The touristy town of Bar Harbor, ME is home to the Acadia National Park which is located on Mount Desert Island. Hi Again, it’s Gay “Silver Locks” Isis finishing up our east coast tour. We decided to checked into the Acadia Ocean View Motel. It is a modest motel that could use some updating that would bring it back to its “hey day” status.
The motel is nestled within some of Maine’s most beautiful landscape and offers a fabulous view of Frenchman’s Bay. It is also only 2 miles from the Acadia National Park and the charming town of Bar Harbor.
The Acadia National Park is comprised of a cluster of islands just off the jagged coast of Maine. The park has a variety of terrain that includes woodlands, scatter lakes, smaller ponds and of course, plenty of beautiful coastline. One of the park’s iconic monuments is Cadillac Mountain. Its rugged cliffs reach over 1,500 feet high at ocean’s edge.
There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. I would suggest doing your research and map out your excursion beforehand. I think you will be quite surprised at all your options. While on your hike or two-wheel adventure, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. You never know when a moose or bear will surprise you along the way.
When looking out at the vast deep blue Atlantic Ocean, it’s not that unusual to catch a glimpse of a whale arcing itself above the water’s surface. Its is also a great opportunity for bird watching as well.
Realizing that time was closing in on us, we decided to follow the Park Loop Road. It took us to more of the popular sites. We ended up parking at the Sand Beach where we discovered the Ocean Path Trail. Here is were we took the 4.5 mile rigorous trek that followed the scenic route along the coast. It was well worth the time spent. We highly advise people to experience this trail when visiting the park.
One of the most popular attractions is Cadillac Mountain with its spectacular views of the ocean. It provides amazing sunrises by day, and fabulous views of the Milky Way at night. The park also offers beaches, the crashing waves of ‘Thunder Hole’, and carriage rides on scenic roads throughout the park. We could only take in a few of these attractions, but made the best of the time we had left. We can’t wait to return and spend more time enjoying the park and all its natural sites.
The park gets really crowded, so plan your day carefully. Doing your research will help you have a more favorable experience. It’s highly recommended to get tickets for the bus tour that travels around the park. It would be an easier and stress free way to see the attractions. After spending a great day of hiking and taking in the sites, we decided to head into Bar Harbor for our favorite adult beverages and some nourishment!
Not only is the park a major attraction, but the town itself draws many tourist with its New England style restaurants and boutique shops. This very charming and picturesque town can easily lure you back time and time again.
I am a lover of unique foods and would be remiss if I didn’t include this most delicious appetizer we shared at “Jalapenos’” restaurant. I had Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos with Honey Drizzle, Cotija Cheese Crumbles, and Cilantro Dip! Then I enjoyed their Lobster Taco’s accompanied with a Margarita! Life is Good!
Our next stop was a brief visit to the city of Portland, ME. This historic port holds a very special spot in my husband’s heart. It is his mothers’ place of birth. It also gave us an opportunity to visit with a cousin.
After Portland, we spent a great afternoon exploring the beautiful city of Portsmouth, NH. We decided to do an overnight stay and get an early start on our drive back to Boston.
We finally made it home to Colorado. Our trip was so amazing. We easily could have spent a month or more exploring what this part of our country has to offer. The New England states have now been put on our bucket list of places we must spend more time discovering. We would like to return when the colors of fall become a spectacular show!
Author: Gay Isis
Photography: Gay Isis
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Article Layout: Anthony Scopel
Technical Mastering & Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: YMATD
Take time to visit Gay’s “Rock of Gratitude” – https://www.rockofgratitude.com/
