steelhead130

My wife and I are headed up to the Harbour Side Hotel for the week in 2 weeks. Looking for some suggestions on things to do and places to go. My wife is looking for the best place for lobster, Im looking for the best steak. Looking for other gotta see or do activities.

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Door#3

If you get some weather that kicks the seas up go out to Schoodic Point at or near high tide. Some great views and wave breaking action. Just don't get too close :-)

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Door#3

bencashen

I go up there quite a bit mountain biking and hiking--in fact going up this weekend (tomorrow) for some sort of beer festival. You've gotta eat at a place called McKay's, its the "local favorite" Its right on the "main drag" but heading away from the harbor- the rest of the local eateries are kinda catering towards tourists. Another fantastic place for lunch is the Jordan Pond House, which is located in the park-- very cool place, they are famous for their afternoon "tea and popovers" also a great low impact trail that goes around Jordan Pond. Another awesome quick hike is the "ocean walk" which starts at Sand Beach and goes to Otter Cliffs-- its awesome, right along the water (and sadly the road), one sorta hardcore hike is the Precipice Trail which is a "non technical climbing trail" there's all sorts of wrought iron ladders you go up and freaky stuff like that. As far as Lobster...Lobster is Lobster...its going to be the same anyplace-- steak on the other hand...I really am not sure of a great steak place. as Door#3 said, Schoodic Point is excellent-- Its the least visited part of Acadia-- and is actually a bit of a haul to get their from Bar Harbor- its far far away, but if your there for a week..you'll have time. Bar Harbor/MDI is a great place-- you'll really enjoy it. Rent some bikes (or bring them) the Carriage Trails in the park are fantastic-- great biking- Finally make sure you stop in Camden and take a walk around...its where I am, come over to the boatyard and have a look-- the big place across the harbor, I'm a service manager there.

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Baysider

I was just up there. This Way Cafe in Bar Harbor was a great meal. McKay's was fun as well. try the haddock bites at Geddy's. We hiked quite a bit - some of our favorite trails include Sargent Mt. South ridge trail, Beehive (steep, w/ladders and such), and Cadillac South Ridge. Saw a pair of eagles on the way up Sargent soaring in the thermals - very cool stuff! I would also second swinging into Camden on the way back - great little town.

bencashen

This Way Cafe--- I had a great breakfast there, couldn't think of the name though. Also make sure you take the drive around Somes Sound- The only Fjord in North America, Orca's have been spotted there before. Come by the boatyard here in Camden for tour!

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87 GW204. 04 Evinrude DFI 150.
81 Jarvis Newman Rowing Tender
my blog: www.wayfarermarine.com/node/139

Door#3

It is actually quite close to Bar Harbor as the crow flies, but takes about 45 minutes to drive from where you are staying, all the way around Frenchman's Bay, to get there.

Contractor

Man I'm so jealous!!!

I used to live there for a few years. It is probably the most beautiful place I have ever been.

My sister lives there full time and manages an outfitter in town. It's call Acadia Bike and Coastal Kyaking. 48 Cottage Street.
If you stop by ask for Kay and tell her Will (her brother) sent you. She can set you up on some very nice
guided kyaking trips or if you want to rent bikes she can help you there also.

There are about 60+ miles of cariage roads (vehicle free) that weave in and out of the park. The park loop road is also great to ride around and take pictures in the car.

If your an early riser you have to go and see the sunrise on top of cadilac mountain. It is possibly the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen. There are hundres of miles of hiking trails and tons of place to rock climb if your into that.

As for food:


Take your wife to Beals Lobster Pound. You can pick your lobster out yourself and they will prepare it for you.
It's in Southwest Harbor and is about a 10 minute drive from Bar Harbor. It's very casual and if the weathers nice you can dine outside.

For a Steak I would go to Momma Dimotios (sp). It's next to the fire station.
For some great seafood I would go to Poor Boy's or Gaylins. Gaylins has the best Prime Rib in town.
Geddys has some great burgers and good fish sandwiches. (Please don't pronounce it with a G, it's sounds like a J)
If you want good beer and good food go to The Lompac.
You can have plenty of local brews and play bocce ball on the back patio. Lots of local folks haging around.

The Thirsty Whale is a landmark bar in town and has great fish sandwiches.

If you have time and weather permitting I would go on the whale watch boat, it's worth it. I'm Buddys with the naturalist on board named Zack. He is full of more information that you can stand to listen too.

I would also try and go for a sunset cruise on the Margret Todd Sailboat. It's cheap and you can take a bottle of wine and cruise through the harbor for a nice sunset. It's one of the only three masted schooners still on operation.

I have plenty of other information, but that should keep oyu busy for a while.




Have a nice time, you picked a great time to go.


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bencashen

certainly as the crow flies its close...you are correct. just in terms of getting around acadia its a bit of a haul. speaking of acadia, i'm heading there in about 15 minutes, myself, the mountain bike a bottle of scotch and some cheap motel.

bencashen

alrighty...bar harbor update. headed to "the park" rode the bike for a while, the only room I could find was a 3 night MINIMUM. because of the holiday weekend- the folliage was in full bloom, went to the oktober fest in SW Harbor, sampled a few beers, finally caved and came back here to camden.

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87 GW204. 04 Evinrude DFI 150.
81 Jarvis Newman Rowing Tender
my blog: www.wayfarermarine.com/node/139

Baysider

Are there mountain biking trails in/near the park? or are you staying on the carriage roads?

Contractor

There are no official mounting biking trails on the island. (single/double track)

However, there are some unofficial single/double track trails that are pretty fun.

You will never find them on your own and lots of locals will deny there existance. So hook up with Acadia Bike or Bar Harbor bike shops and try to ride with them.

The best trail on the island is called breakneck.

It's a far cry from Pisgah, Tsali or any others but it's still fun.

oldmud

All Good info. but make sure you call it "BA HABA" the locals will lov ya.!! Seirously !!

Don

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lakensea

Just goes to show how little I pay attention to this forum these days - I just found this thread! Best place to eat is Jack Russel's Brew Pub (open year 'round), just down from the ferry terminal on the other side of route 3. Another great feed is the BBQ at the Atlantic Brewery right up the road from me on the Knox Rd, but I think they may close after Columbus Day, as I do not believe they have heat (other than from the BBQ!).