• Valentine Visits: Plan a Quiet Weekend Away in Bar Harbor

    Valentine Visits: Plan a Quiet Weekend Away in Bar Harbor

    The winter chill and COVID-19 safety precautions have kept many of us inside the last couple of months. And while we’re grateful for our homes that have often served as living quarters, office, gym and sometimes school (phew!), many of us are also quite ready to get outside those walls. Bar Harbor serves as the perfect Valentine’s getaway – wake up to views of the sea, explore Acadia National Park in its serene winter beauty and settle in for delightful meals in our charming coastal town.
     
    Stay
    Cozy up for the weekend at a one of these hotels, inns, or bed and breakfasts.

    • Acadia Hotel: This former 19th-century ship captain’s house is now a dreamily modern place to stay, tastefully renovated and exceptionally clean. Golf enthusiasts will be pleased by the indoor golf onsite.
    • Atlantic Oceanside: Enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the dazzling Frenchman Bay. With 12 acres of oceanfront property, world-class cuisine and weekly yoga classes, it’s a true resort experience. 
    • Inn on Mount Desert: You’ll just be minutes from the waterfront when you stay at Inn on Mount Desert, but the feeling of being near the water will never really leave you here, thanks to the elegant nautical décor. The sweetest part yet: Right now, you can get 20% off any stay in February by giving them a call [(207) 288-8300)] – just mention “Bar Harbor Chamber!”
    • Saltair Inn: If the name of this charming B&B doesn’t bring about the aromatic memory of the coast to your mind, we don’t know what will. This historic inn is not just romantic for its coastal charm, though – it’s also been the treasured site of many engagements, anniversaries and more!
     
     
    Eat & Drink
    Savor these local meals and a Valentine’s Day special with a loved one.
    • Bistro (Atlantic Oceanside): For Valentine’s Day, the intimate restaurant will be serving up surf AND turf, with an entrée special of Beef Wellington with Lobster Duxelle. Dinner guests will receive a complimentary amuse-bouche and sweet treat.
    • Havana: Craving some new flavors? Havana offers that and more – with their Latin American cuisine that’s made using local ingredients, served in an upscale, but ever cozy, environment.
    • Leary’s Landing: This warm Irish pub welcomes you with its casual atmosphere, friendly service and upscale tavern fare paired with cocktails and brews.
    • House Wine: Wine, cheese, charcuterie and tastings – need we say more? The perfect spot to pick up a to-go picnic or have some pre-dinner downtime.
     
    Experience Acadia National Park in the Winter
    Witness the park’s quiet beauty, enjoy the vigor of the outdoors or a cozy scenic drive.
    • Watch the sunrise together: The Ocean Drive stretch of the Park Loop Road remains open to vehicles, so you can watch the sunrise from the comfort of your car. For those looking to get some brisk air in their lungs, walk the Ocean Path between Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs. Be sure to prepare for the conditions by wearing warm layers, comfortable shoes and having a flashlight with you. More sunrise tips (and sunset tips, if you’re not a morning person!) here.
    • Spot snowy owls and other winter wildlifeDown East Nature Tours and Natural History Center will help you get the most out of your Acadia visit with personalized nature experiences, including winter birdwatching.
    • Hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe: There are many off-season hiking options that make for a beautiful trip, whether you are a hiking novice or a seasoned expert. If the conditions are right, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski the park’s 45 miles of carriage roads for a sparkling winter wonderland experience. Rental equipment is available in town.
    • Stroll Sand Beach: While you’ll definitely want to skip the bathing suits and bundle up, there’s something romantic about watching the roaring surf crash against the rocky cliffs together. If it’s low tide, you may be able to spot some sea glass.
     
    Spa Time
    Relax, unwind and rejuvenate.
    • Tree of Life Day Spa: Find your calm together at Bar Harbor’s longest-running day spa. Whether you go for a brief treatment like a facial or stay for an all-day immersion including a foot bath and deep tissue massage, you will come away much more relaxed.
    • Massage Bar Harbor: After an intense hike or activity in the park, Massage Bar Harbor is the perfect place to restore and renew. Their variety of massages includes everything from aromatherapy massage treatments to deep-tissue massage, elevating you to cloud nine.
     
    Ready for your refreshing winter escape? Book now!

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