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Bar Harbor Vacations Are a Microcosm of Maine
by Jeffrey Smith
Set on majestic Mount Desert
Island in Maine, Bar Harbor is a beautiful and accommodating tourist
destination that has something for everyone.
Bar Harbor's history as a
tourist destination goes back to the 19th century when city slickers'
response to paintings of the area by members of the Hudson Valley School
was enthusiastic, to say the least. Wanting to see such beauty for
themselves, people started traveling up to Mount Desert Island and the
first hotel in Bar Harbor was built in 1855 to accommodate them. After a
couple decades of booming hotel development, rich people began building
cottages, mansions really, a few of which remain today. Many of these
cottages now operate as inns, B & Bs, and vacation rental homes.
On three sides of Bar Harbor
rise the forested mountains of Acadia National Park. Acadia is a little
bit of outdoor paradise that will please adventure lovers and low-key
observers of nature alike. Acadia has dozens of miles of roads that
allow biking, cross-country skiing and walking, while there are more
than 100 miles of trails solely for hiking. In addition to the Atlantic
Ocean, there are lakes and rivers that will keep sailors, kayakers and
canoeists happy. Depending on the time of year your chances are good for
seeing certain kinds of wildlife, such as whales, dolphins, puffins,
hawks and, of course, moose and deer.
For those who seek cultural
activities in town, there are live music venues, art galleries, theater,
museums and churches. The town also hosts several music festivals,
seasonal festivals and other celebrations.
Summer is an ideal time with
temperatures that hover around 80 degrees and sea breezes to keep you
comfortable. Possibly the most beautiful time to visit the area is
during the fall foliage season. During fall, the leaves change color,
often brilliantly at their peak, and drop slowly at first from their
branches, accelerating as winter approaches. The air becomes crisp and
clear, making you appreciate the warmth of a heavy sweater or a
wood-burning stove. The smell of transition is in the air and before you
know it, the leaves will be piling on lawns or blowing across streets.
The few weeks a year when the trees explode into leaves of gold, red and
orange are not to be missed.
There are many ways to enjoy
Bar Harbor and the surrounding Acadia National Park. You can camp in the
park, or stay at a hotel in downtown Bar Harbor. There are quaint inns
and B&Bs, as mentioned above. But probably the best way to ensure that
you have a unique getaway in Bar Harbor is to rent a vacation home.
If you're planning a family
reunion or a group of couples will be joining you, you can rent a
5-bedroom Victorian in one of the key old neighborhoods of Bar Harbor.
This is often the most affordable choice and it gives you much more
space than if each family or couple rents a room. Stay together and save
money. You can benefit from shared activities, like having a game night
or preparing dinner together, while at the same time retaining space for
quiet time or naps.
Or maybe you were thinking
of a more romantic getaway for two, in which case cozy cabin in the
woods might be more appropriate. Wake up to the sounds of the quiet
forest and watch deer trot through the yard while you sip your morning
coffee. If relaxation was your goal, you've found it here.
There are dozens of
variations of
vacation rentals in Bar Harbor
that can suit your needs and it's now easier than ever to find them
online, see pictures and speak directly to the property owners to book
them. There are many other
vacation homes on Mount Desert Island,
outside of Bar Harbor yet close enough to enjoy the town's best
features.
About the Author
Jeffrey Smith visited
Bar Harbor once long ago. He would like to return and when he does he
will
rent a vacation home in Bar Harbor.
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