraveler

Maine is most crowded in August - because it has the best weather then. But crowded is relative - it's not like Macy's at Christmas.

KevinK

Maine must be visited during the summer. The second post noting crouded is a relative word was vey good. You may not be able to drive right into the center of Bar Harbor. You may have to park 5 minutes from downtown but that is not bad. Acadia makes it all worth while. Cadallac mountain is an awesome driving trip up with lots of scenic lookouts and hiking parts of the mountain is worthwhile. Boothbay harbor is also much the same for traffic. Do not worry about it. you will get around just fine.

travelstheglobe

Acadia National Park in Maine is not about a bunch of T-shirt shops and traffic jams. Forget Bar Harbor and move on to the countless number of other beautiful towns on Mt. Desert Island. Just about 10 miles away from the hustle and bustle of touristy Bar Harbor, is the unspoiled and very charming hamlet of Northeast Harbor, home to some of the most extraordinary Summer Cottages. We overnighted at the lovely Maison Suisse Inn which is right in town and just a short walk from one of the most beautiful harbors you will ever see. Also fitting into the setting nicely is the delicious and atmospheric bistro, La Matta Cena, featuring foods from Tuscany. A noteworthy cypress tree lined, candlelit courtyard and rustic barn interior resembles the true Tuscan countryside experience. We sampled the signature grilled caesar salad which was flavorful with an exciting combination of temperatures and textures. We then moved on to the crostini platter which was an interesting combo of mix and match toppings including roasted fig and pomegranate tapenade served atop a crispy baguette spread with local goat cheese and finished with toasted pine nuts, and also a marvelous blend of tuscan white beans and roasted garlic puree and a zippy black and green olive tapenade. Dinner could not have been more outstanding. The ragu, a flavorful mix of braised duck, pork, beef, and lamb served over homemade tagliatelle pasta is the real thing and the remarkable pecan encrusted halibut with a wild mushroom glaze left us planning our next visit. The menu also features gelato made daily at the bistro and desserts including the popular tiramisu and the chocolate sausage with sweet ravioli.
The service was genuinely helpful and intelligent. The restaurant is just off Main Street and sits just behind the tiny and very interesting Maritime Museum. Next, we traveled over to Somesville just what you dreamed a picturesque village in Maine would resemble. We then head to Bass Harbor and Bernard where there is the most outstanding Loster Pound overlooking the harbor... go at night it is just so nice to hear the occasional boat putter into the harbor. Head to Southwest Harbor and into XYZ, a authentic Mexican restaurant none of this Tex-Mex stuff. They are on a private road in Manset just outside of SW Harbor. They are the best Mexican food we have had in the States. Don't miss the 7 chile chili!. Do spend a day kayaking on Little Long Pond, go to Dan Falt's artist studio in NE Harbor and paint with the kids (a unique and wonderful experience), go biking on the carriage roads in the park (NE Harbor has a bike rental), or take the mail boat to one of the outer islands and shell search. But go go go to Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park..You won't find a more beautiful or delicious destination in Maine!!!