-
Live Like a Local While Visiting Bar Harbor
In planning your trip to Bar Harbor, you probably thought about all the fun experiences and memorable activities you will have, but did you take into consideration where to find the items you cannot pack in your suitcase. Where do you go in case of an emergency, or where can you fetch more funds for your trip? How about where to park? Knowing where these businesses are located will make you look like an experienced traveler or even a Bar Harbor local.
Those who live here year-round know the best places to buy food, where to seek medical attention, their favorite workout spot, where to do their banking, and the best parking spaces to snag. Living here all year, each Bar Harbor local becomes familiar with their surroundings, but this can take months of daily interaction with the location. To cut down on the amount of time learning the ins and outs of Bar Harbor, here is a guide to live like a local while you’re visiting.
With links to Google maps and descriptions of the surrounding area, we have made it easy for you to find the necessities not typically thought of when planning a vacation
Food
Knowing where to get your snacks before visiting Acadia National Park or water to rehydrate after your hike is critical for your well-being. To stock up on supplies we recommend Hannaford or Trenton Marketplace supermarkets and Peekytoe Provisions.
Hannaford is located at 86 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor. This grocery store is right in town, across from the Bar Harbor Municipal building. Here you will find all the goodies you’ll need for adventures. From buying the ingredients for making a meal to gathering morsels for munching, Hannaford provides the groceries you need for your visit.
Peekytoe Provisions can be found at 244 Main Street in Bar Harbor. Stop by for fresh seafood and Maine-made specialty products to fill your belly. You can also try some of Peekytoe’s homemade meals, made with sustainably sourced ingredients.
If you want to stock up before arriving in Bar Harbor, you can always stop by the Trenton Marketplace IGA at 1007 Bar Harbor Road, in Trenton. A full selection of groceries, snacks, beer & wine, and, of course, live lobster.
Medical
We certainly do not want you or your pet to get injured during your stay in Bar Harbor, but just to be on the safe side, here is where you can find both a hospital for yourself and one for your pet.
The address of MDI Hospital is 10 Wayman Lane, Bar Harbor. Not far from Peekytoe Provisions, you can arrive at MDI Hospital from Main Street, Hancock Street, or Wayman Lane. The hospital offers services from the most basic medical care to surgery and therapy.
If your pet is in need of medical attention, Acadia Veterinary Hospital is located at 21 Federal Street, Bar Harbor, just off Cottage Street. Filled with compassion for your trusty friend, the veterinarians and staff will make sure your pet is comfortable and properly treated during your stay.
Fitness
You may be on vacation, but a gym workout can be a great way to stick to your normal routine while the rest of your day is a little more relaxed. Harbor House Fitness Center has what you are looking for. Take a trip down to 38 Herrick Road, Southwest Harbor for all the workout equipment you will need to keep you in shape even when you indulge in Bar Harbor’s delicious delicacies.
The Mount Desert Island YMCA offers weekly rates for everyday use during your vacation. Located in downtown Bar Harbor at 21 Park Street, the Y offers regular classes, a swimming pool, fitness center, and a full-court gymnasium.
For those who refuse to miss their regular yoga class, check out Destination Health at 53 Main Street in Bar Harbor. They also offer TRX and indoor cyclingclasses as well as a variety of massage services.
If the gym isn’t your speed, Acadia National Park is a great place to get your workout in. The varying terrain of the park’s many trails makes Acadia perfect for anyone looking for some exercise. Enjoy the fresh air on your morning run surrounded by nature.
Banking
Need some cash to go shopping? Bar Harbor has banks all over town to help with any of your financial needs. Here are five banks conveniently located no matter where you are staying or shopping.
Almost at the intersection of Cottage Street and Main Street, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s main branch can be found at 82 Main Street, Bar Harbor. Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of banking services, as well as a 24-hour ATM. BHBT (as the locals call it) has branches across Mount Desert Island.
First National Bank is right next to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is located at 102 Main Street. First National Bank offers personal and business services and the bank has a drive-up window and ATM to make your banking simple and convenient.
Right next to Hannaford is the Bar Harbor branch of Machias Savings Bank, at 96 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor. Machias Savings bank is one of the oldest community banks in the state of Maine. The bank prides itself on outstanding customer service through its 16 locations, including Bar Harbor.
Camden National Bank is a convenient option for those on their way to or from Northeast Harbor or Southwest Harbor. Located on Route 102 in the village of Town Hill at 1316 ME-102, Bar Harbor, Camden National Bank offers drive-up service and an ATM.
Parking
Knowing where to park before arriving at your destination can make the task of finding a parking space simple. The maps on the Town of Bar Harbor website will help you find a parking spot close to your destination. The first map shows the time limits of each parking location, as well as how much it will cost to park there. Handicapped parking spots are also marked on the second map.
Reviewing this resource before arriving and keeping it handy throughout your stay will let you peacefully enjoy your vacation knowing where to get the necessities and feel like a local while you’re here.
Photos courtesy of Peekytoe Provisions and Destination Health.
