Bar Harbor: August 2020 – Summary

Highlights

• Jordan Pond House popovers. They still get us hungry when we think about them
• Awesome hotel and pool
• Riding Bikes and hiking mountains
• Reconnecting with the kids after their camp experience

Lowlights

• Trip was too short!
• One rainy day, but we managed to make the most of it
• Expensive food, but at least it was good

What Went Right

• Continuing to search for a way to get our preferred hotel worked out in the end
• Getting to Jordan Pond House early, and going on a rainy day the first day helped avoid traffic
• Excellent weather for most of the trip
• Reduced numbers of tourists due to COVID made for a more relaxing experience
• It was the right trip at the right time for the family

Takeaways

The boys LOVED Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park even though they only saw a fraction of the park. There is so much more we can do next time, and there will definitely be a next time. The boys have been insisting on it ever since we crossed the bridge to leave the island.

The combination of the cute and touristy fishing village with a unique and beautiful national park just minutes away is unique and fit our travel personality very well. The boys are hooked on hiking the trails and there are many Tomatico-approved restaurants in town. While the trip was short, we managed to hit all the big things we wanted to. The boys loved the outdoor activities and there is no shortage of those in the park.

It’s undeniable that COVID has negatively affected the town as its economy is mostly based on tourism. With a ban on cruise ships, the town saw many fewer people than normal and businesses were doubtlessly hurt by that. We certainly hope they can recover and survive to help maintain the character of the town.

The location of our hotel is the best in town in our opinion. It’s a short walk to Main Street yet isn’t surrounded by all the traffic and crowds like some of the other downtown hotels. The sunrises can’t be beat, either. I’m glad I continued to dig to find us a room at that hotel rather than settling for the first one I had booked. I even saved money doing so!

With luck, maybe we can make this a family tradition trip of going there after their camp ends next summer. I’m sure the boys will be on board with that!