Four Seasons of Fun

Summer isn’t the only time to visit Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island. Our year-round community offers plenty for guests at any time of the year.

FALL FOR LEAF PEEPING

Brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds paint the landscape in Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park every fall. Contrasted against deep green conifers, the colors actually seem to pop! The rocky, mountainous coastline provides the perfect setting for taking in the colorful scenery. You’ll want to drive the Park Loop Road at Acadia National Park and be sure to have a camera within easy reach to record one of the most beautiful fall landscapes in New England. Feeling a little more adventurous? What better way to see the glorious foliage than with a scenic flight tour that offers sweeping views of Mount Desert Island from above! To track the foliage as it progresses through Maine, go to www.mainefoliage.com.

For even more fall fun, plan your visit during the second Saturday in November and take part in our annual Early Bird Pajama Sale & Bed Races event. Shopping starts at 6:00 am and participating businesses will offer discounts to those wearing PJs. The Bed Races involve competitive fun between area businesses on rolling, decorated beds. It’s a Bar Harbor tradition you won’t want to miss!

WINTER GETAWAY

Ever wondered what Bar Harbor and Acadia are like in the winter? Discover the serene side of the park and downtown festivities. You can take a winter hike, go cross country skiing or snowshoeing on a carriage road at Acadia National Park, lace up your ice skates at Jordan Pond, or try ice fishing on Echo Lake. There’s fun indoors too—downtown shopping, a friendly game of darts at a local tavern, chowder for lunch, or soaking in the history and culture of a local museum. Later on, claim a spot next to the fireplace at one of our cozy bed and breakfasts and

Photo by John K. Putnam

enjoy a hot cup of cocoa. Bar Harbor can be a wonderful place for a relaxing winter getaway.

The holidays are also a great time to be on Mount Desert Island. Santa Claus himself makes special stops in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor to greet children of all ages and kick off the holiday season. Each town is decorated for the season and our locally-owned shops are ready to help you check off your gift list.

SPRING AHEAD

Get a jump start on your warm weather travels by heading to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in the springtime. Many parts of the park that are off limits during the winter months are once again accessible in the spring. Shops and restaurants are back from their winter breaks and ready to welcome you with a smile. The temperatures are still on the cool side but you’ll be able to see the spring blossoms opening all over Mount Desert Island which definitely makes it worth wearing that extra layer.

Learn more about our town by taking a guided walking tour in downtown Bar Harbor or watch the wildlife return from their winter slumber by booking a nature cruise in Frenchman Bay. Grab lunch at an outdoor table and enjoy a hot cup of chowder and a locally brewed beer.