Acadia National Park: Maine Trails and Cocktails

How many different national park visits could we squeeze into a year? After purchasing a National Park Pass in July of 2021 to tour Zion and Bryce Canyon, we felt compelled to see how many parks we could actually fit in before the July 2022 expiration date.  Acadia National Park was a must do since it is the only national park in New England, and we made it to #5 by June 2022! (Joshua Tree and Everglades were #3 and #4).  

We decided sneaking in our trip before the summer season geared up would be a good idea, and that decision paid off.  We went on an early June weekend, the weather was beautiful, the room rate was reasonable and the crowds were light.

We left right after school on a Friday afternoon and arrived at the Bar Harbor Villager Motel about 4.5 hours later.  We were thrilled to discover that it was right in the middle of the downtown area, with all of the shops and restaurants surrounding it.  It didn't take long to check in, throw our stuff in the room, and head out for a cocktail and snack.

Since it was approaching 9PM, we went to the first place we stumbled upon, Blaze, and were welcomed by the bartender (who was a bit of a Justin Timberlake doppelgänger).  Since we spied lots of herbs and bitters behind the bar, we asked him to customize our cocktails to our liking, and he was happy to oblige. There were a lot of excellent choices on the food menu, but since we had already grabbed a quick burger on the road, it was oysters for Jeff and bacon wrapped scallops for me.  Both of us were happy with our choices, and we headed back to the hotel because 9:30 is closing time in preseason Bar Harbor.  And we had to get up early to head into the park!

The motel provided free breakfast starting at 7AM.  We were the first ones there and were treated to breakfast sandwiches, muffins, fruit and coffee.  They have a breakfast server, so be sure to bring a couple of dollars to leave a tip.  

The entrance to the park off Park Loop Road was close by and we were in the Sand Beach parking lot right around 8 AM.  This is a popular starting point for the Ocean Path trail (4 miles round trip), so get there early if you want to find a spot.  By the time we returned at 10 the lot was full and it was like Christmas at the mall if you were looking for a parking spot. 

From this parking area, you can head on down to Sand Beach and set up a spot or look for the Ocean Path Trail - the entrance to the trail was located behind the bathrooms and water filling station, so it took us a while to stumble upon it.  We were off and headed for the first point of interest, Thunder Hole. Since we were there relatively early, there were not too many people/dogs there yet, and we had an unobstructed view of a group getting soaked by a big wave.  They didn't seem to mind.

We continued on to Otter Cliff and Otter Point (no otter sightings) along the ocean side trail, and pondered how visitors from the southwest must react to the beauty of the ocean, cliffs and forest - much different than the desert landscape that they are used to (yet we find so cool and beautiful). The trail does not have much elevation, and I would consider it an easy hike, but yes, wear your hiking shoes and not your flipflops.

Our next stop on the Acadia Tour was Jordan Pond House.  We arrived around 11 and found parking in the overflow lot. People were lined up to get in to the only restaurant in the park, probably for the famous popovers, so we grabbed our picnic lunch from the car and found a lovely spot on the upper deck that overlooked the diners on the lawn.  Excellent spot for relaxing, people watching, and grabbing a treat from the to go counter.

Our reservation time at Cadillac Mountain was approaching - you currently need to make a reservation to drive to the top.  We were at the entrance about 20 minutes early, but were allowed through.  Once you get to the top, you can stay as long as you want.  It is an amazing view, next time we need to go at sunrise or sunset!

Saturday evening and Sunday morning gave us time to explore Bar Harbor a bit more.  There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, and I do believe ice cream is a requirement! Don't miss the Bar Harbor Shore Path, another coastal trail from the harbor to the town center.  And sunset at the harbor reminded me a little of Key West.

Enjoying a spot of "tea" at Project Social Kitchen and Bar.  Sit outside in their garden and order drinks through the window, or sit at the bar inside. Taylor was our friendly and crafty bartender.  Excellent tapas as well!

Testa's Bar and Grill was a lovely spot for breakfast, and dogs are allowed inside!

I'm not sure what this was, but it looks like a fun place to go on our next visit!  It was on a side street off of Main Street.