The east coast's only national park, Acadia covers two-fifths of Mount Desert Island. The Maine park contains a 20-mile scenic drive and a 120-mile network of bike paths, bridal paths, and walking trails. Hiking, mountain climbing, swimming, golf, and tennis are also popular activities in this part of Maine. Inside Acadia, the Jordan Pond House has been serving hungry guests afternoon tea, steaming popovers, and homemade ice cream since the 1870's.
Summer in the City: Bar Harbor, Maine
Overlooking the waterfront, the town of Bar Harbor has a long history of attracting summer visitors to Maine. The hub of Mount Desert Island, it's filled with shops and restaurants. Every July and August, the Bar Harbor Music Festival introduces young classical artists to Maine audiences.
The town is also home to Maine's most scenic golf course, which is open to the public. The par-71, 18-hole course overlooks the ocean. It has a clubhouse, lounge, and makes cart and club rentals available. At Acadia Bike & Canoe and the Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop, Maine visitors can rent regular, and mountain bikes, helmets, and other equipment to expand their travel adventures.
It's Special Here: Succulent Lobster Meals in Maine
Every year Maine fishermen trap some 20 million crimson crustaceans. They end up in gourmet restaurants, seaside cafés, and lobster pounds. Simple preparations are best, and summer's peak experience with the clawing catch may take place at a picnic table by a wharf. Most Maine pounds are set up to pack lobsters for travel and will ship to a specified destination.
Simple Pleasures: Shopping in Maine
From antiques stores to outdoor flea markets to climate-controlled malls, Maine merchants tempt travelers. Maine's southern coast, from Kittery to Freeport, yields the greatest buys. Factory outlets along Route 1 in Kittery sell first-quality goods discounted 20-70 percent and designer outlets fill Freeport's Main Street.
L. L. Bean in Freeport is a destination unto itself, open 24 hours, every day of the year. By the store's indoor trout pond, anglers fish for advice from the store's registered guide.
Hallowell, Maine is known for its antiques shops. Kennebunkport, Maine boasts numerous craft galleries and stores that sell nautical items. Bangor has a number of malls. And downtown Portland's specialty shops delight the eye with beautiful items for the home and body.
