{"id":47718,"date":"2014-06-26T10:54:16","date_gmt":"2014-06-26T14:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=47718"},"modified":"2025-09-02T00:14:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T04:14:05","slug":"mount-desert-island-maine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/47718\/mount-desert-island-maine\/","title":{"rendered":"Adventures on Mount Desert Island, Maine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mount Desert Island redefines beauty. Its crown jewel is Acadia National Park, the only national park in the Northeast. The park encompasses nearly half of the island, offering a wide range of recreational activities with dramatic views.<\/p>\n

The 49,000 acres are a testament to private philanthropy, with much of the land given to the park by the Rockefellers. Many of their descendants continue to summer here, drawn to the traditional lifestyle and rugged good looks that define it.<\/p>\n

The island\u2019s rustic villages embody the authentic spirit of Downeast Maine. Lively Bar Harbor is the most developed, but Southwest and Northeast Harbors are full of possibilities. Residents understand that this land is worth protecting, so keeping Mount Desert green and pristine is a priority. Forward-thinking initiatives include an island-wide shuttle that runs like clockwork and doesn\u2019t cost a cent, making this a prime destination for the car-free traveler.<\/p>\n

The Must-Do Experiences<\/h2>\n

\"Jordan

It is easy to navigate the trail system independently, but if you\u2019re considering an expert guide, the Natural History Center<\/a> in Bar Harbor is a family owned company. They will customize tours of Acadia, tide pool explorations and birding expeditions.<\/p>\n

Hiking to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic Coast, rewards you with windswept views of Frenchman Bay. It sits at 1,530 feet, with four diverse trails that will take you to the top. Wake up early to start your ascent and you\u2019ll be among the first in the nation to see the new day dawn.<\/p>\n

Jordan Pond House<\/a> is a tradition for oven-fresh popovers served with strawberry jam. Walk off the calories at the Jordan Pond Nature Trail, which circumvents the pond. It\u2019s a one-mile flat loop that is perfect for families.
\n\"Le

Rent a bike ($19\/4hrs) in Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor<\/a> and bring it on the Island Explorer shuttle.<\/p>\n

The Atlantic is too frigid for most people to dare take the plunge. Freshwater Echo Lake offers tempting crystalline water and more moderate temperatures.
\n\"kayaking

The lobster fishing industry is an integral aspect of Maine island life. Lulu\u2019s Lobster Boat Ride<\/a> gets you up close with venerable lobsterman Captain John. Watch Captain John demonstrate how the traps are hauled during this two-hour ride.<\/p>\n

The Insider Tip<\/h3>\n

\"Isleford

Little Cranberry, also known as Islesford, supports a tiny year round community, complete with a one-room schoolhouse. You\u2019ll glimpse a dwindling way of life that hasn\u2019t changed much over the centuries. Check out the Islesford Historical Society and the art gallery. Have lunch at the casual Islesford Dock or stop by the general store for simple picnic provisions.<\/p>\n

The Eats<\/h2>\n

Tranquil Southwest Harbor has a quietly blossoming food scene and is home to a number of excellent places to grab a lobster roll. Check out C-Ray Lobster<\/a> near Hadley Point or the nearby, down-to-earth Rose Eden Lobster<\/a>. Caf\u00e9 This Way<\/a> is another excellent choice with considerable breakfast and dinner menus (the Pecan Crusted Halibut is quite good).
\n\"sherbert

The Sweets<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s no secret that Mount Desert Island Ice Cream<\/a> in Bar Harbor is where the Obamas took their girls for double dips when they were in town. They\u2019re not its only fans; this super-dense, frozen confection draws groupies from around New England, who patiently wait on line for that first lick. Made in small batches using organic milk, popular flavors include Maine Sea Salt Caramel and Chocolate Wasabi. Rumor has it Barack went for the toasted coconut.<\/p>\n

\"Atlantic