EXPERIENCES

The world’s elite have always been drawn to Bar Harbor, Maine and with good reason. It’s utterly private, fabulously beautiful with stunning ocean vistas, pine-scented air and a culinary scene including some of the most fresh seafood offerings imaginable. For those who want to immerse themselves in Mother Nature’s often rugged, magical and altogether wondrous gifts, Bar Harbor delivers in droves.

You might want to pencil in Bar Harbor on the list of places you would like to visit, even if just for the spell it will cast on you. It’s one of the most ideal places to forget about the world for a while, slow down, reconnect with yourself and the earth and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. A place like this can do that. Here are some reasons why:

Acadia National Park

Acadia was first established as Sieur de Monts National Monument in July 1916 by US President Woodrow Wilson but changed to Lafayette National Park in February 1919 when it became the first national park east of the Mississippi. It was not until January 1929 that it was officially named Acadia National Park. Today, the park encompasses about 49,052 acres. There is so much to see and do here, stopping by the Visitor Center is a must. Hiking trails range from very easy to strenuous. One of the most popular hikes is Acadia Mountain Trail offering views of Somes Sound and Southwest Harbor, National Park Rangers often lead these hikes as part of their regular summer program. The steep 700-foot climb can descend to a fire road or continue up St. Sauveur then down to a parking area about a half mile south of the Acadia Mountain parking area (Route 102). The hike is 2.5 miles, but there are many steep grades and steady climbs, so it’s not for beginner hikers or those out of shape. A very easy sojourn is the three-mile Ocean Trail beginning near Sand Beach running parallel to the Park Loop Road on the east side past Thunder Hole all the way to Otter Cliff.

Lulu Lobster Boat Tour

This ideal family venture is one of the top activities in Bar Harbor. For two hours everyone on board is engaged in learning about what it takes to be a lobster fisher. The tour is on a traditional down east lobster boat. Children can be involved in baiting the lobster traps and are delighted when traps are hauled onto the boat and lobster are on board. Everyone who wants to hold a lobster can have the chance. Kids will learn about the lobster’s anatomy and life cycle. The tour also sails past Egg Rock Lighthouse, home to countless numbers of seals. Also spotted on the tour have been bald eagles, porpoises and other wildlife.

Bar Harbor is one of the most incredible US nature destinations there is and if you want to explore it for yourself, staying at Villa Eastern Watch puts you right in the middle of Bar Harbor’s magnificence. A stately mansion perched high above glorious Frenchman Bay on Sols Cliff, there are breathtaking views stretching from Porcupine Island to Egg Rock Lighthouse and beyond. There are two residences on the land – the cottage and the carriage house. Plentiful patio space and an outdoor BBQ beckon al fresco dining under the stars, a fine vintage in hand, chosen from the estate's comprehensive wine cellar.

Private Whale Watching Tour

Bar Harbor Whale Watch will take you on a private tour for up to six for a whale-watching adventure. You’ll head out into the Gulf of Maine in search of large baleen whales like the Humpback, Finback and Minke. You might spot other creatures as well such as porpoises, sharks, seals, and birds. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the gulf and explain Bar Harbor Whale Watch’s involvement in the Whale Sense Program which helps to promote responsible whale watching practices, education, and ocean stewardship. This program is a collaborative effort with Whale and Dolphin Conservation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Research interns with Allied Whale at the College of the Atlantic are on every trip to collect information about the whales and other marine species!

Kayaking Around Porcupine Island

Kayak around the chain of evergreen dotted island archipelago, Porcupine Island. You can watch for marine life such as seals and birds. Paddling a kayak around the islands is one of the most scenic things to do in Bar Harbor and a fun way to explore the outdoors by the water. Several outfitters in Bar Harbor offer kayak rentals by the hour or for the day. They also offer tours and will provide you with needed information:

• National Park Sea Kayak Tours
• Coastal Kayak Tours Inc.
• Acadia Outfitters

For the most magical time on your exclusive holiday to Bar Harbor, we invite you to reach out to an LVH client relations associate who will get the planning started. We will build a customized itinerary for you making sure to include outdoor activities you would love. Your home away from home comes with full services and 24/7 support so you For the most magical time on your exclusive holiday to Bar Harbor, we invite you to reach out to an LVH client relations associate who will get the planning started. We will build a customized itinerary for you making sure to include outdoor activities you would love. Your home away from home comes with full services and 24/7 support so you never have to worry about anything. Simply enjoy every brilliant outdoor moment in Bar Harbor – one of the most stunning sea coast towns in the US.