Acadia is an amazingly rich outdoor playground for youthful and mature adventurers alike. There are more than 120 miles of interconnected hiking trails that range from easy walks to strenuous climbs and nearly every one features a breathtaking view of the rockbound coastline of Downeast Maine. There are also carriage roads for biking, horseback riding, and easy walking. Renting a bike is affordable and it is possible to navigate all of Mount Desert Island with a rented bike and some free rides on the Island Explorer Shuttle bus service. Once you've worked up a little sweat you can find a fresh water pond to throw yourself into or brave the icy Atlantic Ocean at Sand Beach. Or you can just go for a lovely drive to take in the sights like Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the USA that is touched by sunlight in the morning.

We highly recommend that you take advantage of the park since you're coming up for our wedding! A day pass for a single person is $15 while a day pass for a car is $30. If possible, set aside some extra time on Friday or Sunday to enjoy this incredible place (Or come for a week and really do it right!). We plan on hiking and biking the week before the wedding so please let us know if you'd like to link up with us for that!

Bar Harbor is a bustling coastal hub in the summertime. It has everything you need for a fun vacation outing. There are loads of great shops, restaurants, ice cream spots, and even Reel Pizza, a pizza cinema that shows popular classics and new releases while you enjoy pizza, beer and their other tasty offerings. Bar Harbor is also a launching-off point for Whale Watching, Sea Kayaking, and charter sailing. It's a great place to while away a few hours or start out on some pretty epic adventures.

Here's some spots were particularly fond of:

Atlantic Brewing Company -- Local Brewing with the original Blue Berry Ale. They have a new Cottage Street location that is super nice!

Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium -- Ice Cream, Salt Water Taffy and Amazing Fudge!!!

MDI Ice Cream Company -- Local ice cream company visited by the Obamas when they came to town!

Galyn's Restaurant -- Classic Maine restaurant with delicious clam chowdah.

Windowpanes -- Home goods and more!

Island Artisans -- Great shop for locally made art and craftwork.

Cadillac Mountain Sports -- Beloved local adventure gear shop.

Jordan Pond House is a picturesque restaurant featuring fresh popovers and one of the most beloved vistas in Acadia. There is often a line to be seated but it moves fairly quickly and you can take a walk down to Jordan Pond or check out the Park Shop while you wait. There are great biking trails and a variety of hikes close by as well. This attraction is a great option if you've got a some time in the afternoon and you want to sip some tea in a lovely setting after taking a relaxing bike ride or mellow woodland stroll. Parking can be tight and the food is good but pricey.

Echo Lake Bluffs: Ledges overlooking Echo Lake, a beautiful, clear, spring-fed lake that you gently enter (Christa) or throw yourself into (Zach) depending on your style!

Gardens (Minimal Walking):

Butterfly Gardens in South West Harbor: http://rhoadesbutterflygarden....

Thoya Garden: https://acadiamagic.com/thuya/

Asticou Azelea Garden: https://www.acadianationalpark...

Easy Hikes:

Ship Harbor: mostly along the coast, reaches historic site

Wonderland: interesting woods and shore in the area; easy walk to the coast

Jesup Path: through the Great Meadow, a freshwater marsh

Shore Path: In Bar Harbor, a path along the shore to see all the Inns. https://acadiamagic.com/bar-ha...

Ocean Path: A sweet path along the shore in Bar Harbor where you can see all the Inns and take in the sunset.

Carriage Roads: Beautiful paths that are excellent to explore on either foot of bike. Most of these are on the East Side of the Island. Duck Brook Bridge is a great choice which starts at Duck Brook Road just outside Bar Harbor. It starts at one of the classic Rockafeller Bridges https://acadiamagic.com/carria...

Moderate Hikes:

Great Head Trails: along and near Sand Beach's rocky coast

Gorham

Beech Mountain: hike to the island's only tower topped peak

Valley Cove: challenging and varied hike along the west side of sound from quiet cove

Flying Mountain: tiny but scenic mountain on Somes Sound

Difficult:

Dorr Mountain: the second highest peak in Acadia National Park https://www.summitpost.org/dor...

Beehive: very popular, loop trail that involves iron rungs on ledges of exposed cliffs, very steep and offers spectacular views of Sand Beech: https://www.alltrails.com/trai...

Acadia: on Somes Sound

Perpendicular and Razonrback Trails

Factory outlet in Ellsworth featuring marketed down, high-quality gear from Maine's outdoor outfitter. Buy a bike! Buy a kayak! By a set of hiking boots! Or some new flannel pajamas (Christa)! This spot is great to check out if traveling by car because it's on the way. By the way, if you're coming by car and interested in shopping, you can shop at the outlet stores in Freeport, ME for lots of outfitting gear and clothing.