Don’t Let Vacation Days Go to Waste – Spend Them in Bar Harbor

A staggering 705 million vacation days were unused in America last year. Don’t let your vacation days fall into this statistic when you could be spending time away from your desk! Bar Harbor offers an outdoor paradise that makes it easy for visitors to clear their mind and experience new things. 

It’s easy to spend vacation days in Bar Harbor, surrounded by Acadia National Park and situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. A visit to our national park should not be rushed. Take a few extra days to fully absorb the pink granite cliffs, high mountaintops and rustic carriage trails in Acadia National Park. Be one with the wilderness and stay at a local camp site or in a customized yurt. 

Your days could be filled with biking, walking, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding or simply relaxing. Acadia is great for all ages—there are ranger-led programs for kids, a tidal pool school, marine touch tank and all levels of hikes. Sand Beach is a summer gem, tucked in a small and peaceful cove surrounded by scenic cliffs, a perfect spot to share a picnic or play in the waves. The Village Green is also a great spot to relax, take in the ocean views and enjoy live music performances.

Or, go all out and join our celebration of the red, white and blue in July. Starting on July 3, the Bar Harbor Band plays concerts on The Village Green. There are ten free concerts in July alone, a summer tradition since 1898. One of our longest running events! Not to mention, the town’s July 4th festivities have been voted the #1 Fourth of July celebration in America by the Today Show and National Geographic. Fuel up with a blueberry pancake breakfast on the town's athletic field before watching a traditional American parade on Main Street with its more than 80 floats and displays. Then head back to the athletic field for Bar Harbor’s own seafood festival, complete with lobster races (yes, we race lobsters!). The festivities continue at the waterfront with the Harborside Concert Series all the way to late evening when the fireworks over Frenchman Bay light up the sky.

The coastal town of Bar Harbor is a lovely place to devote time away from work. Take a walk through the unique downtown shops, try flavors from around the world at local restaurants and, of course, feast on some of the freshest seafood. 

Photos courtesy of Michael Belinski and Jay Wellington