Bar Harbor, Acadia, Maine Coast with 2 Kids
based on 5 votes
Our travel log and suggestions for a trip to Maine with 2 children (5,7). Portland, Camden, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park.
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Portland, Freeport, Rockport, Camden, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Southwest Harbor
- Category: Perfect week or more
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Traveler type: Sightseeing, Active/Outdoors, Never been before
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Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Seniors, Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Summer, Fall
- Tags: Maine, Acadia, bar harbor, Coast, Family Vacation, Bar Harbor
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1. Gilbert's Chowder House
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| Our first dinner was spent at the well known chowder house in Portland, Gilberts, which has won several "best chowder" awards. We found the chowder to be good, but didn't live up to its billing. We also had fried shrimp and fried clams. Both had little to no taste....required lots of salt and tartar or cocktail sauce. |
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2. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Freeport
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Ave price:
$125
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| As of Aug 2007, this was a new property. Nicely appointed, clean, quiet, with extremely comfortable beds. We were impressed with the quality of this property. Rate included breakfast of warm cinnamon rolls, muffins, bagels, cereal, yogurt, and even cheese omlettes. Location was 5 minutes from the main shopping district in Freeport. |
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| Spent a half day at the main shopping district. Great variety of stores including, of course, the LL Bean megastore. Quality of stores were consistently good. This was outlet shopping at its best...in a quaint, New England setting. |
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4. Rockland Lobster Festival
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| Ran Aug 1-5 in 2007. Enjoyed eating fresh lobster and lobster rolls from vendors. We were able to watch the lobster crate races which were a treat. Setting is next to the harbor which has great views. Carnival rides for the kids were a great diversion. |
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Ave price:
$280
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A wonderful resort that has a beautiful view of the harbor and surrounding area. Golf course is impeccable. A great variety of things to do. Kids loved the pool. Staff was courteous, rooms were very nice. |
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6. Three Dog Cafe
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| Just south of Camden, this cafe offered great pastries and coffee with views of Mt Battie right off the front porch. The building itself is newly built and is beautiful This is definitely worth a stop for breakfast or lunch...we highly recommend it. |
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| Drove to the top of Mt Battie to get a gorgeous view of Camden and surrounding harbor. Note that there is an entrance fee to the park. |
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| This is one of the more beautiful harbor towns we came across the whole trip. Quaint and beautifully set next the harbor, it has a variety of restaurants to choose from. Fair warning that you will need to have reservations for dinner. Due to the long waits, we ate a light dinner at the Camden Deli where the sandwiches were average, but the desserts were excellent...the harbor view in the back and open air roof top deck is second to none. |
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9. Harborside Hotel & Marina
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Ave price:
$130
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Nice hotel but pricey. Location was right on the harbor which was nice, but a little far from some restaurants. Rooms were nicely appointed but not as quiet as I would expect for this class of hotel. Pool was a big attraction for the kids. |
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Being national park enthusiasts, we made Acadia a major destination. Although we would not rate Acadia as a breathtaking destination compared to the majors (Glacier, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Zion, etc), it has some beautiful coastline and wonderful hikes.
Hikes that are especially doable with children in our age range (5-7). Favorite hikes included the Great Head Trail as well as the Gorham Mtn Trail. Both trails took about two hours and are considered moderately strenuous. Views on both trails were spectacular. The Gorham Mtn Trail takes you high above the cliffs giving you panoramic views of Sand Beach and Otter Point.
Another notable destination was Bass Harbor lighthouse. Absolutely stunning at sunset.
Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach were great places for the kids to explore.
Finally, make sure to have a popover with ice cream and bluberries at the Jordon Pond House...it was worth the stop. Try to make reservations if possible. |
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11. Stewman's Lobster Pound
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| Had a great lobster dinner (including blueberry pie for dessert) our first night in Bar Harbor. Decor left something to be desired, but food and service were good. Kids enjoyed seeing the live lobsters. |
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| Dining experience here was excellent. Seafood/Lobster Pasta and Scallops dishes were both worth noting. Kids really liked kids menu which comes with a drink and great dessert choices. We highly recommend the restaurant. Nice ambiance sitting outside on porch. Breakfast menu looked inviting as well, though we did not eat there for breakfast. |
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| Another wonderful restaurant that we highly recommend. The seafood risotto and portobello mushroom sandwich were both great. Ambience was excelent as well with outdoor seating in garden or porch and live music entertainment. Again, make reservations to ensure a seat. Kids meals were also excellent. |
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14. Eat-A-Pita & Chef Marc
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| Do not let the casual apprearance fool you. This restaurant served excellent food. The lamb burger and portobello stacker were very good. Another restaurant we would have no hesitation to revisit and/or recommend. |
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15. Morning Glory Bakery
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| Great pastries including blueberry cream cheese danish and white choc chip espresso scone. Little seating, so plan to take with you. |
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| Fulfilling breakfast with great blueberry pancakes and large omlettes. Coffee not worth the $1.25. |
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17. Chocolate Emporium
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| Fabulous ice cream. Portions are huge. The entire family was able to share 1 serving. Try the coconut white chocolate macadamia nut.....unbelieveable! |
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Compliment MinnesotaTrvlBug
MinnesotaTrvlBug
Summer Family Vacation
