Nick & Clare
Our favorite activities on MDI
Beehive Trail
This is our favorite hike, but it's not for the faint of heart! To get to the top you must pull yourself up ladders, but the view of Sand Beach is worth it. Note! You have to enter Acadia National Park (and pay at the guard booth) to get to Beehive. Note! The park gets very crowded. If you want to go for a hike "over there" we suggest you get up early and beat the throngs of hikers!
Flying Mountain
This is an every day hike for the Leathers. (Ask Lew to give you the story of the first time Granny & Pappy brought him up here.) Quick and easy hike with a gorgeous view of Somes Sound. You can walk to Flying Mountain from anywhere in Southwest Harbor.
Thurston's Lobster Pound
Our go-to Lobster pound. Skip the dining room and get a high top table on the deck bar. Nick's pick: Lobster BLT and a margarita. Clare's pick: an order of mussels, lobster roll and CORN (cooked in the same water as the lobsters) and a blueberry lemonade. Les' pick: crab cake sandwich, a Bar Harbor Ale and a few bags of Lays. Thurston's is a 10 minute drive from Southwest Harbor. NOTE! Don't be discouraged by the line. Unless you want an actual lobster, skip the long line and order at the bar. Shhh. Don't tell anyone our secret!
Cadillac Mountain
Great for those looking to take a drive and get amazing views of Acadia. You can hop out at the top, lots of walking trails for those who want to explore! NOTE! 2 years they built additional booths at the base of Cadillac Mountain. It does not cost additional, but you have to have a reservation because there is only limited parking at the top and there were just so many cars. The link to make a reservation is https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/400000
Sweet Pea's Cafe
Wood fired pizzas, salads, fresh ingredients, outdoor seating and a great cocktails. A 20 minute drive from Southwest Harbor
Long Pond
For those who want to take a dip (and aren't quite ready for the ocean). Great walk/hike down the west side to wonderful swimming rocks.
Sips 2.0
Great grab n go fare to pick up on the fly before a hike, or for a hassle free dinner in. Wraps and quesadillas.
Colonel's Delicatessen
Nick's favorite -- blueberry donuts
Ship Harbor Trail
For those looking for a nice walk, without elevation. 1.3 miles round trip with beautiful views. Just beyond Seawall.
Wonderland Trail
1.3 mile out and back trail without elevation gain. Great for ALL walkers! Just beyond Seawall.
Seawall
BEAUTIFUL drive through Acadia National Park with no park pass needed. Get out and hang out on the rocks or pack a picnic.
Mainely Meat Barbeque At Atlantic Brewing Company
BBQ and draft beer ---- need we say more??
Bar Harbor
You might want to drive across the island and poke around Bar Harbor. Think tee shirt and ice cream shops. We often go an entire summer without going there, but when we do we always remark that it really is a cute little town. Amazing views of the ocean and mountains.
Wendell Gilley Museum
Wendell Gilley was a plumber until he became known for his carved birds. This little museum is a real treasure right in Southwest Harbor!
Beech Mountain
One of our favorite hikes on the "quiet side". Lots of different routes up to the fire tower on the top.
Causeway Club
9 or 18 holes.... not the hardest course, but def beautiful, and lots of fun. Betcha lose a ball on #2.
Kebo Valley Club
Great 18 hole links course near Bar Harbor. Get a tee time well in advance.
Peter Trout's Tavern and Inn
In Manset. Amazing fried chicken. Other southern fare. Great draft & can beer menu
Beal's Lobster Pier
Second to Thurstons (in our opinion). But....they do have something Thurstons does not . . . fried food. Their french fries and onion rings are pretty amazing.... easy walk from downtown at end of Clark Point Road.
Echo Lake Beach
1 of 2 sand beaches on the island
Park Loop Road
This is the main route in Acadia National Park. Spectacular. Lots of places to stop and admire the view, walk, hike, take pics. Don't come to Mount Desert Island and not see the park.
Abbe Museum
Lots on info about the Wabanaki Nation - and a very cool building in the heart of Bar Harbor.
Seal Cove Auto Museum
All about the earliest automobiles and motorcycles. Super cool if you're into old cars and history. Bonus! It's here on the "quiet side."
Thuya & Asticou Azalea Gardens
These gardens are part of the Rockefeller Land and Garden Preserve. Amazing gardens, easy walking. In Northeast Harbor.
Hearth and Harbor
Great brick oven pizza right in downtown Southwest Harbor. Great salads and apps too. Lots of outside seating in the back.
Milagro Coffee & Espresso
Best coffee in town (other than Sips). Amazing Rosemary sea salt bagels. A short walk out of town
Abel's Lobster
If you're heading over to check out Northeast Harbor, stop for an amazing lobster roll and french fries at Abel's. Sit outside on picnic tables looking up the Sound!