Acadia & The Quietside: Weekend Itinerary

Place to stay: The Claremont Hotel, www.theclaremonthotel.com , 22 Claremont Road, South West Harbor, Maine, 1-800-244-5036

The Claremont hotel in Southwest Harbor has provided classic summer refuge to visitors of Mount Desert Island, each summer since 1884. Sited at the mouth of Somes Sound, North America's only fjord, the six acre shorefront resort includes the historic hotel with 24 guest rooms, the Phillips House with 6 private inn style rooms and 14 housekeeping cottages. On site facilities include, fine dining, dock, moorings, boat house, rowboats, bicycles, tennis court and two tournament croquet courts. The 14 housekeeping cottages, some with ocean views, all have fireplaces, decks and kitchenettes and are ideal for family vacations, or romantic weekend getaways. The recognized dining room offers views from every table serving guests on the bed and breakfast plan and creative gourmet cuisine to hotel and outside guests daily.

What to do: Visit Acadia National Park, www.nps.gov/acad/, Mount Desert Island, Maine, 207-288-3338

People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the scenery. Yes, the park is open all year! Although some facilities are closed, winter can be a beautiful, peaceful time to visit the park.

  • Hike Dorr Mountain - A 3.3 mile moderate hike through varied terrain around and up the mountain will lead you to amazing stonework, cliff edges and spectacular ocean views of Frenchman Bay. The mountain is named after George Dorr, one of Acadia’s founders and the park’s first superintendent. The trailhead can be found at the Sieur de Monts Spring parking area, which is in the northeast corner of Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park.
  • Take the Islesford Historical Cruise (mid-May through early October) - Discover the enduring connections between people and the sea. Search for wildlife as you cruise to Little Cranberry Island for a stop at the Islesford Historical Museum and explore the scenic fjord of Somes Sound. Municipal Pier, Northeast Harbor. 2½ hours. Fee. Reservations: www.barharborcruises.com 207-276-5352.
  • Experience the sunrise on top of Cadillac Mountain – Standing on the summit of Cadillac Mountain to witness the early morning sunrise is just a breathtaking way to start the day. The welcoming warmth from the sun rising and splendid series of colors should be on everyone’s list of things to experience in Maine. It is said that, at some times of the year, the sun touches the slopes of Cadillac Mountain before any other place in the United States. At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is not only the tallest mountain in the park, but also the tallest mountain along the eastern coast of the United States. Cadillac Mountain offers magnificent views of the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay. Portions of this trail are accessible to wheelchair users. Cadillac Mountain is accessible via a winding, narrow, 3.5-mile road. The road is closed from December 1 through April 14 and whenever weather conditions (e.g., dense fog or ice) require. You can also hike or bike to the summit.

    • What Else: Oktoberfest, enough said. This annual fall event is held in Southwest Harbor and is becoming increasingly popular. Roughly 23 Maine brewers converge at Smugglers Den Campground for a day-long celebration of beer and fun. Live music contributes to the party atmosphere, and there are several food and craft vendors taking part in the festivities. Oktoberfest is typically the first or second weekend in October. www.acadiachamber.com/oktoberfest.html