Winter Wonders That Aren’t in Acadia

From ice skating on Somes Pond and Glen Mary Pool to catching the sunrise off Hadley Point and snowshoeing at Indian Point Blagden Preserve, the island offers much more in addition to Acadia National Park.
 
In Bar Harbor, there is so much to discover both indoors and out. Whether you want to enjoy the warm sun reflecting off the snow on a cold day or watch the snowflakes fall from inside your hotel room, there is something for everyone that doesn’t always involve visiting the park.
 
Downtown Bar Harbor has many shops and restaurants that remain open all winter long or only take a short break for rest and repairs. Explore these shops on a cold winter day and bring a piece of our coastal Maine island back home with you.

• Bark Harbor
• Bar Harbor Tea Company
• Willis’ Rock Shop
• Anne Woodman – The Shop – Opens in February
• FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars
• Stone Soup
• The Chocolate Moose of Bar Harbor

Or, you can grab a bite to eat at one of these unique restaurants. From hearty meals and Maine classics to lighter fare, each of these restaurants offers a meal that is different.

• Leary’s Landing Irish Pub – Order delicious comfort food or a juicy burger at this Bar Harbor pub. Stop in on a Thursday for trivia in teams of four or less while sipping craft beer or creative cocktails.
• Geddy’s – Try some fresh seafood, including a true Maine lobster, or order one of Geddy’s gluten-free or vegetarian options. Can’t make it for a meal? Check out the webcam for a birds-eye view of Agamont Park.
• Side Street Café – For a quick bite, a longer meal or a creative cocktail, stop by Side Street Café for tasty appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. This café offers a range of local foods made by local people.

Still looking to be close to Acadia National Park? Stay close by at the Saltair Inn. This waterfront bed and breakfast is located right in downtown Bar Harbor, offering easy access to all the experiences right in town. The Atlantic Oceanside is another outstanding option. Overlooking Frenchman Bay, the Atlantic Oceanside has an indoor pool and modern amenities so you can relax and prepare for your next Bar Harbor adventure.

Learning about the village’s history is one way to stay warm and discover how much there truly is to love about Bar Harbor. First stop is the Abbe Museum to explore the island’s Native American past. The museum is a Smithsonian affiliate focused on telling the stories of the Wabanaki people who inhabited Bar Harbor for centuries. Next is the Bar Harbor Historical Society to learn about the buildings you see around town, as well as redefining events.

Acadia National Park is always worth a visit, but there is more to the island than just the park and winter is the perfect time to start discovering what else we have to offer.

Photos by Heather Anderson