Here's what's Cookin': Bar Harbor

It's that time again! Our annual getaway sans kiddos. This year's destination: Bar Harbor. I've been there twice before, but both times was for a very short amount of time. We only got to see a few of the sights and it was a huge tease, because the place is simply gorgeous. I did note the last time that I would stay at the Bar Harbor Inn. Best view, most lovely building, cream of the crop.

We set out on Saturday morning early and had a nice IHOP breakfast here in town before hitting the highway. We stopped at my sister's house on the coast of MA for a rest and to visit for a bit. Steph gave us coffee, and Molly (their yellow lab) gave us plenty of love. Evan was sleeping, so I didn't get my baby fix. No worries, we were FREE of our own kids and off to the next leg of our trip! Steph recommended Federal Jack's Brew Pub restaurant in Kennebunkport for lunch. She was right on the money. I had a delicious spinach salad with steak tips, feta and artichokes. I forgot what Jason had, but he liked it too.

Next stop, Bar Harbor. We got set up in the room, and were in awe of our view. We had a balcony that overlooked Frenchman Bay. Just beautiful. We were in walking distance of the small shops in town, so we strolled down, window shopping and on the prowl for a nice dinner spot. We settled on an old fashioned Route 66 burger joint. It had all kinds of 1950's paraphernalia, and of course 50's and 60's tunes. Lots of Beatles were playing so you-know-who was happy. Afterwards, we walked back to the hotel where they have a shore path that's about a mile long. It was a bit cloudy, but we could still see quite a few stars.

Sunday morning, I was awakened by a blinding steam of light. We had left the curtains open to the slider and the sun was rising right in our faces. And reflecting off the water. Now, at home, with our lovely north facing house, this is not something I normally deal with. After I stumbled out of bed, and brewed some coffee, I grabbed a magazine and went out to the balcony to start my day. Jason was soon to follow, and was equally blinded!! We ate at the Reading Room for breakfast, and headed out to Acadia to do some sightseeing. Cadillac mountain was first, then the Beehive mountain climb. My legs were screaming after that one!! We checked out Thunder Hole, but since it was so mild, it was more like Gurgling Hole. No worries. We tried to stop in at the Jordan Pond for tea and popovers, but alas they didn't start until May 22. Bummer!! We walked the Ocean Path and then pretty much were ready to call it a day by three o'clock. Especially since we hadn't eaten since 8am. We went back to the room and freshened up for our lobster bake at the Terrace Grille. And what a lobster bake it was!!! Clam chowder, steamers, mussels, blueberry corn bread muffins, 1 1/4 lb lobsters, corn on the cob, baby potatoes, and blueberry pie for dessert. After a strenuous day of hiking it really hit the spot. We pretty much rolled ourselves up the hill to bed after that.

Monday morning, up and at 'em early again. Breakfast at the Reading Room, and off to the Gorham Mountain Trail. This was a great, great trail. I loved it. It hooked up to the Cadillac Cliff's Trail. Extremely fun. We went back to town to grab some lunch, then hopped in the car to see the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. It was about a 30 minute drive, but we welcomed a chance to sit and just enjoy the pretty scenery. Then, we went back to the Park to see Jordan Pond and do the Jordan Pond Nature Trail. Very easy, only a mile, but what a breathtaking walk. I think we saw only 6 people the whole time, it was beyond peaceful and serene. I mean, I was ready to bust out a poem, it was that pretty. Afterwards, we headed back to the Inn, got cleaned up for out last meal in the Reading Room. I had lobster and petit filet....mmm....and a little too much wine. Jason's jokes got funnier and funnier, so it was all good. :)

We had an absolutely wonderful time. Well worth the long drive, and it was nice to escape the pressures of life for 4 days.