In August 2020 we decided to take an anniversary trip up to Maine and Acadia National Park. With Covid travel restrictions, we thought this could be a perfect getaway.
We stayed at the Holland Inn bed and Breakfast, and it was a wonderful experience. The innkeeper Evin was so awesome. The breakfasts each morning were incredible and her knowledge of the Bar Harbor area was so helpful. The location was perfect! It was walking distance to downtown and a 5-minute drive to Acadia National Park.
**Update as of March 2022- The Holland Inn was sold and Evin is unsure what it will become βΉ **
βFrom New Jersey it took about 8 hours to drive to Bar Harbor. Β After the long drive, we checked into the B&B and made our way downtown. At this point it was dinner time and there were so many places to choose from. We ate at the Side Street CafΓ© and of course ordered Lobster Rolls. This place had a cool/chill vide and the roll was delicious!
βOur first full day we hiked up Cadillac Mountain- parking was off Park Loop Road. There was no actual parking lot so once we approached the trail head, we saw a lot of cars parked along the road so we just parked there. This is the least demanding of the four trails up Acadiaβs highest peak. It was still a pretty challenging 4.2 miles to the top with moderate grade.Β At the peak is where HUNDREDS of people come to see the sunrise – highest point along the North Atlantic seacoast, so the first to see the sun! (we did this on day 2).
Jordan Pond
βAfter Cadillac Mountain we made our way to Jordanβs Pond. Parking was very limited- I donβt know how people in RVβs did it!Β We ended up parking a lot the road quite a way down. The hike itself was 3.3 miles, relatively level but rocky at times. It was so pretty and very peaceful.
βDay 2
Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain
We were visiting at the end of August so sunrise was scheduled for 5:53am. Everything thing I heard about going to Cadillac Mountain for the sunrise said GET THERE EARLY. The Road leading up to the peak can get so backed up if you arenβt there early. Β We left bar harbor at about 4:30am and didnβt get to park until right after 5. I couldnβt believe how many people were there by then, and each minute that goes by it got more and more packed. P.S- it was SO COLD so bring blankets!
TIP FOR PARKING: Park facing down the hill so you don’t have to go through the roundabout at the top. Think about hundreds of people trying to get down one very long road at the same timeβ¦ TRAFFIC JAM. This is so once you head out, you donβt have to worry about turning around.
We arenβt ones that need to sit there forever, so once the sun was up and we got a few nice pictures, we booked it to the car and luckily made it down without too much traffic.
βWe went back to the B&B for another awesome breakfast before venturing out to hike The Beehive. The beehive Loop begins on the Bowl Trail across the park loop road from Sand Beach. If you’re looking for an adventurous hike with a spectacular view, this is a great choice. One of Acadia’s famous rung and ladder trails, the 1.4-mile Beehive Loop is a great way to get familiar with some of the difficult trails Acadia offers. If you chose to hike this, expect steep staircases, iron rungs and exposed cliff faces. As one of the parks most trafficked trails, you are challenged as you climb this 450ft cliff trail. The rewardβ¦ stunning views over Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the Gulf of Maine!
βAside from the Precipice trail, this is probably the most βthrillingβ of the hikes in the park. Be cautious the trail is rocky and uneven. The first part of this trail ascends the 450-ft cliff with exposed edges. Steep drop offs with no railings require secure footings. Good foot wear is recommended. This trail is very dangerous in inclement weather. During rain events granite becomes extremely slippery. Allowing the rocks to dry provides you a safer ascent.
After completing the Beehive loop β we crossed the street and walked over the sand beach. Once on the beach, you can turn around and look at the mountain in the background which is the peak of the Beehive trail- which was pretty cool!
For our anniversary dinner we went to Galynβs (recommened by Evin) and it did not disappoint β she even called and made a reservation for us. We had this cute little window table so we could look down and see the water, it was lovely. Also, I would be remiss if I didnβt recommend the blueberry cheesecake for dessert!
Acadia National Park is beautiful and is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway!
