When it comes to fall travel destinations, Bar Harbor, Maine, is a gem that bursts with the prettiest peak foliage in mid-to-late October! Whether the skies are draped in a delicate moody mist or glowing from the warm shine of the sun, we found our days in Bar Harbor to be a relaxing escape from the tedium of daily life.
The Halfway Point
As the golden hours of a blue-skied Thursday afternoon marked the end of my workday, we embarked on our adventure. En route from Burlington, Vermont, to Bar Harbor, we chose to pause in Bethel, a charming Maine town near Mount Washington. Our drive to the Airbnb took 3 hours and 16 minutes with 3 hours and 30 minutes remaining to our final destination on the coast.
When we arrived at our first Airbnb, we discovered that this place seriously had everything that you could need–plush makeup removal towels, board games, yoga mats, a big flat-screen TV, and a fondue pot complete with fondue sticks for a cozy romantic night in! They also had free coffee (much to my overly caffeinated delight) and tea at our disposal. In addition, the owner offers a variety of cooking spices and olive oil to guests. There was no need to bring anything in order to cook except for maybe the ingredients and you can’t beat it for the price. We are already planning to stay here again this summer!
Day 1
🥾 Hike Otter Point: Start your day with a refreshing hike through the rugged terrain of Otter Point. The crisp fall air and the rustling leaves underfoot make for a serene and rejuvenating experience. The trail reveals an intimate connection to nature, with towering trees and the sound of waves crashing in the background.
🏖️ Sun & Sea at Sand Beach: After your hike, unwind on the silky shores of Sand Beach. Nestled between rocky cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, this tranquil escape offers a mesmerizing contrast to the surrounding fall foliage. The turquoise waters and the sound of gentle waves lapping the shoreline create a picturesque setting for relaxation.
🌊 Thunder Hole: Just two hours prior to high tide, venture to Thunder Hole, a geological wonder that commands respect. The waves crash against the rocky inlet with thunderous force, creating a spectacle of water and sound. Be cautious, as the rocks can be slippery!
🗼 Bar Harbor Head Lighthouse at Sunset: This is about 45 minutes out of the way from the prior 3 locations (which are all grouped together), but it’s worth venturing out there on a nice day for sunset. The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the rocky shores, providing the perfect backdrop for photos and videos!
🍽️ Dinner at Side Street Café: I got the Lobster Roll which had a generous amount of meat, but $40 is super expensive for what it was. The roll was served on a soggy piece of basic white bread with butter instead of mayo. In my opinion, James Hook Lobster in Boston, Massachusetts makes a better lobster roll with just as much meat for $27.99. My boyfriend got the Cowboy Mac with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, fresh jalapeños & classic mac. According to him, it was good but cannot confirm or deny that because he eats so damn fast. 😂
🏡 Airbnb Check-In at Bluenose Inn: Enjoy the charming comfort of the Bluenose Inn, a blend of elegance and coziness, where you’re treated to luxurious cotton robes, morning coffee/tea, daily bed service, indoor pool/hot tub, and many more amenities all at a reasonable $305 per person for 3 nights.
Day 2
🛒 Breakfast and Lunch at Hannaford Market: Stock up on provisions for your day of adventure at Hannaford. We grabbed some blueberry muffins and bananas for breakfast, BLT wraps for lunch along with our favorite healthy snack, Skinny Pop Popcorn, and Honeycrisp apples. This market is 3 minutes away from the Airbnb which was super convenient!
🏞️ Bubbles Trail to Bubble Rock: Set out for the Bubbles Trail, a scenic hiking route that leads to the famous Bubble Rock. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Jordan Pond, nestled amidst the vibrant foliage. This is considered a “moderate” level hike and it is about a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail.
🏞️ Descend to the Jordan Pond Loop: After your invigorating hike, descend to the Jordan Pond Loop. The serene waters, surrounded by the striking fall colors, offer an excellent opportunity for peaceful reflection and photography. This is considered an “easy” hike and it is about a 3.1-mile out-and-back loop.
🏘️ Exploring the Charming Town of Bar Harbor: Take the time to explore the enchanting town of Bar Harbor via the Bar Harbor Trail. Stroll through its quaint streets, lined with boutique shops and welcoming locals. The fall-themed decorations and cozy atmosphere create an idyllic setting for leisurely exploration. This is considered an “easy” hike (leisurely walk) and it is about 1.5 miles round-trip.
🍽️ Dinner at Gaylyn’s Restaurant: To complete your day, indulge in a yummy dinner at Gaylyn’s Restaurant! To ensure you secure your spot, we recommend reserving a day in advance, given this restaurant’s popularity. As appetizers, we shared the Pastry Wrapped Brie ($17) with cranberry-apple chutney and the Ciabatta Skins ($9) with smoked cheddar, North Country bacon, tomatoes, and sour cream. The brie was good, but the crackers were thin, bland, and left much to be desired. We both ended up favoring the Ciabatta Skins.
As for our main dishes, my boyfriend got the Butternut Squash Cakes ($20) made with chickpeas, cilantro, and warm spices served with cilantro-mint raita, red onion marmalade, rice, and sauteed kale. I got the Seafood Fettuccine ($39) with shrimp, scallops, fresh fish (salmon), mussels, and lobster with a lobster cream sauce. Despite my initial reservations about salmon as the “fresh fish,” it was tasty and not at all fishy in a bad way. However, this dish resembled more of a hearty seafood stew with pasta rather than the typical luscious creamy fettuccine. It was surprisingly delightful on that particular bone-chilling rainy night but it was also unexpected. As for my cocktail with dinner, the Blueberry Mojito ($12) lacked any real flavor and I would not recommend it. For dessert, we both loved the Maine Blueberry Apple Crisp with fresh vanilla ice cream. This entire meal at Gaylyn’s turned out to be my boyfriend’s favorite of the trip!
🌙 Piano Bar at Bluenose Inn: Enjoy a drink at the Bluenose Inn piano bar next to the crackling hearth and take in the warm ambiance of a beautiful live piano performance. They also have a variety of board games available including Sorry! (which I kicked Daniel’s ass at) and Candyland (which surprisingly wasn’t as fun as when I was a kid) while you listen to the pretty music.
Day 3
🌧️ Rainy Day Plans: Sleep In! Embrace the cozy allure of a rainy morning by indulging in a bit of extra sleep! We had been having some seriously early mornings and packed days prior, so this was really nice.
🍳 Breakfast at Café This Way: Start your day with a delectable breakfast at Café This Way. The Eggs Benedict and hash browns here were very delicious and the bottomless coffee was an added bonus! Daniel got the Kit’s Burrito with scrambled eggs, peppers, onions, cheddar, and chorizo. He said it was good, but fell apart way too easily. Daniel also got the French Toast with real maple syrup that he thoroughly enjoyed with no complaints!
🛍️ Explore the Charming Town Shops: As the rain continues to grace Bar Harbor, explore the charming town’s unique shops. Local boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores await your discovery!
🏊♂️ Enjoy the Airbnb’s Indoor Pool & Hot Tub: Seek solace from the rain at the indoor pool. Daniel and I had fun racing each other and challenging each other to a friendly yet slightly competitive handstand contest. We were the only ones at the pool/hot tub for 2 hours which was awesome! Extend your relaxation with a dip into the indoor hot tub. The soothing waters will leave you feeling completely relaxed.
🌧️ Embrace the Rain with a Hike at Blagden Preserve: For those who dare to venture out in the rain, a hike at Blagden Preserve awaits. Even in the fall, the preserve offers a chance to connect with nature and perhaps catch a glimpse of seals if you’re lucky.
🍽️ Dinner at Testa’s Restaurant: Conclude your trip on a culinary high note with dinner at Testa’s Restaurant. This was my favorite meal of the trip! We walked in without a reservation and were able to get a table right away. We began the meal by sharing the Chowdahh Fries ($14) in scratch-made clam chowder, apple cider smoked bacon, and scallions as well as the Coconut Shrimp ($14) both of which were extraordinarily excellent! The coconut shrimp’s substantial crunch was downright delightful and the blueberry sweet Thai chili sauce was simply extraordinary. Although it wasn’t the true experience, Daniel really enjoyed his first encounter with clam chowder too!
As for our main dishes, my boyfriend got the Katsu Chicken Thighs with rice and pickled onions drizzled with BBQ sauce. He said it was “okay” but nothing special, but I thought it was pretty good! I actually ended up taking his leftovers and eating them for lunch when we returned from the trip. I got the Seafood Alfredo with lobster, shrimp, and scallops in a homemade traditional alfredo because I was eager to have the true fettucine experience that had evaded me the night prior. This dish at Testa’s did not disappoint! It was a true fettuccine with delicious flavor and creaminess in every bite. The amount of seafood included was also worth the price tag of the dish.
As for my cocktail with dinner, I got a blueberry lemon drop with a sugared rim which was probably one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had–boozy, sweet, and beautiful to look at!
This enchanting 3-day fall trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, was filled with adventure, good food, and relaxation! We plan to chase more sunrises and sunsets in Bar Harbor this summer when we embark on our wildlife tour to peep the puffins and seals in their natural habitat. And, also, for me…to lay on the beach and relax while Daniel sits and digs a hole in the sand next to me. 😬❤️
