Around the Island
Each year, we look forward to spending time on Mount Desert Island, where there is more to do than anyone could possibly fit into a single visit. After many years, we're still discovering new adventures and, of course, revisiting many old favorites. Whether you prefer a visit filled with activity, would rather explore the Island's gardens and history, or are longing for a quiet getaway, you'll find many options. We've listed a few of our favorites below.
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
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FREE Island Explorer Shuttles (Pick up and drop off at bottom of drive, schedule will be in the house.)
ON THE WATER
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Sea Princess Cruises (out of Northeast Harbor)
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Nature & Frenchboro Cruises (out of Bass Harbor)
DINING & SHOPPING
Northeast Harbor
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Farmers' Market: Thursdays, 9am-12
(Harbor Drive, late June-August)
Town Hill
Southwest Harbor
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Quietside Cafe & Ice Cream Shop
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Southwest Farmers' Market
(315 Main Street, late June-Columbus Day)
Bar Harbor
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Morning Glory Bakery
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Farmers' Market: Sundays, 9am-12
(YMCA Parking Lot, mid-May to October) -
And many, many more!
GROCERY & DRUG STORES
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Pine Tree Market, Northeast Harbor (expensive!!)
- Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy, Bar Harbor
- Rite Aid Pharmacy, Bar Harbor
- Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy, Ellsworth
- Walgreens Pharmacy, Ellsworth
- Walmart, Ellsworth
- Home Depot, Ellsworth
HIKING
Hikes from House: Thuya Gardens, Azalea Gardens, Eliot Mountain, Jordan Pond (via Map House/Asticou Trail or over Eliot Mountain), Little Long Pond, Sargent Mountain (via Asticou Trail).
Hiking Guide Books and History
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A Walk in the Park (by Tom St. Germain)
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Best Easy Day Hikes Acadia National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series) (by Dolores Kong and Dan Ring)
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The College of the Atlantic Guide to the Lakes and Ponds of Mt. Desert: Discovering the Freshwater Gems of Maine's Largest Island (by William V. P. Newline et al)
POPOVERS
Popovers and tea are a popular island tradition - your two best options are:
GARDENS
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Land and Garden Preserve (Thuya Garden & Terraces, Asticou Azalea Garden, and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden)
OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES
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Dorr Museum of Natural History (College of the Atlantic)
READING
Some of our Favorite Books:
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Acadia: The Complete Guide: Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island (by James Kaiser)
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Maine Cottages: Fred L. Savage and the Architecture of Mount Desert (by John M. Bryan and Richard Cheek)
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Trails of History: The Story of Mount Desert Island's Paths from Norumbega to Acadia (by Tom St. Germain)
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Blueberries for Sal (by Robert McCloskey)
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One Morning in Maine (by Robert McCloskey)
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The Little Island (by Margaret Wise Brown)