First Impressions of Bar Harbor
Neither Russ nor I have visited Maine, so it was a new state for both of us. We laid fairly low yesterday, but were ready to get out and explore the town we will be working in this summer. Bar Harbor is the largest town on Mount Desert Island sitting along the Frenchman Bay. Located just outside of Acadia National Park it is a popular destination to stay, play, and dine for park-goers.
From our first impression, what a cute little town filled with gifts shops, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and lots of bike & kayak rental companies. It’s proximity to the water makes it a win in our book. If you have been following us for any length of time, you know well that Russ & I enjoy walking along just about any coastline! From the town pier, the Shore Path winds along the bay overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Porcupine Islands. We have already enjoyed the view of lobster boats, private yachts, majestic sailboats, and cruise ships that are moored throughout the bay.
Bar Harbor is extremely walkable with the town pier serving as a sort of hub of the town. Another thing that appealed to us about Bar Harbor is the local, small town feel of the downtown area. Rather than large chains, you find the streets lined with boutique style hotels and locally-run restaurants. Even though the town touts a small town feel, the touristy vibe runs strong with store after store lined with moose t-shirts, lobster mugs, and any trinket you can think of inscribed with the words Bar Harbor or Maine.
As we arrived to the area, we noticed lots of shops & restaurants were not open. Once we drove into town, you could see business owners and construction workers hard at work painting, power washing, and climbing ladders. They are gearing up for the season ahead. We have heard that Bar Harbor gets extremely busy in the late summer months, so the beauty of the town is not exactly a well-guarded secret. Until that time, we hope to enjoy Bar Harbor and the surrounding areas without fighting the crowds. The stage is set, summer is around the corner, let Bar Harbor come alive…
