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A map of MDI. 

https://festivefish.net/shop/mount-desert-island-maine/

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Things to Do

Reel Pizza Cinerama! Located in central Bar Harbor, Reel Pizza is a funky, old fashioned movie theater that serves high quality pizza and fantastic other foods. There are couches in the theater on which you can relax or seats with tables so you can eat your food. I recommend putting the nutritional yeast that they provide on your popcorn because it is absolutely excellent. 

A concert at the Village Green. Also located in central BH, various orchestras perform within a lovely little gazebo on the Village Green where you can sit around with your family and hang out while listening to incredible music. There is a wall made of rock that my cousins and I would always climb onto to get the best view (and, consequently, to test how strong our ankles were). It is such a fun thing to do on a warm summer evening. You can also visit Mount Desert Ice Cream while you’re there because you’ll be in the center of BH.

There are so many more fun things to do in MDI, but here are a couple you might like.

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Watch out for deer!

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Lakes!

As you are well aware by now, MDI is both mostly national park and an island (surrounded by water). That being said, there are many, many freshwater lakes and beaches. You can find an ocean wherever you go, so here is a list of fun lakes to swim in. Several of them require a fun walk in nature which is so great. Some of the lakes consist of: 

Echo Lake

Long Pond

Somes Pond

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Hikes

MDI has some of the best hikes ever in my opinion. After being inhabited by the Abnaki Indians for years, French explorer Champlain landed his ship here in 1604 and named the island “Isle des Monts Desert” (hence the pronunciation “dessert”) due to its barren, rocky mountains. There are so many beautiful hikes that give the most gorgeous views of the island and the Atlantic ocean. 

The Perpendicular Trail. It’s exactly what it sounds like. This trail is only 2.2 miles, but there are over a thousand stone stairs you have to climb. Boy does it kill the glutes. One time when I was little I ran all the way up and down taking only one break--turns out I was an incredibly fit sadist. 

The Beehive. I used to love this trail as a kid because of the ladders but it is actually really hard. It’s a ton of fun if you’re up for the challenge!!

Beech Mountain. This is a moderate hike that is cool and shaded. I love doing this trail because it’s fun to run. I play a game I call “How many minutes before I trip on another tree root?” I truly love this trail. Also--to get to this hike you have to take a long ride up Beech Hill Road (where my house is!) and there’s a LOVELY little farmhouse market called Beech Hill Farm. It has organic and fresh vegetables and I always get honey sticks while I’m there. 

And a Fan Favorite: Cadillac Mountain. This hike is not too hard at all and tourists love it because the peak of Cadillac is the highest point on the island. Watching the sun rise or set in the summer here is nothing short of magical. 

There are hikes all over MDI. Honestly you can’t go wrong with any of them. What I love about hiking in Maine is that it never gets above 75º so basically every day is perfect hiking weather. Ahhh. Bliss. 

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Taken at the Bar Harbor Yacht Club.

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What’s There to Eat?

MDI has some pretty darn stellar restaurants. In no particular order, here are some of the best ones. 

For a quick coffee and breakfast: Milagro Coffee & Espresso. This Southwest Harbor spot has insane rosemary bagels and breakfast burritos. You will not be disappointed with whatever you decide to order here. 

For a hearty brunch in the heart of Bar Harbor: Café This Way. The omelettes...they really do leave you speechless. 

For some classic American lunch and soft serve ice cream in Southwest Harbor: Quietside Cafe. My friends and I would walk here from our (not at all snotty, I promise) country club and get a rainbow sprinkled cone after a big meal of chicken tenders and french fries. They have a huge selection of freshly baked goods--this is pure comfort food. 

For some authentic Mexican food: XYZ. This place has AMAZING mole. As a Los Angeles resident, I am very critical of Mexican food that is not actually near Mexico, and this place passes the test. 

For some famous popovers: Jordan Pond House. This restaurant is iconic and has incredible popovers. I put butter and strawberry jam on mine, and let me just tell you--wow. 

For an amazingly fun adventure and excellent dinner (and my favorite restaurant): Ilesford Dock. This restaurant is especially entertaining because you can only get there by boat. Located on an island just a tad southeast from MDI, Ilesford Dock has magnificent food of all genres. It’s both fun AND delicious. There is also an art gallery on the dock as well as little shops from local craftsmen. Love love love.

Obviously there are so many delicious restaurants on (and even a bit off the coast of) MDI, but these are my ultimate favorites. When I travel to a new place, my family and I like to just walk around and go to a restaurant that looks good from the outside, which I most definitely recommend doing on MDI. But, if you feel overwhelmed by that, you can always start here. 

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A picture of me riding through Somesville into Southwest Harbor in our car. 

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A photo taken on Little Cranberry.

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On the boat back from Ilesford Dock, a restaurant on the island Little Cranberry.

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Why MDI?

Mount Desert Island is a magical place that I hold very close to my heart. My dad and his parents and ancestors have lived there dating back to about 10-16 generations. I spent all of my childhood summers there with all my family and friends and have made some of my best memories ever there. It is a very popular summer destination and I thought I could share my “local” inside scoop. 

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Welcome to Mount Desert Island!

Mount Desert Island (the locals pronounce it “dessert” because of its French history) is a beautiful island off the coast of the state of Maine. This island is home to the astonishing Acadia National park with hiking and biking trails, lakes, sounds, oceans, wildlife, and evergreen trees galore. Pick the right trail and you very well might find a blueberry patch! In this blog you will find a complete guide on everything you can do to make your trip to MDI the best trip ever.