Bar Harbour

Bar Harbour is one of those national treasures whose name ends up on tee shirts sported by lucky travelers around the country. It's located in Eastern Maine on a body of water called Frenchman Bay, and its harbor bustles with local vessels and tourism boats.

Years ago in 1947, a wildfire had significantly damaged the town by destroying 170 homes. Five historic hotels and many of its cottages also were destroyed. Bar Harbour never recovered its former size, but it remains a highly popular tourist destination nevertheless. Cruise ships regularly come into port. Once travelers disembark, there are shops and restaurants to purchase made-in Maine products and sample its lobster and seafood. Maine's blueberries are also a favorite on the menu. Talk about yummy pancakes!

One of the loveliest features in town is Bar Harbour’s iconic Shore Path. It is more than 100 years old and the regular walkers unfailingly gave me a smile and "good morning" as we passed. Beautiful old inns and a number of the surviving historic summer “cottages” line the land side of the walk while the scenic Porcupine Islands, Balance Rock and Egg Rock Light are part of the coastal scenery.

What I enjoyed so much about Bar Harbour is what I find delightful about small towns across America: the highlighted local cuisine, whether from land or sea, handcrafted goods offered for sale from artisans throughout the area, and the small shops that reflect the flavors and accents of its locals. Bar Harbour was a treat to visit. I think you and your family would love to visit there, as well!