Acadia, Maine
The Acadia region of Maine hosts more than 3 million visitors a year. With miles of scenic coastline, quaint little villages, mountains, streams, and an intricate network of offshore islands, Acadia is the place to go if you want to enjoy an active vacation amid the splendors of the Great Outdoors. It is a natural wonderland offering vacationers any number of activities. A day on Coastal Maine can include deep sea fishing, hiking, bicycling, kayaking, sailing, golfing, sun bathing, antique hunting, and just about every outdoor exploration imaginable. When you are finished playing, treat yourself to one of the local seafood delicacies. Roughly 90 percent of the nation's lobsters come from Maine's coast.Beautiful Bar Harbor has been a haven for the wealthy for over 100 years. The Vanderbilts, Drexels, and DuPonts have all had homes here. Today, Bar Harbor still receives its share of visitors who come for the great shopping, excellent scenery, outdoor activities, and of course the wonderful Atlantic. For a glimpse into the area's history, visit the George B. Dorr Natural History Museum, which showcases local wildlife in realistic dioramas. Kids love the museum for their hands-on approach. Another museum of interest is the Abbe Museum, which focuses on prehistoric to Native American artifacts. Bar Harbor is also a great spot for jumping into all the fun that can be had in the Acadia National Park.
Another can't-miss Acadia destination is Deer Isle. Regarded as somewhat of a wonder by author John Steinbeck, Deer Isle is great for hiking the trails, hanging out in quaint restaurants, browsing in the galleries, and just generally soaking up the ambiance. The view around Settlement Quarry should not be missed. An easy hike brings visitors to this former granite quarry and a panoramic view atop the viewing platform, aka the "throne room." Deer Isle has a rich history in granite circles. Granite from Deer Isle has been used in the Smithsonian Institute and for John F. Kennedy's gravesite. For a better understanding of Deer Isle's granite production, visit the Deer Isle Granite Museum in Stonington. With so many islets in close proximity to Deer Isle, sea kayaking and canoeing are very popular pastimes.
Maine's outdoor splendor can be thoroughly enjoyed at the Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. With over 40,000 acres, this is a year round feast for active connoisseurs. In the summer, guides take visitors on nature walks explaining about the flora and fauna of Maine's only National Park. For those with limited time, a 20-mile driving path, the Park Loop Road, takes visitors to the top of Cadillac Mountain. A great photo-op awaits those who visit Bass Harbor Head Light, a lighthouse on the southern tip of the island. Over 120 miles of hiking trails meander through the park, ranging from easy day hikes to more difficult treks designed for more experienced hikers. Sun bathers can throw down a towel on Sand Beach. Rock climbing, canoeing/kayaking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing can also be enjoyed at this year-round park.
Coastal Maine is a picture of Americana. Quiet little villages sit along the water's edge. Hard working fishermen bring in the day's catch, continuing a pattern that has gone on for more than a century. Blueberry festivals spring up from time to time, and lobster is practically the state cuisine. The streams feed the rivers which empty into the ever-present ocean. Beaches dot the coastline waiting for sun bathers. In the fall, fresh apple cider hits the menus of local restaurants. Whatever you are looking for, the Acadia region of Maine has everything you need for an amazing adventure.
