We found ourselves the lucky recipients of an all-expenses paid weekend in Bar Harbor so took full advantage and hightailed it up there Friday afternoon. Our complimentary stay at the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa included two nights, a dinner in their famed Reading Room Restaurant, breakfasts, and two massages. Whoop!
The hotel was one of those classic Maine resorts perched on the water's edge in downtown Bar Harbor. Stunning views of the harbor and surrounding islands which we experienced first hand Saturday morning when my eyes snapped open at 6:30am to a jaw-dropping sunrise (and a huge cruise ship right outside our window). It was a great start to our time in such a beautiful little slice of America.
We knew we wanted to hike in Acadia National Park on Saturday but weren't sure which of the dozens of trails to pick, especially considering I wasn't certain how my knee would hold up. Google to the rescue where I happened upon Joe's Guide to Acadia National Park, a handy outline of available treks, their difficulty, and some creative ways to connect trails for longer day trips. We hemmed and hawed (and gobbled down delicious poached eggs and blueberry stuffed French toast) before deciding on North Bubble and Conners Nubble.
The adventure did not disappoint. Two and a half hours of vista bliss. The climbing wasn't difficult and the hike took us through pine and fir forest, lakeside bogs, bare granite mountainside, and stunning views of the changing leaves. It was heavenly.
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At the risk of sounding utterly ridiculous, I highly recommend ending a long day of hiking with a massage followed by a yummy dinner overlooking the harbor glittering under a starry sky. Right. Anyway. We were addicted to Acadia and headed back into the park on Sunday for a quick drive up Cadillac Mountain (don't judge) and a much shorter but pleasant on-foot trek up Flying Mountain over on the "quiet side" of Mount Dessert Island. It was great to get another walk in before stopping off at the Bass Harbor Lighthouse then making the drive home. We detoured to Foulmouthed Brewery in Portland for a celebratory beer flight (Vanilla Stout - yum) before reuniting with a squealy Merwin back home.
The entire weekend was magical. When I'm lacing up the hiking boots, I'm always a little hesitant but as soon as I take the first steps into the woods or onto the mountain, it feels amazing. The air, the quietness, the views. It's like I forget how invigorating and refreshing it feels to move and to move in such beautiful places. I love it. I can't wait for more!
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