Water Fun When Visiting Acadia National Park
Frenchman Bay on the East side of the island, Western Way to the South, or Blue Hill Bay on the West, the expanse of water views are all unique and you will be rewarded with sights that will take your breath away!
View of Somes Sound from Valley Peak in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are filled with natural wonders, water-fun family-friendly activities, and moments that make visitors say WOW!
Starfish, Acadia National Park
WELCOME TO THE STARFISH ENTERPRISE
All aboard! Diver Ed's Dive in Theater is hands-down one of the most fun and unique experiences you and your kids can have on the open waters.
Diver Ed and the crew of the Starfish Enterprise (a 51-foot, 70-passenger U.S. Coast Guard certified vessel) take you on an interactive adventure where you can observe Diver Ed collecting and returning to the boat with sea life! Touch tanks then allow you to observe, learn about, and handle the mysterious creatures before they are returned, unharmed, to their watery home. This is Jen's #1 recommended water trip for families!
Call for Reservations! (207) 288-3483
Acadia National Park Ranger
HIKE ISLE AU HAUT
Acadia National Park Isle au Haut is a day adventure you and the family will be talking about for years to come! Isle au Haut is a small island 15 miles off the coast of Mount Desert Island and is only accessible by mailboat from the town of Stonington.
This rugged, mostly untouched territory has hidden coves, rocky beaches, stunning coastline cliffs, and 20 miles of hiking trails both on the coast and in the interior of the island.
To get the best hiking for your day, take Duck Harbor Mountain Trail to Goat Trail, then onto Cliff Trail, and finish on Western Head Trail.
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The Lowdown on Lobster in Acadia National Park
Frenchman Bay on the East side of the island, Western Way to the South, or Blue Hill Bay on the West, the expanse of water views are all unique and you will be rewarded with sights that will take your breath away!
Mount Desert Island is undoubtedly beautiful, but Jen would argue that the waters that surround Mount Desert are even more so. Don’t take her word for it, come and see for yourself. Whether you're in Frenchman Bay on the East side of the island, Western Way to the South, or Blue Hill Bay on the West, the expanse of water views are all unique and you will be rewarded with sights that will take your breath away!
Ben and Bill's Emporium in Bar Harbor, Maine
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Did you know a mother lobster can carry up to 100,000 eggs at a time? We know that traveling with children feels like the same amount of work and the less you have to bring with you the better.
Let us help with our Baby Gear Rentals, including strollers, pack and plays, and hiking backpacks. We even offer Adventure Bags for kids (full of activities) and boxes of toys to keep the little ones entertained.
Porcupine Islands in Frenchman Bay
PORCUPINE ISLANDS IN FRENCHMAN BAY
Legend states that the Porcupine Islands came into existence when a Native American chief hiked to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Four porcupines joined him on the mountain and started to pester him. He ignored them for as long as he could, until he eventually threw each of them into the bay, where they instantly turned into the Porcupine Islands.
You can visit our Porcupines by boat, sea kayak and even by foot by walking to Bar Island, one of the Porcupine Islands, during low tide.
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound in Maine
MEET YOU AT THE POUND
Did you know that the gulf of Maine is more densely populated with lobster than any location in the world, averaging 1 lobster per square meter?
Jen prefers dining on lobster from a working pound where you can get better value and a more authentic experience than in a restaurant. Her favorites include Beal’s in Southwest Harbor, Thurston’s in Bass Harbor, and Trenton Bridge in Trenton. Bon appetit!
Whale Spotting in Maine
THE WATER IS CALLING...
Sea Kayaking, whale watching, sailing and nature trips...there are endless ways to experience the waters around Mount Desert Island!
Some of our favorites are:
Diver Ed's Dive in Theater - #1 recommended trip for families.
Friendship V-Bar Harbor Whale Watching - a first-hand view of whales and other wildlife.
The Schooner Margaret Todd - a 151' 4-Masted Schooner.
Lulu’s Lobster Boat -a traditional Downeast lobster boat.
Sea Kayaking with Maine State Sea Kayak -paddle the quiet West side of the island.
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A Perfect Day in Bar Harbor Maine
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Acadia’s winter wonderland or slow down and plan for summer fun.
Winter in Maine
Cold weather months in Maine require people to embrace “koselig”, the Norwegian word for warm and cozy feelings. Thick socks and hot drinks after a snowy hike or ski are all things that evoke koselig. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Acadia’s winter wonderland or slow down and plan for summer fun. Your vacation awaits!
Mountain Sea Properties Housecleaning Services
EMBRACE YOUR VACATION
Planning an extended stay or have a full house? Spend your time exploring and having fun while one of our housekeeping staff fully cleans your rental home. Cleaning includes: fresh bed linens & towels, kitchen & bathrooms, vacuuming & mopping floors, dusting, & straightening up all common areas. Learn more
Acadia National Park Island Explorer
EXPLORE ACADIA
One of the best ways to explore Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island is the Island Explorer that runs from late June through Columbus Day. These free, clean powered shuttles transport visitors to the carriage roads, hiking trails, beaches, and local shops and restaurants.
With nine bus routes connecting campgrounds, hotels and inns, and island villages, you can sit back, take in the natural beauty around you, and connect with family and friends.
Learn more about the
Island Explorer Free
Shuttle Service
Acadia: The Complete Guide: Acadia National Park
ACADIA: THE COMPLETE GUIDE
While grabbing lunch recently at Peekytoe, Jen found James Kaiser’s 2016 edition of Acadia: The Complete Guide. Filled with stunning photos, this local guide is like Tapas, you get a little bit of everything: rich imagery, island history, and highlights of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park.
If it piques your interest in the park, you can purchase an additional hiking or biking guide to give you a complete entrée on what the area has to offer.
1932 Criterion Theater in Bar Harbor, Maine
WANNA CATCH A FLICK?
Mount Desert Island has two unique movie theaters that are worth a visit!
Reel Pizza: Catch the newest releases or an independent/foreign film while eating gourmet pizza and drinking locally crafted beer all while relaxing on a couch. And the popcorn toppings are to die for!
Criterion Theater: Built in 1932 (and was once a speakeasy!), the non-profit Criterion shows movies, live theater, and concerts. The stunning art deco building was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1980.
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Quiet Time In Acadia National Park
Mount Desert Island is the place to be in winter. There's great hiking with panoramic views, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park is your playground! Your vacation awaits!
Cross-country skiing in Acadia National Park
Mountain Sea Properties Facebook page
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
As the temperature drops, knowing if you should plan a hike, pull out the ski gear, or hunker down with a warm cup of cocoa and a good book just got easier. Follow the Mountain Sea Properties Facebook page for up-to-date weather and information about Acadia National Park. Our Facebook page is filled with current MDI news, work by local artists, inspiring photos, and information on area outdoor activities.
Join our Facebook Community!
Cross-country skiing for the whole family
WHEN THERE IS SNOW...
You'll find Adam, Jen's husband, who volunteers as a groomer, helping keep the carriage roads ready and waiting for cross country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing.
To stay up-to-date on the grooming and skiing status of the carriage roads, go to Acadia Winter Trails Association.
Ice Skating in Acadia National Park
WHEN THERE IS NO SNOW...
In between snowfalls, many of the island lakes are perfect for ice skating and the Wales family even maintains a “pond rink” on Long Pond. Long Pond, Somes Pond, and Eagle Lake are a few of Jen’s favorite places to skate. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and join the fun!
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Acadia is a Winter Wonderland!
Holidays are time to connect with family and friends. Mountain Sea Properties is truly blessed to have built so many long term relationships with guests who return year after year. We honor your relationship with us and look forward to seeing you soon! Your vacation awaits!
Winter in Maine
Holidays are time to connect with family and friends. Mountain Sea Properties is truly blessed to have built so many long term relationships with guests who return year after year, such as Blanche (17 years), Kathleen (6), Laurie (8) and Earl (7)! Whether you've been a one-time guest or return every year, we honor your relationship with us and look forward to seeing you again soon! Your vacation awaits!
Eagle Cliff House in Bar Harbor, Maine
ACADIA IS A WINTER WONDERLAND
Winter time on the island continues to grow in popularity as people discover the wonderful cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating (our family maintains a rink on Long Pond), ice climbing, sledding, and hiking! Did you know that Adam is a volunteer trail groomer? That’s right, the carriage roads are groomed for skiing and snow shoeing throughout the winter for you and your family to enjoy. To make your stay more comfortable, the Club House and Beechwood are available for 2-night minimum rental.
Bar Harbor, Maine
BAR HARBOR IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Did you know that our island towns don’t shut down during the colder months? The island does get quieter and you won’t see as many t-shirt shops open, but what does stay open are the cream of the crop: the locally owned businesses. The Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, and Southwest Harbor Chambers have updated information to help you find businesses that are open during your winter stay and we are are currently updating our "Winter Guide" which we offer as part of our free Vacation Guides series to all of our tenants.
A Walk in the Park by Tom St. Germain
A WALK IN THE PARK BY TOM ST. GERMAIN
Spectacular views open up during the fall hiking season as the leaves come down. There are many guides but Jen always recommends A Walk in the Park by Tom St. Germain. Tom is a local who hikes each trail every year, keeping his guide the most comprehensive and up to date, rich with stories and history.
Jen always carries a copy of Tom's map in her pack when hiking and has framed copies in several rental houses.
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Mount Desert Island, Maine and Acadia National Park are Always Open!
A lot of people think the island shuts down during the colder months. It definitely gets quieter and you won’t see as many t-shirt shops open, but what does stay open are the cream of the crop: the locally owned businesses.
Biking the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park
BIKING THE CARRIAGE ROADS
Biking Acadia National Park Carriage Roads is a favorite activity for locals and visitors. 45 miles of car-free roads allow bikers to leave the hustle and bustle behind and feel at one with nature.
There are many parking areas and access points to the carriage roads from the North side of Eagle Lake, Bubble Pond, the Hulls Cove Visitors Center, and Jordan Pond. One of Mountain Sea Properties favorite rides is down the east shore of Eagle Lake, past the west shore of Bubble Pond down to Jordan Pond House and back again. It never gets old!
To rent a boke on the island, check out the Bar Harbor Bike Shop and Southwest Cycle.
To help plan your biking adventure, download this Carriage Roads Map.
Bar Harbor, Maine in Winter
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
A lot of people think the island shuts down during the colder months. It definitely gets quieter and you won’t see as many t-shirt shops open, but what does stay open are the cream of the crop: the locally owned businesses. The Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, and Southwest Harbor Chambers have updated information to help you find businesses that are open during your winter stay.
Farmer’s Markets on Mount Desert Island, Maine
FARM TO TABLE
Did you know there are two local farms that are open year round? Smith Family Farm is a dairy farm with milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as veggies and a selection of meats. Farmers Maggie and Lucian are active members of the community and support schools and educational programs. Follow them on Facebook & visit their website.
The Brown Family Farm is a pork farm located in Otter Creek. Farmer Chris is a key organizer of the free weekly community meal in Bar Harbor and gives so much to the community! Follow them on Facebook & visit their website.
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Birds in Acadia National Park
The warm days are perfect for hiking in Acadia National Park and the cool evenings invite visitors to sit outside with good friends and family and enjoy a meal. Many visitors have already partaken of the peak summer months, making September the perfect time for those who prefer more room to roam around without missing out on all the island has to offer.
Acadia National Park in Maine
Jen loves the island in the fall! The warm days are perfect for hiking in Acadia and the cool evenings invite visitors to sit outside with good friends and family and enjoy a meal. Many visitors have already partaken of the peak summer months, making September the perfect time for those who prefer more room to roam around without missing out on all the island has to offer. It's also an excellent time to catch the beginning of the southward migration of birds, the spotlight of this month's newsletter! The Beechwood property allows you to watch birds right from the front porch! And for you stargazers, we have the upcoming Acadia Night Sky Festival! Join us as the leaves begin to turn...your fall vacation awaits!
Changing of the leaves in Acadia National Park
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK IN FALL
This is the time of year you don’t want to miss! Not only can you enjoy all the island has to offer, you can save money at the same time! Fall is the bargain time of year for a visit...or a second or third visit...with the highest quality experience for the lowest prices.
Bird watching in Acadia National Park
BIRD WATCHING IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
With 338 bird speciesrecorded to visit Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is a premier bird watching destination!
One of Jen's favorites, the Peregrine Falcon, is a crow-sized raptor that can fly up to 100mph. In the 1960’s, they were no longer breeding in the U.S., due largely to environmental impact. In 1991, after 35 years, the first local breeding pair of Peregrines successfully hatched a chick and since that time approximately 129 chicks have hatched on Mount Desert Island.
So keep your eyes on the sky, you never know what you'll see!
Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park
HIKING THE PRECIPICE TRAIL
During the summer, Jordan Cliffs, Precipice and Valley Cove Trails are closed to protect the nesting Peregrine Falcons. Once the Peregrine Falcon chicks are successfully hatched, these hikes are reopened late summer and fall for our enjoyment!
Jen started hiking the Precipice Trail quite early, at the age of 3, as a family summer ritual. To assist hikers in the challenging areas, there are ladders, iron rungs, and handrails.
Jordan Cliffs Trail contains a wooden staircase with handrails that leads down a 10-foot cliff and an iron rung ladder that goes to a trail that leads to the Penobscot Mountain summit with stunning views that make the hike worth the effort!
To see if the Precipice Trail hike is for you, check out this video by Unboring Exploring!
Wendell Gilley Museum in Acadia National Park
THE DORR MUSEUM AND THE WENDELL GILLEY MUSEUM
Want to learn more about birds? Mount Desert Island has two unique museums that showcase our feathered friends.
Located at Collage of the Atlantic, the Dorr Museum has many displays of birds and dioramas depicting coastal life. There's also a tide pool tank with marine creatures such as hermit crabs, live sea stars, and snails, and other water inhabitants. The Dorr Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.
The Wendell Gilley Museum educates visitors on the importance of respect for the natural world through creativity. Enjoy an exhibit, join a program, or simply marvel at the details of the art work at this one of a kind museum. Through September, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am–4pm.
The Island Explorer bus stops at both museums daily throughout the season.
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Acadia's Night Sky Festival
Here we are at the height of summer on the island and there’s fun for everyone! From the upcoming solar eclipse to the wonders of the west side of Mount Desert Island to biking the carriage trails. And we know that travel can be tiring, so we've done some of the planning for you!
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Here we are at the height of summer on the island and there’s fun for everyone! From solar eclipse to the wonders of the west side of Mount Desert Island to biking the carriage trails. All that’s left for you to do is settle in, put your feet up, breathe in the fresh Maine air, and look at the stars. We know you’re up to the challenge!
Acadia National Park Night Sky
ACADIA’S NIGHT SKY FESTIVAL
We Mainers don't like to brag, but the view of the night sky on Mount Desert Island is one of the best in the world and should not be missed.
Not to be overlooked is the Annual Acadia Night Sky Festival. This Festival is filled with workshops and events like night cruises, speakers and hands-on experiences. You and your family can observe the Milky Way from Maine's rocky coast while learning from experts in the field. Perfect for amateur astronomers, night photographers, and anyone who loves to contemplate their existence under a starlit sky.
Southwest Harbor, Maine on Mount Desert Island
SOUTHWEST HARBOR AND BASS HARBOR, MAINE
The Backside is what the local’s call the west side of Mount Desert Island. When Bar Harbor gets busy in August, many locals and return visitors like to spend time in Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor. These slower-paced areas have great lobster pounds including Beal’s and Thurston’s as well as unique shops and museums.
Our favorite places in the park are Wonderland at low tide where you can explore the expansive tide pools, Ship Harbor Nature Trail and the Beech Mountain for hiking.
Our Fern way and Beechwood properties are centrally located in this area!
Local Secrets in Acadia National Park
Summer on Mount Desert Island is a sight to behold! Guests arrive to explore Acadia National Park, enjoy canoeing and kayaking the ponds that pepper the island, spend leisurely days at Sand Beach followed by seafood dinners out or in their own backyards, and while away the hours in local shops in Bar Harbor and the other stores on the island.
Porcupine Islands in Acadia National Park
Summer on Mount Desert Island is a sight to behold! Guests arrive to explore Acadia National Park, enjoy canoeing and kayaking the ponds that pepper the island, spend leisurely days at Sand Beach followed by seafood dinners out or in their own backyards, and while away the hours in local shops in Bar Harbor and the other stores on the island.
Compass Cove in Acadia National Park
COMPASS COVE: ACADIA’S HIDDEN GEM
Compass Cove is a hidden gem located within Acadia National Park. Originally the property of George Dorr, the founding father of Acadia, Compass Cove is easily accessed by a flat, wide trail that follows the old road leading to the Dorr's estate. Along the way, you'll find the foundation of what was Dorr's grand home "Old Farm" and his gardens. At the water's edge is a stunning crescent moon-shaped sand beach with the foundation of the Dorr salt-water swimming pool.
This is one of our families' favorite places to explore and play. We hope you enjoy this "locals' only" spot as much as we do!
View more photos of Compass Harbor Trail
Summer on Mount Desert Island brings out the Farmers' Markets
FARMERS’ MARKETS
Summer on Mount Desert Island brings out the Farmers' Markets filled with locally grown fruits and veggies, homemade treats, dairy products, and meats.
Eden Farmers' Market in Bar Harbor is on Sundays from 9am-12pm
Northeast Harbor Farmers' Market is on Thursdays from 9am-12pm
Southwest Harbor Farmers' Market is on Fridays from 9am-1pm
Acadia Farmers' Market in Town Hill is on Fridays from 3pm-6pm
Be sure to check out our Vacation Services page!
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