Hello everyone! I apologize for my long hiatus, but I have been busy planning my upcoming travels! (I hope you have some adventures on your horizon too!) For today’s post, I would like to share some info about one of my favorite U.S. travel destinations: Bar Harbor, Maine!
Bar Harbor is a resort town on Mount Desert Island, located off of the coast of Maine. (Mount Desert Island is also home to the beautiful Acadia National Park, which I will be covering in upcoming posts!) Although Bar Harbor is a small island town, its popularity with travelers has EXPLODED in recent years, especially during the summer season. If you plan to go, I definitely recommend the shoulder-season (months just before or just after summer), unless you do not mind crowds. And yes, this island can get VERY crowded! [**Note: some restaurants and shops may be closed off-season; be sure to check before you go.] I visited Bar Harbor in August last year, and trying to park my car was hectic, to say the least. In other words, if you have not found a parking space by 8:00 a.m., prepare to spend a lot of time circling around town. HOWEVER, there is a great way to save yourself from the parking issue!
The best way to save yourself some grief with parking is to use the FREE Mount Desert Island Explorer throughout your visit. The M.D.I. Explorer is a system of trams that takes you almost anywhere you would want to go on the island (Including Acadia National Park and some of the famous middle-of-nowhere lobster pounds!) The central “hub” is in Bar Harbor’s town square, which makes it accessible no matter where your accommodations are in town. Simply walk a few blocks toward town from any direction and you will find it! *The one caveat with the Explorer trams is that they run on a set schedule; you must pick up a copy of that schedule and plan your activities accordingly.* With good time-management, however, you will soon find that the Explorer is an efficient, hassle-free way to see the best of Mount Desert Island.
If you plan to use the M.D.I. Explorer trams throughout your stay, you will obviously need to find a place to park your car the first day you get there. If you have purchased a park pass and are camping in Acadia, then you can simply leave your car at your campsite and take the tram from one of the many drop-off points in the park. If you are staying at one of the hotels or quaint bed and breakfast inns downtown, *most* of them provide free parking to guests only. Because space is at a premium, the management will tow any car that is not registered at the inn/hotel, which means you will always have a place to park if you are staying there.
An inn that I highly, highly recommend is the Moseley Cottage Inn and Town Motel, conveniently located within walking distance of downtown. This is where I stayed during my visit, and I cannot say enough good things about it. I stayed at the Inn, where I was treated to a breakfast each morning that I always looked forward to, cookies every night, a spotless room, and warm hospitality. I also enjoyed learning about the Moseley cottage, a historic home in Bar Harbor, and meeting my fellow travelers at breakfast each day. The prices are very reasonable, and the Moseley made me feel like I was coming home each night. You will not be disappointed if you stay here!
Stay tuned for my follow-up post, Adventures in Bar Harbor, Maine Part 2!
journeying solo 