Things to do in Bar Harbor, ME

Things to do in Bar Harbor, ME
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Home to Arcadia National Park, Bar Harbor Maine is located in the "Down East" region of the state. The town has a population of about 5,000 people year-round, however, that number swells in the summer as tourists come to vacation. There are many wonderful activities for residents and tourists alike, including things such as hiking, camping and enjoying the local fresh fare.

Local Food

Maine is known for both its fresh lobster and fresh blueberries, and Bar Harbor is certainly no exception. There are wonderful restaurants including Stewman's Ocean Front Lobster Pound and the Portside Grill that serve a fresh lobster dinner.
And although many people think of a lobster dinner as a heavy meal, it can actually be quite light if you skip the butter. One 3-three ounce serving of lobster only has 80 calories and a half gram of fat.
For your blueberry fix, you can pick blueberries from local patches if they are in season, or swing by the Bar Harbor Jam Company. They not only sell jam, but also sell fresh and dried blueberries as well as other blueberry products.

Camping

Because Bar Harbor is located along the picturesque Maine coast, it has become a destination for summer vacationers who love to camp. Whether you are looking to camp with a full-scale RV or pop-up or tent, there are many campgrounds in and around Arcadia National Park that can accommodate you. Check out Bar Harbor KOA Oceanside Campground or Bar Harbor Campground as two great options for your camping needs.

Hiking

Arcadia National Park is home to many miles of hiking trails. From the novice trails that slowly wind with ocean views, to the more rigorous trails that will challenge you to hike significant slopes, the trails in Arcadia National Park have it all.
Temperatures in Arcadia National park range from 45 to 85 degrees in the summer and from 30 to 70 degrees in the fall. Also, be sure to follow safe hiking procedures such as bringing plenty of water, using sunscreen and hiking in comfortable athletic shoes.

Fishing

Take advantage of Bar Harbor's seaside location and go fishing. From deep-sea fishing excursions offered by companies such as Vagabond Deep Sea Fishing, to simply casting a line off a local dock, you can catch a variety of fish and shell fish that include haddock, pollock and even crab. Just be sure to leave the lobster alone as you must have a permit to set a lobster trap.

Boating

Taking a boat trip can be a great way to see Bar Harbor from the ocean. Whether you wish to rent a boat for your own family excursion, go on a whale-watching trip or even go kayaking in the sea, boating can be a great experience. Visit Aquaterra Adventures for a kayaking excursion or Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company to make reservations for your excursion. The businesses are located right next to each other.

References

Article reviewed by DonaldM Last updated on: Dec 7, 2010

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