Mount Desert Island is a glacier-formed island in the Atlantic Ocean off the northern coast of Maine. It's comprised of several towns along the shorelines and Acadia National Park, which takes up much, if not most, of the interior of the island. Unlike most other national parks in the U.S., Acadia is relatively small, yet as beautiful and spectacular as any. It's one of the most frequently visited national parks in North America, and the only national park close to the northeast megalopolis. Combine its popularity with its size, and you get....well, you can figure it out. Fortunately, to offset the potential crowding, this park (unlike the others) is nested amid many wonderful towns that can absorb much of the tourist trade. The biggest and most popular of these towns is Bar Harbor.

Michele and I have been vacationing on Mount Desert Island since 1974 (not every year, but most). We found something in Bar Harbor and Acadia that touched our souls back then, and that ‘something' has persisted and become a special part of our lives, and of our children's lives now that they've been going there. It's by no means a "perfect" vacation spot; we don't believe there is such a place. Some friends to whom we've recommended the island have loved it as much as we do; others thought we were absolutely crazy. (We are, but that's besides the point.) For this reason we avoid telling folks that they're guaranteed to have a great time. Hey...some people love sushi!

This "guide" is a condensed list of things for newcomers to consider, based purely on our highly subjective tastes and experiences. It's by no means a comprehensive guide to every thing available on the island - we'll leave that to the Mobil or AAA companies. It's difficult to reduce so many years' experiences into a few pages, so we've tried to cover what we consider "essential" information. Bear in mind that we've always gone to Mount Desert Island for the Summer or late Spring, and that while we know it's a wonderful place year ‘round, much of what we talk about in this guide may not apply in the colder months. However, we hope there's enough to introduce you to the place and its offerings with information that you probably won't find in the Mobil or AAA guides.

The Loop Road is the best way for newcomers to get a feel for much of the National Park. Start at the Visitor's Center in Hull's Cove (Route 3, about one mile west of Bar Harbor). On your first visit to the island, it's worth spending some time at the Visitor's Center to examine the exhibits and obtain maps, guides, and other literature regarding the National Park, the towns, and the area in general. There are several informative and enjoyable programs offered by the Park Rangers, and this is the best place to find out about them.

From the Visitor's Center, follow the signs for The Loop Road. Halfway through the Loop, you must pay a fee ($15) that's valid for one year. You should drive the whole loop, which takes about an hour and a half if you drive slowly. You can stop almost anywhere on this two-lane, one-way road, get out and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Try to remember that The Loop Road is not a highway, but a means for you to enjoy the beauty of Acadia National Park from your car. Take your time.

Sand Beach is a spectacular sandy beach on the Ocean Loop Drive, with dramatic rock ledges rising above each side. This beautiful site was used in the recent film "Cider House Rules". During the summer, it's lifeguard-protected. The water never gets warmer than 55 degrees or so, even during the hottest periods, so don't count on an extended swim unless you have ice in your veins. The parking area gets extremely crowded on hot days, yet the beach itself never seems too crowded. On moonless nights, the Park Rangers offer a real-life "starshow" here. Check the schedules. If you attend, bring a blanket, sweaters, binoculars, and a flashlight.

Otter Point is one of the most breathtaking spots on the island, perhaps the state, the country, and the world, for all we know. Note that there's a difference between Otter Cliffs and Otter Point. As you drive the Loop Road, The Point comes after the cliffs, and has its own parking area. When the tide is coming in, or when the weather is a bit testy, the surf crashing against the huge boulders at The Point is simply awe-inspiring. Get out there and climb down as close to the water as your courage allows. Make sure the kids examine all the tidal pools among the huge boulders. If you bring your dog and she likes to swim, we strongly recommend that you limit her to the large tidal pools in this area; the surf and rocks are much too dangerous here for swimming.

With a wildflower-festooned meadow leading down to the shore of Jordan Pond, this is a truly beautiful setting for a restaurant - our daughters want to get married there. While the indoor dining room is ok (lunch and dinner here can get very crowded), it's the view from the lawn tables that will take your breath away. Afternoon tea and popovers on the lawn are a must. Don't worry - it's very informal, like everything on the island. Reservations aren't necessary, but they wouldn't hurt. Feel free to bring your dog; everyone else will.

You can drive to the top of this one. Best time: a clear day, an hour before sunset. Bring a blanket to sit on, a picnic dinner (or just some wine and cheese), your camera and lots of film, and warm clothes - you'll be amazed how chilly it will get up there! Drive to the summit, park, and look around at the fabulous views. This is the highest point on the Atlantic Seaboard, from Maine to Tiera Del Fuego. There's a gift and snack shop and rest rooms up there as well. Then, half an hour before sunset, drive back down (about 1/5 mile) to the Blue Hill parking lot just below the summit, on your right heading down. A few yards beyond that lot (facing west toward the sunset) is a gentle, rocky lawn where you can relax, enjoy your wine and cheese, and watch what may turn out to be the most spectacular sunset you've ever seen.

Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is a geographical "notch" carved into the shorline cliff, which, under the right conditions, produces a resounding "thump" and 20-foot high splash as the surf enters its narrow inlet. This spot is visited by many, many tourists, but the conditions to make the stop worth it are very unpredictable. There is a gift shop (with rest rooms) here.

Bubble Rock
About 1/2 mile north of the Jordan Pond House, on the inland portion of the Loop Road, is an observation lookout for this engaging sight: a 25-foot-diameter boulder perched at the very edge of a mountaintop, that looks like it could be pushed off with a breath of air. It's been there for thousands of years, so don't count on seeing it tumble down...