Tag: Abbe Museum

5 Things to Do around Mt. Desert Island

Did you know that Maine’s nickname is “Vacationland”?  If you think about an idyllic vacation spot, Maine just may have it all. Long stretches of iconic rocky beaches, ocean views, woodlands and water, good food, history, and the list goes on. Add amazing glamping accommodations to that list and you know where you’re headed this summer – Maine! Choose from glamping cottages or cabins at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort and come see just why Maine is definitely vacationland!  

1. On Land: Head into Bar Harbor to visit this charming seaside community. There are trolley tours, foodie walking tours, ghost tours at night, and live music every Monday and Thursday evening on the Village Green. You can also choose to walk the land bridge from Bar Harbor over to Bar Island during low-tide for some stunning views.  

Downtown Bar Harbor, ME

2. On Water: From whale-watching cruises to a sunset cruise on Frenchman Bay, there are definitely plenty of things to do on the water. From a personal standpoint, you can kayak and canoe (check out Jordan Pond or Seal Cove in Acadia).  

3. Into the Woods: If you’re looking for a wooded wonderland, then Maine is certainly the place as roughly 89% of the state is covered by forestland. The gem of all that forestland is Acadia National Park. Over 35,000 acres of the land in Acadia National Park belongs to the National Park Service and breaks down to roughly 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. Plus, there’s Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard; Jordan Pond with its crystal clear waters; and Thunder Hole, a V-shaped inlet that naturally creates a thunderous sound as air escapes the inlet. Activities here include kayaking, bicycling, tidepooling and hiking.  

Vacation Cottage at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Vacation Cottage at Narrows Too Camping Resort

4. Back in Time: Learn about the history and culture of the Wabanaki tribes when visiting the Abbe Museum, which is located on Mt. Desert Island; to learn about the history of the island of Bar Harbor, which was founded in 1604, head to the Bar Harbor Historical Society, which is housed in an old convent and features Civil War memorabilia and more; the Great Harbor Maritime Museum offers maritime history and paraphernalia as well as changing exhibits.  

5. Out of the Ordinary: Have you ever been to a lumberjack show? If you want to see axe throwing, log rolling and all kinds of chopping and sawing competitions, check out the Great Maine Lumberjack Show. For details visit mainelumberjackshow.com. 

Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort

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5 Things to Do on Mt. Desert Island

Rugged! That may be the adjective that comes to mind when describing Mt. Desert Island, the Maine-based island that is home to Acadia National Park as well as the charming resort town of Bar Harbor. Why rugged – maybe it’s the soaring granite cliffs and the crashing waves of the Atlantic against the rocky shore. But for all the ruggedness, there is also gentle nature here including the tide pools and marine life found in Acadia, the rolling lawn of the Village Green and the amazing sunsets. If you’re planning a Maine glamping getaway, definitely consider a visit to Mt. Desert Island and a stay at a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort. Here are five great ways to explore this New England destination.

Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort

1. Get in the Garden: There are plenty of beautiful gardens to explore here. The Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden is perfect for a short stroll among beautiful flowers and butterflies while the Asticou Azalea Garden is set among 2.3 acres of historic natural lands, gardens and trails and features something in bloom every month (summer blooms include azaleas and rhododendrons in June, Japanese irises in July and blooming water lilies in August). The Wild Gardens of Acadia can be found within the national park and include more than 300 native species set among the hiking trails.

2. Learn about the Lumberjacks: Maine has a rich history of logging and even carries the nickname of “The Pine Tree State” so of course a lumberjack show should be on the agenda when visiting. To do that, a trip to Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show is a must. The roughly 75-minute show features events such as log rolling, axe throwing and pole climbing. For more information and tickets visit mainelumberjack.com. BTW, Timber Tina is a world-champion log roller, among other titles!

Photo Captured from Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Photo Captured from Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort

3. Acadia Must-Sees: At nearly 50,000 acres, there is a lot to see in Acadia National Park. A few things not to miss include Thunder Hole, where a thunderous sound explodes when waves rush into the small cavern; the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse; Jordan Pond House for tea and popovers and Cadillac Mountain (catch the sunrise here or just boast that you made it to the top of the tallest peak on the eastern coast.

4. Visit the Museums: Exhibits at the Mt. Desert Oceanarium include a 29-foot authentic lobster boat, rare lobsters including the Cotton Candy and Blue lobster and a touch pool. The Bar Harbor Historical Society is housed in the La Rochelle Mansion, a 1903 estate, and explores the history of the area, including its part in the Gilded Age. The Abbe Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, explores the history and culture of the Wabanaki people, native to Maine.

Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort

5. Take the Land Bridge: For roughly 3 hours a day, a land bridge is available for visitors to cross over the water to Bar Island. The land bridge, technically a sandbar, is only available during low tide so it is a unique experience when visiting here as this is the “bar” in Bar Harbor. Once you’ve crossed over and reached Bar Island, check out the spectacular views of Mt. Desert Island or hike around the island which has about a mile of trails. Make sure to check tide hours so you know when you can go and return via the land bridge.

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