Maine

BAR HARBOR

Bar Harbor, Maine, a quaint seaside community, has a long history as a famed summer colony for the country's top echelons. An ever-popular tourist destination for its stunning and pristine nature, this former fishing village occupies the northeast shore of Mount Desert, the most substantial island off the eastern seaboard after New York's Long Island. An environmentally conscious region, the ecosystem is fully intact, revealing a wide range of wild species of birds, such as puffins, whales, and the elusive Maine Moose being unofficial mascots. With its natural wonders and quaint old-world charm, the small municipality of Bar Harbor, claiming Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain, is an ideal jumping-off point in discovering the many treasures of Maine's majestic coastline. Synonymous with prestige and exclusivity, Bar Harbor is an exceptional destination to pull out all the stops and dust off your finest designer luggage.

This charming town is home to several affluent neighborhoods. These upscale localities boast of lavish homes, picturesque landscapes, and close-knit communities. They provide an idyllic blend of small-town charm and luxury living. With their luxurious homes, scenic views, and serene environments, they represent the pinnacle of high-end living in this part of Maine.

Some of the affluent neighborhoods and areas in Bar Harbor include Eden Street—the most upscale area in Bar Harbor. The area features luxurious homes with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. West Street Historic District — famous for its historic homes that exhibit grandeur and elegance. These homes have been restored and maintained to preserve their original charm: Eagle Lake Road, This neighborhood is characterized by its large, modern homes, many offering breathtaking views of Eagle Lake. The area's proximity to Acadia National Park also adds to its appeal. There is Northeast Harbor, a separate village within Mount Desert Island, is often associated with Bar Harbor. It's known for its wealthy summer residents and high-end real estate. Finally, Schooner Head —an upscale area located south of downtown Bar Harbor —features extravagant homes with panoramic views of the ocean.

SOUTHERN MAINE

The southern Maine coast is undoubtedly some of the nation's most enchanting. Emerald hills and rocky shores are dotted with charming port communities and hamlets imbued with quintessential New England soul. Peruse the quaint residential areas brimming with maritime charm and nostalgic cape-style architecture. Forty miles of picturesque coastal road rife with the saline scent of crashing Atlantic waves is enough to coax the speedster to ease off the accelerator and soak in the sights. A fantastic family vacation no matter the season, each stretch of road brings new surprises and curiosities, from sandy beaches, to amusement parks and plentiful dining options for savoring world-famous lobster delicacies. Maine's southern coastline is dotted with idyllic coastal communities, each delivering a unique gradient of New England elegance. These towns provide plenty of surprises from quirky galleries, artisanal shops, and delectable seaside dining that beckon spontaneity and laid-back living in tune with the soothing ocean surf. Manicured country-club sensibilities meet Gilded-age shingle-style architecture and quintessential maritime charm up and down southern Maine's shores. Soak in the quaint village ambiances and reacquaint yourself with the romance of Atlantic living. Gaze over stunning coastal panoramas, breathe in the rejuvenating saline breeze and ponder the landscapes that inspired the 19th-century painter Winslow Homer. A short drive along the coast will quickly reveal why this region has been dubbed "Vacationland." Here are some of southern Maine's must-visit maritime towns: Kittery, Historic York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Saco, Biddeford, and Portland.

The bustling restaurant scene in Bar Harbor features a wide range of dining experiences and something to satisfy almost every taste and budget, from steaks and seafood to a variety of local favorites, international dishes, heart-healthy fare, and vegan and vegetarian options too. Enjoy fine dining, casual eating, pubs, cafes, and breweries; whatever suits your culinary desires for dinner, lunch, and breakfast, Bar Harbor has it. Maine lobster is a perennial favorite of Bar Harbor visitors, and for a good reason. Whether you’re savoring the delicacy at the roadside lobster pound or for a candlelit dinner to spark romance, there’s nothing quite like a Maine lobster, fresh from the ocean, rich and sweet. Beyond seafood, it also boasts a cultural explosion of delights. This includes Mexican, Italian, Cuban, and other world cuisines. You can’t forget about the locally brewed beer, either. There are so many unique options, but you should at least try one of our selections.

LA BELLA VITA | ITALIAN

La Bella Vita has made a name for itself as one of the finest Bar Harbor restaurants by combining Italy’s culinary passion with garden-fresh ingredients. La Bella Vita’s dishes belong to a tradition of generations of adaptations while remaining authentically Italian. With earthy tones, copper pots, handcrafted Italian mosaics and al fresco patio dining, La Bella Vita offers an exceptional dining experience building on the traditions of an Italian trattoria.

GEDDY’S | SEAFOOD

Geddy’s is a family-friendly Bar Harbor institution facing the city’s quaint harbor. Replete with vegetarian options, this versatile restaurant beloved for its food and quirky signage, features terrace dining and serene water views.

READING ROOM RESTAURANT | AMERICAN

Refined pleasures await you in the Reading Room Restaurant. You will enjoy a dining experience where delicious cuisine and attentive service is surpassed only by the breathtaking ocean view. Nightly live entertainment courtesy of a piano player provides the perfect ambiance to a fine dining experience.

ROYAL INDIAN | INDIAN

Maine’s premier Indian restaurant features high quality Indian and Nepalese dishes with an emphasis on locally sourced vegetables. This is a true and flavorful take on classic dishes with terrace dining options in central Bar Harbor.

THRIVE JUICE BAR AND KITCHEN | VEGETARIAN

Thrive is a cosmopolitan, health conscious eatery specializing in juices, smoothies, breakfast bowls, and additional globetrotting menu items, with terrace dining options.

VERANDA | CONTEMPORARY

The Veranda Restaurant sources fresh produce daily, working closely with local growers and makers. The end product is a fresh, unique and specially crafted meal. Veranda’s ambiance stays foremost in visitors’ minds.

MCKAY'S PUBLIC HOUSE | STEAK HOUSE

McKay's Public House is vaunted for fresh, high quality food in a warm and inviting atmosphere.The menu features popular surf 'n' turf, seafood, appetizers and much more. With al fresco dining options, this restaurant is a culinary gem for all seasons.

PROJECT SOCIAL | SOPHISTICATED TAPAS

Project Social is a modern restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Bar Harbor. The decor creates an ambiance enhancing guests’ experiences, featuring a cozy and attractive indoor bar, and open air dining under a covered deck. A lovely wrap-around garden with a small stream and a pond completes the ideal setting.

HAVANA | LATIN

Havana has been committed to serving local and organic meats, produce and seafood for decades. Using only sustainably harvested seafood, primarily from the Gulf of Maine, Havana consistently searches out New England farmers and fisherfolk for the freshest products creating a great tasting sustainable model for the local community and economy.

SALT & STEEL | INTERNATIONAL

Salt & Steel has been touted as one of Bar Harbor’s must-visit establishments – a remarkable farm-to-table experience. The staff is warm and friendly, and an atmosphere of ambient jazz supports an indulgent gastronomic experience.

Offering far more than clambakes and lobster, Maine's fine dining scene has exploded in recent years. The nation's Northeast corner is a distinct underrated culinary enclave that offers plenty to satiate the most demanding palette and epicurean craving. Along Maine's southern coast, a sea and farm-to-table ethos dominate, offering the ultimate ingredients for a new generation of culinary masters. Diverse and thoughtfully prepared gustatory curations match the fine dining ethos of big-city culinary capitals, delivered with unassuming small-town charm. Here are some of southern Maine's most spectacular fine dining experiences: Anneke Jans, Robert's Maine Grill, M.C Perkins Cove, Clay Hill Farm, Angelina's, Hurricane Restaurant, Earth at Hidden Pond, Joseph's by the Sea, Fore Street Restaurant, David's 388 Restaurant, Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room, Street & Co, and the Dockside Grill.

When you think of the best restaurants in Maine, you think of Maine lobster. But in addition to Maine seafood, the state is home to a thriving craft brewery scene and exciting nightlife. Nightlife around Main Street gives plenty of opportunities for you to explore local pubs, dance clubs, and restaurants offering outdoor patios where you can sip on a craft beer or cocktail while enjoying salty ocean breezes and people-watching. Main Street late-night businesses span from West Street south to Park Street and include local favorites like Getty’s and Bar Harbor Beer Works. At Carmen Verandah, you can dance the night away while enjoying live music and DJs. No matter what you’re looking for, Bar Harbor is sure to please.

FOGTOWN BREWING COMPANY - BAR HARBOR

Featuring an ornate interior of exposed brickwork illuminated by subtle lighting, the Fogtown Brewing Company specializes in crafting and brewing an array of beers. Live music is the norm, and the venue is hailed for its drinks and warm atmosphere. The space is friendly, accentuating the crisp flavor of the concoctions served to its patrons. It is a pleasant spot where you can unwind over artfully-crafted beverages and ciders.

THE OASIS CLUB LOUNGE

The Oasis Club Lounge has served guests and dignitaries from around the world for more than a century. The lounge served as the social scene for summer residents, including the likes of the Vanderbilts, Pulitzers, and Morgans. Live piano entertainment, cozy tables and bar seating combine for a relaxing and inviting space to end a day of exploring. If you’d prefer, the lounge balcony offers a quiet retreat to enjoy the sun setting over Frenchman Bay while sipping a wild Maine blueberry martini and indulging in famous crab cakes.

BAR HARBOR BEER WORKS

Bar Harbor Beer Works is casual, enjoyable, and family-friendly. It’s a great place for a view and a brew. Located in a prime downtown location with plenty of outdoor seating, Bar Harbor Beer Works is a relaxing spot to sample a wide selection of Maine craft brews and to grab a bite.

ARTS & CULTURE | SOUTHER MAINE

The Southern Maine coastline's natural beauty has offered a wellspring of inspiration for generations of artists. This legacy continues with Route 1, garnished with dozens of quaint galleries, artisanal craft stores, and prestigious permanent collections. From romantic seascapes to high-concept contemporary pieces and everything in between, collectors are destined to unearth the perfect centerpiece for their parlors or office. A village culture of Art walks, pop-ups, and public exhibitions encapsulates the region's bohemian sensibilities, where creative pursuits are fully integrated into the quotidian. Embedded amongst historic manors, iconic lighthouses, and historic hamlets are the following beloved arts and culture institutions: Portland Art Gallery, Portland Museum of Art, Maine Art Collective, Maine Opera, Greenhut Galleries, Landmark Gallery, Morph, Blue Whale Trading Company, True North Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Chris Becker Gallery, The Scott Bundy Gallery, Brick Store Museum and the Vinegar Hill Music Theatre.

Bar Harbor city has long been known as a hub of New England culture, cuisine, and comfort and continues to uphold that reputation The northern Maine city also offers access to Acadia National Park and is often considered one of the greatest park cities in the nation. Every summer, Bar Harbor transcends from a quiet seaside town to a bustling vacation hotspot. Nature lovers are truly spoiled for choice in Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park is just a mile away, and all kinds of boat tours are offered. One of the most popular things to do here is to walk across the water, over the land bridge to Bar Island. A rocky land bridge connects Bar Harbor at Bridge Street to the western edge of Bar Island. This natural connector appears at low tide and disappears about three hours later.

SCENIC FLIGHTS OVER BAR HARBOR AND ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

One of the best ways to experience Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park is from above. You will gain a unique perspective of Bar Harbor, coastal lighthouses, Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, and more. This ultimate excursion will offer you stunning views of areas few visitors witness. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Maine coast while savoring some of Maine’s best lighthouses, shorelines, and islands. Twelve lighthouses, including Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, are highlighted on your personalized tour. This is a must-see and unmissable experience for lighthouse enthusiasts and those wishing to view the Maine coast and islands. If you would like a non-standard tour, a customized or specialized aerial photography flight can be arranged.

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND

Mount Desert Island (MDI) is the largest island off the coast of Maine and the second largest (behind Long Island, New York) on the eastern seaboard. It offers vast geographical variety – from freshwater lakes to dense forests and from stark granite cliffs to voluptuous river valleys.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Home to some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife on the Eastern Seaboard, Acadia National Park is open to explore year-round. Situated on the coast of Maine, the majority of the park’s 47,000 acres sprawls on Mount Desert Island, though portions of the park are on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut.

SCHOODIC POINT

Schoodic Point isn't as easily accessible as some of the park's other major attractions, but that's precisely why travelers find this area so special. Much like Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Point is composed of a craggy shoreline, granite headlands and spruce-fir forests. But unlike the island, its removed location lends a feeling of secluded intimacy.

The Southern Maine Coast delivers every shade of seaswept adventure sure to please those seeking historical sites, thrills, or reconnection with the elements. A perfect New England retreat, this stunning shoreline delivers plenty of action to fill up leisure time whether you're vacationing with a romantic partner, friends, or family. These distinct made-in-Maine activities will make it abundantly clear that this shoreline lives up to its beloved "Vacationland" moniker. Seize the maritime elements with some of the Southern Maine Coast's most celebrated activities: nature walk at Gilsland Farm, canoe tour through the Scarborough Marsh Nature Center, whale watching tour, skydiving adventure over Biddeford, Helicopter tour from Portland to Portsmouth, historic ride and visit at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company Museum, Portland sunset cruise, glamping at Tops'l Farm, lobster fishing in Casco Bay and scenic hot air balloon riding.