Norma

Does anyone have any advice on Old Orchard Beach or Bar Harbor? I am trying to take my mom, who cannot walk a lot, but would like to see some sites and go back to the hotel, eat a lot of lobster and also have an opportunity to relax on the beach. Not sure if I will have that opportunity in Bar Harbor. I appreciate any input. Thanks.

Marie

Dear Norma,
You DO have somewhat of a dilemma. Old Orchard Beach is easier to stroll the beach and see the sights, but, frankly, it's pretty honky tonk and tacky.
Bar Harbor is definitely classier, and there are certainly quite a few hotels right on the shore, but the walking to see the sights is probably not as easy as Old Orchard Beach. Given the choice, I'd try for a beach-front at Bar Harbor. Lobster is available everywhere in Maine. Enjoy your stay.

newenglander

Bar Harbor, hands down.
As the previous poster said, OOB is very tacky and honkey tonk. Lots of tshirt shops, waterslides, amusement parks etc. Bar Harbor is much nicer IMO.

Sal

Here's another vote for Bar Harbor. Old Orchard Beach reminds me of Daytona Beach.

Marie

Definitely Bar Habor - If you have a car there is so much more to do and see - be sure to visit Acadia National Park where there are plenty of sights to see without alot of walking like Bubble Rock and Thunder Hole (its a cove which makes this thunderous sound when the waves come in and pretty much sprays anyone within a 30 foot radius with sea water - its really neat - Watch the sunset atop Cadilac Mountian (get there ealry to get a prime spot for the beautiful views)- Stay in Bar Habor where you can easily stroll around the shops and have a great Maine lobster at a place (I forgot the name) on the corner of the main strip that has a deck on the back where you get a beautiful view of the ocean and the best bluberry pie. There are also whale watching trips that guarentee you'll see a whale or two. There are plenty of inns and B&B's in Bar Harbor which are close to resteraunts. I would suggest you head out to Barnes and Noble (or Borders) and check out some of the books in the travel section - That's what we did and found out so much info - We have only been there once for 5 days and saw a whole lot - Best of luck and enjoy !!

Owen O'Neill

I agree with the vote for Bar Harbor. I was in Old Orchard 30 years ago and even then it was terribly commerical. The real appeal was the beach and the waves fo rthose who could tolerate the icy waters of Maine (at age 15 I could). There's a beautiful spot on Acadia several miles fromBar Harbor that has azalea gardens in a sort of japanese fashion with whute sand walkways that er raked smoothe after each visitor passes through. It's a short and relatively easy walk through the facility - might be fun.

julie

I would say Bar Harbor too. But a smaller harbor would be Boothbay Harbor. I would go back to Boothbay Harbor over Bar Harbor. Boothbay is a small harbor, flat easy to get around...and a lobster pound down the road, check it out. j

col

Got to agree with last post. I came over from Scotland last summer and toured Maine. Spent a day in Boothbay Harbour it was easy to get round and more relaxing than the busier beach towns.
Hope you have a great time!