Bar Harbor, ME
Ambassador Travelogue by Brett Slater - BIO

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About an hour’s drive out of Bangor, Maine toward the coast is Mount Desert Island, where you’ll find scenic Bar Harbor. This is the quintessential coastal New England town. Take in the picturesque coastline, quaint shops, narrow streets, art galleries, and the whole schmeer. This is a very seasonal town -- bustling non-stop from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, and all but closed down through the winter and early spring.

What to do, what to do! Take a whale watching cruise with Bar Harbor Whale Watch, rent an ocean kayak and paddle the coast, take a windjammer cruise, or charter a private sailboat to take you around the harbor. Also in Bar Harbor is the famous “Cat” ferry, which will whisk you across the Gulf of Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in just about 3 hours.

For food, try Rupununi, the Quarterdeck, Geddy’s, or Gaelyn’s. There are tons of other places too, any of which can get you a lobster dinner that’s practically right out of the ocean and onto your plate. And you won’t find a bad bowl of “chowdah” anywhere. And several places have live music and entertainment in the evening. Check out the Criterion Theater, an old-fashioned movie house, or ImprovAcadia, a “Whose Line Is It Anyway” style show on Cottage Street. Lotsa fun!

Again, inns, hotels and B&B’s abound, with varying prices. Try the modestly-priced Atlantic Oakes, or the more upscale Bluenose Inn or Bar Harbor Inn. There are also private cottages and camps to rent, but bear in mind “season” in Bar Harbor runs July 1 through Labor Day, so that’s when rates are highest and availability is lowest.

Whether you crave peace and quiet, a romantic getaway, or fun and adventure, you’ll get it all in Bar Harbor, Maine. It’s truly as “charming New England” as you can imagine. By the way, it’s also an ideal place to have a wedding. Just ask my wife and me!

For more about the Bar Harbor area, click on the Acadia National Park link here.