Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine, was named by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1604, when its rocky shores were visited by French fur traders. Today, much of Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park, the largest national park on the east coast, the first park created entirely from private land donations, and the oldest national park east of the Mississippi. The park was established in 1916 by President Wilson (2016 marks Acadia's centennial anniversary!) and today welcomes over two million visitors annually. We hope that you will have plenty time to explore Acadia while you are on the island! 

Mount Desert Island is also home to a number of summer communities, including Northeast Harbor and Somesville, where Georgina has spent every summer of her life. Robert has joined her on the island in recent years and has come to love the land as much as she does. Below is a short video tour of the island, compiled from footage that Robert has shot over the past few years, as well as a list of things to do and a few helpful hints. We can't wait to share this special place with you all. 

We encourage you to explore all that Acadia National Park park has to offer while you are on the island.  Some of our favorite hikes in the park include:

∙ Parkman Mountain and Bald Peak: Located just outside of Northeast Harbor, this medium difficulty hike will take you about an hour and half and provide great views of both Northeast Harbor, the out-islands, and Somes Sound. Climb up via bald peak for even better views and an added challenge.
∙ South Bubble: (followed by tea and popovers at Jordan Pond): For beginner hikers or those wanting a quick and easy walk that still offers amazing views. At the top of the mountain you will find Bubble Rock, a glacial erratic perched on the peak of the mountain (offers great photos ops). Follow up your hike with traditional tea and popovers on the lawn at Jordan Pond - don’t forget to make a reservation!
∙ Acadia Mountain: A good length hike that should take you about an hour. It's relatively steep, but is a short climb to the peak and provides on-top-of-the-world views across and down Somes Sound.

If hiking sounds bit ambitious to you, the Thuya Gardens offer a more relaxing outdoor experience and is an easy walk from the Asticou Inn. Additionally, the Asticou Gardens are lovely smaller gardens directly across the street from the inn. 

For scenic views, make the drive up to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic Seaboard, and the first place from which to see the sun rise in the US. You can also get a day pass to the park and experience Thunder Hole at high tide and take in the views along the Park Loop Road.

The Northeast Harbor Golf Club welcomes visitors and dogs alike.

Many restaurants in the village of Northeast Harbor will be closed for the season. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat in town, we'd suggest The Colonel's Restaurant on Main Street, or the restaurants in either hotel.

Bar Harbor, about a 15-20 minute drive from Northeast Harbor, has many more restaurants to choose from. We recommend making a reservation for supper.

For Brunch/Lunch: 
- Cafe This Way: A classic brunch spot, with no-fuss omelettes, pancakes, etc. 
- Morning Glory Bakery: Local bakery with creative sandwiches, soups, and baked goods.

For Supper:
- Havana: Upscale Cuban-inspired dishes and the best mojitos in Maine
- Mache Bistro: French-style bistro
- Blaze: Craft beers and wood-fired burgers, tacos, pizzas, and more.