WHERE TO EAT

Havana

318 Main St., Bar Harbor

Serving up locally sourced seafood and organic meats with a bit of Latin American spice, this beloved Bar Harbor staple—now newly renovated with the addition of Parrilla, its outdoor tapas bar—should be at the top of your dining checklist. Whether you’re feasting on the Peruvian parihuela (seafood soup) or ending the meal with a slice of churro cheesecake, you'll understand why this upscale establishment has enjoyed a sparkling reputation for two decades.

Islesford Dock and Gallery

1 Main St, Islesford

Located two miles from Northeast Harbor on Cranberry Island with spectacular views of both the fishing harbor and mountains of Acadia National Park, this restaurant and art gallery is accessible only by boat. But it’s worth the trip for the locally sourced produce and seafood as well as the spectacular sunset views.

Thurston's Lobster Pound

9 Thurston Rd., Bernard

Dine on freshly caught lobsters, steamers, mussels, and crab the way they’re meant to be enjoyed: outdoors on an airy, awning-covered deck just feet from the waterfront. Wash it all down with a classic Bar Harbor Real Ale from nearby Atlantic Brewing Company.

Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream

7 Firefly Lane and 325 Main St., Bar Harbor

Churning out small batches of hand-crafted cups and cones in flavors like Cinnamon Cardamom and Chocolate Pretzel Toffee, this local legend has expanded to Washington, D.C. and even Japan.

WHERE TO STAY

The Claremont Hotel

22 Claremont Rd., Southwest Harbor

This stately sea captain’s manse dates back to the 1880s, but its new owners recently wrapped up a $20-million renovation. The seasonal (May through October) hotel offers sweeping views of the mountains, woods, and waters of Mount Desert Island. Accommodations include two-person guest rooms, oceanside cabins, and spacious “signature houses.” The heated outdoor pool, rentable cabanas, and relaxing botanic spa are just some of the luxe amenities here.

Sand Bar Cottage Inn

106 West St., Bar Harbor

Comprising a three-story 1887 summer “cottage” surrounded by a cluster of smaller cabins, this recently renovated inn offers several styles of accommodation on its green and manicured grounds. Small garden cottages have their own porches and fireplaces to help stay warm on chilly summer nights. The main house—which is on the National Register of Historic Places—and its next-door chauffeur’s cottage offer freshly reimagined interior design and modern amenities.

Bar Harbor Inn

1 Newport Drive, Bar Harbor

Another historic property dating to the 19th Century, the property has been renovated and expanded to exude elegance and offer modern amenities. The inn’s sweeping ocean views and manicured gardens are just a short walk from the bustle of downtown.

TIP: Eligible Capital One cardholders can book their stay with Capital One Travel, where we match hotel prices before and after you book so you don’t overpay, giving you their lowest price and peace of mind.

WHERE TO EXPLORE

Acadia National Park

25 Visitor Center Rd., Bar Harbor

With nearly two dozen mountains, 64 miles of ocean shoreline, and more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna living across its forests, freshwater lakes, and wetlands, Acadia has something for every visitor. The park offers more than 150 miles of hiking trails and is laced with carriage roads. Whether you’re witnessing the sea's relentless power at Thunder Hole or enjoying warm popovers and hot tea at Jordan Pond, Acadia offers an experience like no other.

Abbe Museum

26 Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor

This Smithsonian-affiliated museum was founded in 1926 with support from some of Bar Harbor's wealthy summer residents. Since then, it has built on its initial small collection of Native American artifacts found on Mount Desert Island and around Frenchman Bay. The museum holds one of the world’s top collections of Wabanaki basket-weaving, spanning nearly 12,000 years.

Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium

66 Main St., Bar Harbor

With longtime roots in Bar Harbor, this family-owned confectioner purveys handmade buttercrunch, chocolates, and fudge. A perfect treat after a day on the trails or the water.

Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines

7 Newport Dr., Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor might be known for its first-in-the-nation sunrises, but its sunsets are pretty spectacular, too. What better way to close out a busy day than on a breezy four-masted schooner as it skips along the waves with the golden hour on the horizon? You can also choose a specialty excursion such as a lobster picnic cruise.