“By Land or by Sea”.  There’s only two ways to get to Bar Harbor.  Unless you have a boat, you’ll have to cross the one-lane bridge that separates Mount Desert Island from the mainland of Trenton.  Timing is everything.  Bar Harbor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the State of Maine.  The last thing you want is be stuck in traffic for long waits to cross the bridge.  It’s best to arrive on a weekday during off-peak hours, because weekend day-trippers flock to Bar Harbor to spend the day sightseeing, visiting the famed Acadia National Park or having lobster dinner at one of the town’s seafood restaurants.  Bar Harbor is a combination of romance, adventure and majestic beauty. 

It was once a playground for the wealthy, from the 1840s to amid the Great Depression era.  The reputation began with a couple of painters who chose Bar Harbor as their inspiration for art; Frederic Church and Thomas Cole.  These two friends sold their original canvas paintings to the rich, influential and well-to-do, who were so taken by the dramatic ocean scenes and pink granite cliffs in the artwork that would travel up the East Coast to see for themselves this undiscovered wonder.  Massive fancy hotels sprung up as wealthy businessmen capitalized on this unchartered terrain.  Bar Harbor rapidly developed a reputation and as a lavish resort.  Reservations had to be made a couple of years in advance.  If you could afford to go to Bar Harbor on holiday; it meant that you had “made it”.  This could be likened to the modern-day version of Martha’s Vineyard 

Unfortunately, a great fire in 1947 burned much of the 45 acres of Mount Desert Island.  Many of the original buildings were lost in the inferno.  A few cottages were turned into Bed & Breakfasts and are now part of the history of that lost era. 

Over the last half century, Bar Harbor has become a tourist destination for everyone.  From aspiring photographers, philosophers, writers, fishermen and researchers to the multitude of vacationers, there’s something charming about the town that lures hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.  Admittedly, the winter months are very quiet.  The kickoff begins with Memorial Day weekend in May and abruptly ceases on Columbus Day weekend in October.   

The summer brings famous Cruise Ships to dock at the main wharf.  Hundreds of boats sprinkle the waterways -- anything from the swanky yachts to the rustic water taxis, fishing boats or the large ferry service that takes passengers daily to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.  The CAT is a high-speed ferry with a casino, movie theatre and more.  It holds plenty of vehicles and people for a fun day trip to Canada. 

The downtown area is a potpourri of eclectic.  You won’t find any franchises here such as McDonald’s or Wal-Mart.  The town refuses to conform to the pressures of conglomerate enterprises because it doesn’t fit in with the quintessential beauty of the community.  Instead, you’ll find plenty of “Mom and Pop” stores, cafes and bistros, specialty boutiques, random shops with rare wine or niche items; and plenty of delicious seafood.  Maine is truly famous for its seafood and Bar Harbor has some of the best haddock, scallops, crabs, mussels, clams, salmon and fresh lobster in the whole State.  It doesn’t get any more authentic than to try a “Catch of the Day” that is likely right off the fishing boat the very same day.

 Since the island is so small for the number of visitors it brings, Bar Harbor has developed several unique transportation methods.  The Island Explorer is a bus service from the mainland.  While downtown you can hop on a cute trolley to take you from one end of town to the next.  Most of the downtown activities are within walking distance.  Many people bring bicycles as the perfect solution. 

Outdoorsy folks are thoroughly drawn to Bar Harbor for its breathtaking scenery, abundant hiking trails and virtually every sporting enthusiasts dream.  Here there is an abundant multitude of activities.  Kayak or canoe rentals are available for visitors, with a choice of sea or lakes to dip into.  Adventurous ones may opt for the ultimate scenic ride throughout the five Porcupine Islands that are located directly within the harbor itself.  On any given day you might spot an eagle, seal, sea turtle or another critter that will make your paddling most memorable.

For a guaranteed lasting experience, the Whale Watching tours are an absolute must do!  Several companies in Bar Harbor offer day trips on a Catamaran Boat.  Many have a guarantee that if you don’t spot a whale, they will take you again the next day for free.  In the summer, Humpback Whales migrate to these amazing waters off the Atlantic.  The tours also offer sightings of Puffins.  These rare birds are so dedicated to the region that they instinctively return to the exact same nesting ground each year.  The trips include seal watching, lighthouse spotting, as well as wild birds and eagles.  You’ll definitely want to bring a camera for one of these excursions.  It is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to capture raw nature and sea life.

Many couples visit Bar Harbor on a honeymoon or as a romantic getaway.  Every day there are engagement proposals.  It’s easy to see why… since the weather is always changing from rolling early morning fog to colorful evening sunsets.  For this reason, many couples also choose Bar Harbor as a place to wed.  Weddings have become a big business in the area.  It’s easy to find a place to elope with a notary or photographer just a phone call away.  Intimate ceremonies with family could be arranged in an adorable chapel or gazebo overlooking the harbor.  Several quaint churches and Inns offer private ceremonies with plenty of room for guests.  Bar Harbor could easily be combined as a wedding / honeymoon destination.

Bar Harbor is a blend of two worlds – the uninterrupted beauty of wild nature with a free spirit of unspoiled bliss; as well as a charming tourist community with plenty of hubbub for day-long stimulation that could easily turn into weeks.