Acadia National Park; It's a Nice Ride

Blae enjoys the view along the Park Loop

Yes, Acadia National Park is a nice ride. Of the 58 National Parks in the United States, Maine is home to a real beauty, Acadia National Park. It’s not only the first U.S. National Park east of the Mississippi River, many of its 120 miles of historic hiking trails where originally established as long ago as the late 1800s.  Plus, the park’s carriage road system and stone-faced bridges make park exploration pleasantly accessible while blending nicely with the natural environment. 

Do you see the deer? 

From the Atlantic Ocean’s edge to Cadillac Mountain’s 1,530 foot summit, foliage at Acadia National Park is just starting to take on shades of yellow and red from autumn’s color pallet; early hints of the colorful scene to come. When wild Asters start to bloom and red Rose Hips replace Rose buds, the weather this time of year in Maine is perfect for taking a dog for a ride. So, Blae jumped into the back seat of the car and we headed for Acadia National Park where we enjoyed a relaxing journey on the Park Loop and up Cadillac Mountain, making plenty of stops along the way. Then we traveled over to Schoodic Point for a different perspective.

Schoodic Point

Blae, September  2012

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Ken Burns called our National Parks, “America’s Best Idea” in his 2009 six-part documentary for PBS, Blae and I think he was right. Certainly, Acadia National Park is a place where you can truly discover history and explore the nature of our American heritage. If you are interested in supporting America’s best idea, you can do that, too. Visit America's Best Idea Today.

Did you knowU.S. citizens over the age of 62, can claim a lifetime pass to all 58 National Parks for a one time fee of $10. FMI :

National Parks Senior Passes and Maps

By Gail J. VanWart © Copyright, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Blae

Gail J. VanWart is a regular contributor to theSCENE, 

a publication of Courier Publications LLC in Rockland, Maine

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Making the Best of a Rainy Day in Bar Harbor

The recent string of rainy days, right at the onset Maine’s tourist season, has brought to my mind some special places in Bar Harbor a rainy day just can’t dampen. As a local, I especially enjoy Bar Harbor in the early spring, late fall, and on rainy days when things are quieter. That doesn’t mean, however, I would ever pass up spending a hot sunny day in Bar Harbor or beautiful Acadia NationalPark. But, rainy days, give me a reason, or excuse, for doing something inside.

Sherman's is Maine's Oldest Bookstore

I love history, books, and all things Maine, and Sherman's Book & Stationery Store, Maine’s oldest bookstore, has it all. When William Sherman set up his printing press in his Main Street storefront in 1886 to publish Bar Harbor’s news and sell a few books and stationery items, he probably didn’t imagine his business would last into the 21^st Century. Though it changed hands, from the Sherman family to the Curtis family in the mid 1900s, and no longer sports a printing press, it has grown tremendously over the years. The winning business philosophy has been to simply please their customers, the year-round residents and seasonal tourists alike. They’ve managed that so well, in fact, the business has overflowed into the towns of Freeport, Camden, and Boothbay Harbor. But, 56 Main Street in Bar Harbor will always be my favorite location. It is, after all, where it all began. Sherman's Book & Stationery Store is open 362 days a year and often thefirst stop repeat visitors to the area will make upon their arrival. Rain orshine, if you haven’t already done so, you should check Sherman’s out. http://www.shermans.com

Another place you might not notice on a sunny day is Bar Harbor’s unique movie theater, ReelPizza Cinerama, situated on the Village Green. This business took the novel idea of a dinner theater and turned it into a pizza and a movie. All movie tickets are priced at just $6 each, for everyone. And, as one reviewer pointed out, for under $20, you and a date, can actually share a meal with your moviethere, instead of overpriced candy and popcorn. Over their past sixteen years of operation, Reel Pizza’s specialty pizzas, each named after a blockbuster film, have become fairly famous in their own right. Wine and beer are served there and the atmosphere is casual and comfy. There’s always an art display in the lobby and a wide selection of films scheduled, ranging from the latest movie hits toeducational documentaries. On your mobile phone, you can email or text message times@reelpizza.net to receive a listing of the evening’s two film titles and show times. You can visit also them online. http://www.reelpizza.net

Another favorite haunt for animal lovers, especially dog owners, is Walkin The Dog at 164 Main Street, Bar Harbor. It not only carries a variety of Maine-made products for pets and their owners, it also offers an array of breed specific products, delicious treats and pet approved gifts. Shop owner, Lisa 
De Muro, invites you to drop in when you visit beautiful Mount Desert Island or browseher online store when you aren’t in the area. Walkin The Dog donates 5% of al ltheir website sales to animal rescue efforts. So, if it’s raining and you have to walk the dog anyway, you can duck inside Walkin The Dog. Your pooch is always welcome to come in out of the rain there. http://walkinthedogbarharbor.com

No matter what the weather, there is always something to enjoy in Bar Harbor. Lobster ice cream, anyone?

Want us to sniff out some particular item of interest in Maine for a Nosing Around Maine blog post? Just say so! 

© Copyright 2012 Gail J. VanWart  All Rights Reserved

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