Exploring: Bar Harbor

For Zachs 19th Birthday, and for his Graduation gift, I decided to plan a little getaway for the two of us to Bar Harbor. We had been talking about doing this for a while, so I knew it would be a nice surprise for us to actually go. 

We were originally going for one of Zach's friends who was graduating, but I decided to extend our visit to three nights and four days of exploring, adventuring, and trying new things. 

Our Itinerary- Day By Day

Day One

We left early in the morning and enjoyed the scenic drive. This was the day we were watching the graduation, so we used the rest of our time to explore our campground and settle in.  

We stayed at Somes Sound View Campground in Somesville, which was about a 20-minute drive from Bar Harbor. After looking at all of the cool sites, we chose Maple, which had little steps up to the campsite, which made it feel homey and adorable. Maple was right next to an outhouse, had an electrical outlet, and had a water spout right next to us. Each campsite also came with a firepit and picnic table. I absolutely fell in love with the entire campground, but especially our site. After we set everything up, I felt safe & sound. The grounds had a beautiful quarry, that you could take a paddle boat on, a crystal clear heated outdoor pool, and it's own dock on the water that you can rent kayaks on! Zach and I got to see some super cool jellyfish and loved the view from the dock of Somes Sound. We ended the day with a cozy bonfire.

Day Two

Today we decided to get out and see Acadia National Park! I was super excited after researching cool things to do here. We left a little bit unsure of our exact plans, but expected to be hiking at some point. Our first stop was at Sand Beach, which was super windy! We hiked the Great Head Trail which was a pretty steep but very short hike up large rocks that gave you a great lookout onto Sand Beach. We were planning on hiking Cadillac, but then saw another mountain that looked ( a bit scary) but totally fun. We found out it was called The Beehive, and that it was very very steep, and you had to use metal hand rails most of the way. I was thrilled by the sound of it, but Zach was a tad bit hesitant after seeing the warning signs posted at the entrance. Nevertheless, we did it. It was quite scary at some points, being on the edge of a mountain holding on to only a metal bar, but the view and the satisfaction we got at the top was so worth it. 

After this we went to the Thunderhole, where supposedly water shoots out into the air like a geyser. Unfortunately, we didn't see it happen. We didn't yet understand that you had to come at high tide for it to actually work. So, we left a bit unimpressed, but ready to try again the next day. On our way out of Acadia, we missed our turn and ended up taking a route that brought us all around the entire park. We didn't mind though, as it was so beautiful and scenic the entire time. We went under stone bridges and around the oceanside. It was definitely fate that we didn't take the right turn.  

I had seen that morning while I was researching that there was this place called the "Missing Mansion" and it totally intrigued me. The best part was that it was on our way home! So we veered off into this little inlet and found a sign telling us where to go. Well, the website chalked it up a bit too much I'd say. I thought I was going to stumble upon an old and decaying, huge, creepy mansion. No, that was not accurate. It was actually just the foundation and crumbling brick layout of the huge, creepy mansion. Still a super cool visit, just don't let your imagination run wild like I did! But we did get to see a beautiful deer that seemed to pose just for us.

After this, we went to Zach's pick of the day, Bar Island. Little did we know that we had to visit this attraction at low tide, because high tide covers the sandbar that leads you to the island. So, our first visit to Bar Island was also a bit flat, but we tried again the next day!

After going back to the campsite and packing a picnic, we headed back to Acadia to catch the sunset on top of Cadillac Mountain. Don't let the pretty sunset fool you, it was freezing cold! But believe me when I say this, if you want to see something breathtaking, do this. Zach and I were literally speechless, eating cheese and crackers, drinking sparkling cider. I think it was my favorite memory from the entire trip. We ended the day with a bonfire and singing our favorite songs. 

Day 3

Today we decided to explore the little town of Bar Harbor. First though, we woke up early and went to the Thunder-hole for the second time, at high tide this time, to see it burst. Yet again, we left disappointed, but determined to see it later that night. We then went to brunch, at a place my mom recommended called Cafe This Way. We both loved our food and the service was phenomenal and extremely quick. I loved all of the book shelves around us all color coded and the amazing paintings to gaze at while waiting. All in all it was a fantastic breakfast. 

After that, we walked around and popped into the many stores in the town center. I found a really cute sweatshirt which is my trademark souvenir. I always like to buy a piece of clothing so that way when I wear it I remember where I got it from. 

Next we went to Bar Island for the second time, and got to walk down the sand bar and Zach skipped rocks. Before we went back to the campground we got some ice cream that I couldn't stop thinking about. For me, it was soft serve homemade blueberry and for Zach it was the "I'm not sure yet"...yes that was the name!! It was like a big mix of everything cookie and brownie flavored. 

On our way home we stopped to take photos on this pretty white bridge that was actually a part of a museum that wasn't open yet! We went to the thunder- hole one last time, with no success!! Maybe one day when we go back we will finally see it. We went home that night hoping to have another fire, but due to such powerful winds, it just wasn't going to work. So, it was an early night in the tent for us, but we found a movie to watch and went right to bed. 

Day 4

This was the day we headed home. Sad to leave, but we were ready to do some exploring on our way back. After we packed up, our first stop was at a cute little café to grab some breakfast. Choco-latte was so tasty and a really cozy space to spend with friends. The walls had super cute super hero themed paintings and really unique furniture. We then headed for Fort Knox. It was such a cool ( and sometimes creepy) sight. We walked into the dark caverns and got to see an old bakery and the soldier's quarters. It was a nice little spike of history to our trip. Next, we went to Belfast to have lunch and walk around the pretty waterfront town. We stopped at Dockside Family Restaurant and enjoyed a tasty bite to eat before departing for the last stretch homeward.

We had a really great trip, and are hoping to go back soon! If you ever have the urge to go to Acadia, do it, you won't regret it one bit!