This content was created on behalf of the advertiser by The Foundry at Dotdash Meredith.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Nestled in the northeast corner of Maine's Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is a paradise for boaters, seafood lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. So, what are you waiting for? Here, an expert on the area shares some of her favorite spots.
Located just over an hour from the Bangor airport, Bar Harbor is well worth the journey.
Just ask Erin Ovalle, founder of Maine Life Media, the production company behind local series such as MaineLife and This Is Maine, who knows the area like the back of her hand. Here, she shares some of her favorite finds and suggestions for making your stay in Bar Harbor an experience to remember.
If you’re thinking about planning a trip, eligible Capital One rewards cardholders can access Capital One Travel to get their best prices on flights, hotels, and rental cars. With smart tools like price prediction and price matching, cardholders can book with confidence. In addition, eligible rewards cardholders can earn extra rewards on trips booked through Capital One Travel, so your Maine experience will be even more rewarding.1
Tip:
Eligible Capital One rewards cardholders can choose from thousands of travel options, book with flexibility, and enjoy exclusive travel perks with Capital One Travel.
WHERE TO EAT
Havana
318 Main St., Bar HarborServing up locally sourced seafood and organic meats with a bit of Latin American spice, this beloved Bar Harbor staple—now newly renovated with the addition of Parrilla, its outdoor tapas bar—should be at the top of your dining checklist. Whether you’re feasting on the Peruvian parihuela (seafood soup) or ending the meal with a slice of churro cheesecake, you'll understand why this upscale establishment has enjoyed a sparkling reputation for two decades.
Islesford Dock and Gallery
1 Main St, IslesfordLocated two miles from Northeast Harbor on Cranberry Island with spectacular views of both the fishing harbor and mountains of Acadia National Park, this restaurant and art gallery is accessible only by boat. But it’s worth the trip for the locally sourced produce and seafood as well as the spectacular sunset views.
Thurston's Lobster Pound
9 Thurston Rd., BernardDine on freshly caught lobsters, steamers, mussels, and crab the way they’re meant to be enjoyed: outdoors on an airy, awning-covered deck just feet from the waterfront. Wash it all down with a classic Bar Harbor Real Ale from nearby Atlantic Brewing Company.
Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream
7 Firefly Lane and 325 Main St., Bar HarborChurning out small batches of hand-crafted cups and cones in flavors like Cinnamon Cardamom and Chocolate Pretzel Toffee, this local legend has expanded to Washington, D.C. and even Japan.
WHERE TO STAY
The Claremont Hotel
22 Claremont Rd., Southwest HarborThis stately sea captain’s manse dates back to the 1880s, but its new owners recently wrapped up a $20-million renovation. The seasonal (May through October) hotel offers sweeping views of the mountains, woods, and waters of Mount Desert Island. Accommodations include two-person guest rooms, oceanside cabins, and spacious “signature houses.” The heated outdoor pool, rentable cabanas, and relaxing botanic spa are just some of the luxe amenities here.
Sand Bar Cottage Inn
106 West St., Bar HarborComprising a three-story 1887 summer “cottage” surrounded by a cluster of smaller cabins, this recently renovated inn offers several styles of accommodation on its green and manicured grounds. Small garden cottages have their own porches and fireplaces to help stay warm on chilly summer nights. The main house—which is on the National Register of Historic Places—and its next-door chauffeur’s cottage offer freshly reimagined interior design and modern amenities.
Bar Harbor Inn
1 Newport Drive, Bar HarborAnother historic property dating to the 19th Century, the property has been renovated and expanded to exude elegance and offer modern amenities. The inn’s sweeping ocean views and manicured gardens are just a short walk from the bustle of downtown.
TIP: Book your trip to Bar Harbor with Venture X and Capital One Travel with the peace of mind knowing you got their best prices on thousands of hotels, rental cars, and flights!1WHERE TO EXPLORE
Acadia National Park
25 Visitor Center Rd., Bar HarborWith nearly two dozen mountains, 64 miles of ocean shoreline, and more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna living across its forests, freshwater lakes, and wetlands, Acadia has something for every visitor. The park offers more than 150 miles of hiking trails and is laced with carriage roads. Whether you’re witnessing the sea's relentless power at Thunder Hole or enjoying warm popovers and hot tea at Jordan Pond, Acadia offers an experience like no other.
Abbe Museum
26 Mt. Desert Street, Bar HarborThis Smithsonian-affiliated museum was founded in 1926 with support from some of Bar Harbor's wealthy summer residents. Since then, it has built on its initial small collection of Native American artifacts found on Mount Desert Island and around Frenchman Bay. The museum holds one of the world’s top collections of Wabanaki basket-weaving, spanning nearly 12,000 years.
Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
66 Main St., Bar HarborWith longtime roots in Bar Harbor, this family-owned confectioner purveys handmade buttercrunch, chocolates, and fudge. A perfect treat after a day on the trails or the water.
Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines
7 Newport Dr., Bar HarborBar Harbor might be known for its first-in-the-nation sunrises, but its sunsets are pretty spectacular, too. What better way to close out a busy day than on a breezy four-masted schooner as it skips along the waves with the golden hour on the horizon? You can also choose a specialty excursion such as a lobster picnic cruise.
Click here to explore more destinations through the eyes of an in-the-know local.
Visit Capital One Travel, where eligible rewards cardholders can choose from thousands of flights, hotels, and rental cars.