Family weekend in Bar Harbor ME

We were a family of 6 and 2 dogs heading up to Bar Harbor ME for a holiday weekend getaway. We couldn't find any available houses on Airbnb so we decided to try vacation rentals.com. We found a perfect house for us! Diana Paine lists her home for visitors. The home had plenty of space, beds, seating areas, and many amenities. We especially loved being able to sit while listening to music on the sound system or playing the piano. 

Our first nights dinner was at Mache Bistro. We ordered a variety of appetizers and my sister and I were thrilled with being able to order a small bottle of Veuve Cliquot (My favorite). Our appetizers consisted of the Vinter Board, Frisee Salad, Boquerones Bruschetta, and the Two Blues Board. I can't quite remember what everyone else ordered but Greg and I dined on the Slow Roasted Pork and the Slow Cooked Duck Confit Leg. Overall the friendly service, variety of flavors, and the well executed entrees made for a delicious evening. 

After dinner we walked through town for dessert. Sadly my favorite ice cream shop CJ's Big Dipper didn't have their vegan and almond free ice creams ready yet. We went further down the main st and some of us got pastries and my amazing sister found chocolate ice cream for me made with coconut milk!

For breakfast we went to one of our favorites. Two Cats Restaurant has something for everyone. I always enjoy the corned beef hash. After breakfast we walked around the main street a bit. Popping into the shops.

Sadly I had a bad experience in one of my favorite stores. Inside A Little Mad not even 5 feet away from me the staff decided it was a good idea (while chatting to a local they knew) to make fun of tourists wearing Bar Harbor sweatshirts. I just happened to be wearing a Bar Harbor sweatshirt (the morning was cold and rainy and we were supposed to be going rock climbing so why not throw it on). I couldn't believe the nerve they had. Needless to say i put down the pieces of art and perfumes I was going to buy and left without spending a penny. I was also dismayed at their response on Tripadvisor. They reassured me that I misunderstood the employee and that while they were praised for being a store that didn't sell that typical merchandise they were friendly with other local shops that did. Did I fail to mention that we were a group of 6 adults who all heard it??? We continued on our way and purchased some local artisan products: gourmet olive oil, maple syrup, wooden kitchen bowls and more. There are so many wonderful shops in Bar Harbor so don't ever worry about having one bad experience. 

On the way back to the car I stopped back into CJ's Big Dipper and they had several flavors of their soy ice cream. Their soy ice cream and smooth, creamy, and not overly sweet. On this occasion I enjoyed their vanilla with raspberry swirl. After shopping we all went back to the house and had some much need rest. It was so wonderful that we all got to just read, listen to music, take a nap, and enjoy each others company. It has been a very busy year for all of us and a rainy day in was just what we needed. 

It was only 4 of us for dinner that evening and so we opted for a casual outing. We drove down the road to Mainely Meat BBQ at Atlantic Brewing Company. We found a table right away and while my dad went into the store to purchase some beer to bring home we ordered some drinks. For dinner we enjoyed pulled pork, ribs, coleslaw, potato salad, and beans. Delicious!!

The next morning we awoke to sunshine and warmer temperatures! After breakfast we drove up the road to Asticou Azalea Garden. We took our time experiencing all the nooks and cranny's the garden has to offer. There are so many beautiful flowers to look at, stunning settings for pictures, and an overall relaxing feeling. 

For lunch we drove into Bar Harbor and opted for Peekytoe Provisions. We were able to get a table outside for the 6 us and the dogs. After finding a table we went inside to order. We ended up buying a couple bags of chips because the wait was going to be at least 30 minutes. Unfortunately, the food wasn't worth the wait. Items came out separately, incorrectly, and didn't hold up to their description.

Since it was finally a nice day we were looking forward to driving through Acadia National Park. Apparently so were the other tourists. We had a bit of traffic once inside. It didn't stop us from finding great viewing point nor parking spots to get out and wander.

Our last dinner in Bar Harbor was at Havana Restaurant. After walking to the back section of the property we were seated at a lovely table with a view of the wine room. To start our meal together we ordered the Spring Rolls, Braised Pork Belly, Mussels Borracho and the Vegetarian Mixed Grill. The bread basket was filled with warm and scrumptious bread (I couldn't enjoy it but everyone loved the cornbread) that we used to soak up the mussels broth as well as the aioli. 

For entrees we ordered the Seafood Paella, Fish of the Day, Scallops, Flank Steak, Lobster Moqueca, and the Pork and Beans. The portion sizes were plentiful, seasonings were bold and yet not overpowering, and the temperatures were perfect. Havana was the perfect choice for our final dinner of vacation.