Our Little Guide
Dome-sweet-dome (10-15 min away)
This is the stuff immediately around the dome. Perfect for a short excursion to explore what rural Maine has to offer and to load up on essentials to bring back dome.
Nice, easy hike that's close with some fantastic views. Depending on the day and how clear it is, it's possible to see the highest mountain in Maine, Mt. Katahdin. 45 min - 1.5 hours up and down
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bald Mountain
Nice, easy hike that's close with some fantastic views. Depending on the day and how clear it is, it's possible to see the highest mountain in Maine, Mt. Katahdin. 45 min - 1.5 hours up and down
Not free, but cheap and close, what else is there to say? If you find yourself wanting to stay close-to-dome for a day, this is a great place to swim, kayak, canoe or just relax on the beach.
Jenkins Beach
1 Jenkins DrNot free, but cheap and close, what else is there to say? If you find yourself wanting to stay close-to-dome for a day, this is a great place to swim, kayak, canoe or just relax on the beach.
Historic Inn looking over Phillips Lake. Great views and great food (happy hour is 4-6 and we recommend the wings in sweet chili sauce!)
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Lucerne Inn
2517 Main RdHistoric Inn looking over Phillips Lake. Great views and great food (happy hour is 4-6 and we recommend the wings in sweet chili sauce!)
Closest hub for any essentials. Food, drink, charcoal and lighter fluid for grill, ice, coffee, etc.
Open:
Sunday 7AM–9PM
Monday to Saturday, 6AM–9PM
9 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
G&M Family Market
1024 Main RdClosest hub for any essentials. Food, drink, charcoal and lighter fluid for grill, ice, coffee, etc.
Open:
Sunday 7AM–9PM
Monday to Saturday, 6AM–9PM
Close-to-dome (20-30 min away)
Places that are a little further out, definitely more food options and places to see.
Sylvia's has been around for a while and the biggest reason is probably because the food is super good. Highly recommended as a stopping point before heading to Acadia.
Open:
Thursday to Monday, 6am - 1pm
16 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sylvia's Cafe
248 State StSylvia's has been around for a while and the biggest reason is probably because the food is super good. Highly recommended as a stopping point before heading to Acadia.
Open:
Thursday to Monday, 6am - 1pm
This is in the opposite direction of Acadia, but you will not find better, closer Maine seafood than here. Lobster rolls, fish & chips, fried clams w/ outdoor dining, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Open:
Tuesday to Sunday, 11am - 7pm
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Jones Lobster Company Holden
421 Main RdThis is in the opposite direction of Acadia, but you will not find better, closer Maine seafood than here. Lobster rolls, fish & chips, fried clams w/ outdoor dining, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Open:
Tuesday to Sunday, 11am - 7pm
While this is more an organic food market than anything else, offering fresh and locally grown meat, veggies, etc, their sandwiches at the deli are fantastic. You can also pick up some local Maine craft beer across the parking lot at Global Beverage Warehouse.
Open:
Monday to Saturday, 9am - 6pm
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Acadia Crossing
56 Myrick StWhile this is more an organic food market than anything else, offering fresh and locally grown meat, veggies, etc, their sandwiches at the deli are fantastic. You can also pick up some local Maine craft beer across the parking lot at Global Beverage Warehouse.
Open:
Monday to Saturday, 9am - 6pm
This place is new, and I really hope it's here to stay because they have some of the best guilty pleasure food Ellsworth has to offer. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, smash burgers, lobster tacos, pulled-pork potato wedges...I mean, come on!
Open:
Every day, 11am to 9pm
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Wicked Munchies
151 High StThis place is new, and I really hope it's here to stay because they have some of the best guilty pleasure food Ellsworth has to offer. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, smash burgers, lobster tacos, pulled-pork potato wedges...I mean, come on!
Open:
Every day, 11am to 9pm
I'm not going to say much. You know it, I know it, it's quintessential Maine fashion and there's almost always at least a 30% off sale going on.
49 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
L.L.Bean Ellsworth
150 High StI'm not going to say much. You know it, I know it, it's quintessential Maine fashion and there's almost always at least a 30% off sale going on.
At the tip of the 30 minute mark, we reach Mount Desert Island, there's a lot to enjoy on the island, but it might take a little more time to get there.
21 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mount Desert Island
At the tip of the 30 minute mark, we reach Mount Desert Island, there's a lot to enjoy on the island, but it might take a little more time to get there.
If you're in Maine, you're probably interested in the local seafood, blueberry pie, etc
But pizza is good. Finelli's Pizza is good.
And sometimes, you just want a pizza.
Open:
Sunday to Thursday, 11am - 630pm
Friday & Saturday, 11am - 8pm
21 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Finelli Pizzeria
12 Downeast HighwayIf you're in Maine, you're probably interested in the local seafood, blueberry pie, etc
But pizza is good. Finelli's Pizza is good.
And sometimes, you just want a pizza.
Open:
Sunday to Thursday, 11am - 630pm
Friday & Saturday, 11am - 8pm
Great local beer and food, one of our personal favorites especially for the craft beers which can be found in supermarkets all over the area. (One of our personal favorites is their Aggregate IPA!)
Open:
Monday to Thursday, 11am - 9pm
Friday, 11AM–10:30PM
Saturday, 10:30AM–10:30PM
Sunday, 10:30AM–9PM
52 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mason's Brewing Company
15 Hardy StGreat local beer and food, one of our personal favorites especially for the craft beers which can be found in supermarkets all over the area. (One of our personal favorites is their Aggregate IPA!)
Open:
Monday to Thursday, 11am - 9pm
Friday, 11AM–10:30PM
Saturday, 10:30AM–10:30PM
Sunday, 10:30AM–9PM
Great spot for that in-between place of fine dining and elegant pub-feel. Is that a thing? I don't know, but that's the feel we get from this place.
Open:
Sunday, 10AM–9PM
Monday, 11AM–9PM
Tuesday to Thursday, 11AM–10PM
Friday to Saturday, 11AM–11PM
30 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Timber Kitchen & Bar
22 Bass Park BlvdGreat spot for that in-between place of fine dining and elegant pub-feel. Is that a thing? I don't know, but that's the feel we get from this place.
Open:
Sunday, 10AM–9PM
Monday, 11AM–9PM
Tuesday to Thursday, 11AM–10PM
Friday to Saturday, 11AM–11PM
Small, cozy pub in downtown Ellsworth. You won't find the typical 'gastro-pub' food here, but instead something closer to traditional English/Irish food, any of the meat pies being especially noteworthy for their flaky crusts and pub cheese filling with gravy on top.
The Airline Brewing company's HQ is a little further north, but you can find their New England IPA here along with a wide selection of other beers from other IPAs, stouts, ales etc, all on tap (canned is available too, although I'm not sure why anyone would pass up draught beer for canned). Overall great stop for anyone interested in the local beer scene.
Open:
Sunday to Monday, 11AM–10PM
31 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Airline Brewing Company - Ellsworth
173 Main StSmall, cozy pub in downtown Ellsworth. You won't find the typical 'gastro-pub' food here, but instead something closer to traditional English/Irish food, any of the meat pies being especially noteworthy for their flaky crusts and pub cheese filling with gravy on top.
The Airline Brewing company's HQ is a little further north, but you can find their New England IPA here along with a wide selection of other beers from other IPAs, stouts, ales etc, all on tap (canned is available too, although I'm not sure why anyone would pass up draught beer for canned). Overall great stop for anyone interested in the local beer scene.
Open:
Sunday to Monday, 11AM–10PM
Now, I know what you might be thinking, "A sport's bar? Really? I wanted artisanal Maine-made lobster rolls in a rustic inn by the ocean! Where's the organically harvested hipster blueberry pie??"
Put away any judgements you may have about sports bars and answer this question: Do you like chicken? Of course you do. Who doesn't?
You need to go to Hero's and order the sweet-chili boneless chicken wings. I am not joking, these things are some of the greatest chicken fingers I've ever had. I'm not an absolutist but for the exception that Hero's sweet chili boneless wings are the greatest chicken wings in Maine.
Sunday, 12–8PM
Monday, Closed
Tuesday to Thursday, 4PM – 9PM
Friday, 11AM – 9PM
Saturday, 12 – 9PM
Hero's Sports Grill
41 Washington StNow, I know what you might be thinking, "A sport's bar? Really? I wanted artisanal Maine-made lobster rolls in a rustic inn by the ocean! Where's the organically harvested hipster blueberry pie??"
Put away any judgements you may have about sports bars and answer this question: Do you like chicken? Of course you do. Who doesn't?
You need to go to Hero's and order the sweet-chili boneless chicken wings. I am not joking, these things are some of the greatest chicken fingers I've ever had. I'm not an absolutist but for the exception that Hero's sweet chili boneless wings are the greatest chicken wings in Maine.
Sunday, 12–8PM
Monday, Closed
Tuesday to Thursday, 4PM – 9PM
Friday, 11AM – 9PM
Saturday, 12 – 9PM
Fantastic cafe on the way to Surry in Ellsworth. Boasting a variety of Asian-inspired dishes from Thai coconut shrimp to Filipino lumpla, while hosting the typical Maine-fare, i.e. havarti grilled chicken sandwiches, fried clams etc., that being said, ALL of the dishes (at least the ones we've tried) are top tier. We love this spot.
15 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Josie's Country Store & Cafe
126 Surry RdFantastic cafe on the way to Surry in Ellsworth. Boasting a variety of Asian-inspired dishes from Thai coconut shrimp to Filipino lumpla, while hosting the typical Maine-fare, i.e. havarti grilled chicken sandwiches, fried clams etc., that being said, ALL of the dishes (at least the ones we've tried) are top tier. We love this spot.
Home-away-from-Dome (30 min - 1 hour away)
Good to look up when there's going to be strong surf since this spot only really comes alive then, but if you're in Bar Harbor, it's only a short walk to experience this place.
54 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Thunder Hole
Good to look up when there's going to be strong surf since this spot only really comes alive then, but if you're in Bar Harbor, it's only a short walk to experience this place.
Jordan Pond House sits right at the edge of, you guessed it, Jordan Pond. Incredible views, hiking trails, biking trails, and at the end of it is the Jordan Pond House restaurant. Sitting on the lawn with popovers with butter and jam is the big recommendation here.
Open:
Every Day, 11AM–5PM
75 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Jordan Pond House Restaurant
2928 Park Loop RdJordan Pond House sits right at the edge of, you guessed it, Jordan Pond. Incredible views, hiking trails, biking trails, and at the end of it is the Jordan Pond House restaurant. Sitting on the lawn with popovers with butter and jam is the big recommendation here.
Open:
Every Day, 11AM–5PM
Great for a day trip to sit in the sun, relax and enjoy one of the only sandy beaches in Maine. Truly a must-visit spot for those taking advantage of the Maine summer.
93 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sand Beach
Great for a day trip to sit in the sun, relax and enjoy one of the only sandy beaches in Maine. Truly a must-visit spot for those taking advantage of the Maine summer.
There are several ways to get to the top of Cadillac, from several trails, to simply driving to the top. Both paths are great, it just depends on how you want to get there.
128 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Monte Cadillac
707 Cadillac Summit RdThere are several ways to get to the top of Cadillac, from several trails, to simply driving to the top. Both paths are great, it just depends on how you want to get there.
This is still a part of Acadia National Park, but NOT on MDI. It's further away and usually has less people, which is great, but it is also beautiful. Well worth the drive (about an hour), and plenty of places to eat in the town before you enter the Schoodic Peninsula in Winter Harbor.
80 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Schoodic Point
This is still a part of Acadia National Park, but NOT on MDI. It's further away and usually has less people, which is great, but it is also beautiful. Well worth the drive (about an hour), and plenty of places to eat in the town before you enter the Schoodic Peninsula in Winter Harbor.
A hike in Acadia, great views of the park and specifically sand beach. If you decide to go the beach one day but want to finish off the day with a sunset view, Beehive is right next to sand beach making it convenient for those who want to get their exercise in after a lazy beach day.
9 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Beehive Trailhead
A hike in Acadia, great views of the park and specifically sand beach. If you decide to go the beach one day but want to finish off the day with a sunset view, Beehive is right next to sand beach making it convenient for those who want to get their exercise in after a lazy beach day.
Great local beer and snacks, one of our personal favorites.
Open:
Sunday, 12 – 6PM
Monday, Closed
Tuesday to Saturday, 12–8PM
14 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Atlantic Brewing Company
52 Cottage StGreat local beer and snacks, one of our personal favorites.
Open:
Sunday, 12 – 6PM
Monday, Closed
Tuesday to Saturday, 12–8PM
Growing up in Maine, this was THE ice cream place, so maybe I'm biased. But Minori, who is not from around here, also loves it, and I trust her completely when it comes to sweets. It's right in downtown, and no trip to Bar Harbor is complete without a stop into Ben and Bill's.
Open:
Every Day, 10AM–11PM
19 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium
66 Main StGrowing up in Maine, this was THE ice cream place, so maybe I'm biased. But Minori, who is not from around here, also loves it, and I trust her completely when it comes to sweets. It's right in downtown, and no trip to Bar Harbor is complete without a stop into Ben and Bill's.
Open:
Every Day, 10AM–11PM
Lobster mac n' cheese. Nuff said.
Open:
Every Day, 11AM–10PM
89 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Side Street Cafe
49 Rodick StLobster mac n' cheese. Nuff said.
Open:
Every Day, 11AM–10PM
As Acadia goes, there are not too many 'advanced' hikes. Most take a couple hours up and down, but Precipice Trail has you hiking over large granite stones that have been situated on the trail as steps as well as metal bars to hold onto to maintain balance in spots. It is fun, but if what I just said may make you faint, maybe hold off and find an easier trail.
9 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Precipice Trail
Precipice TrailAs Acadia goes, there are not too many 'advanced' hikes. Most take a couple hours up and down, but Precipice Trail has you hiking over large granite stones that have been situated on the trail as steps as well as metal bars to hold onto to maintain balance in spots. It is fun, but if what I just said may make you faint, maybe hold off and find an easier trail.
A little far out, but fine dining located in Blue Hill. Fantastic assortment of dishes and great atmosphere.
Open:
Sunday & Monday, Closed
Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30–9PM
85 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Arborvine
33 Tenney HillA little far out, but fine dining located in Blue Hill. Fantastic assortment of dishes and great atmosphere.
Open:
Sunday & Monday, Closed
Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30–9PM
Here it is, land's end itself...well, not really, Land's End is in England. But at the somewhat ironically named West Quoddy Lighthouse is the Easternmost point of the United States. The lighthouse itself is iconic with it's Candy-cane color scheme, but the surrounding area is very 'Maine', with the rocky shores and typically colder temperatures than Downeast.
It is a long drive, 2 hours from the dome so it may be difficult for those staying just two nights, but it may be an option for those staying longer, or those extending their trip further into Maine after staying at the dome. The two biggest contributing factors to making the trip would probably be:
1. No crowds. If you're here in the summer, Acadia is going to be PACKED. Nobody's coming up to Quoddy, which means a more isolated experience.
2. The town just north of here, Lubec, sits right across the nay from Canada. Lubec has restaurants, a brewery and is the quintessential Maine town; small, colorful, photogenic and emblematic of coastal Maine.
3. The milestone of being able to say you've been to the easternmost point of the United States has to count for something, right?
43 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
West Quoddy Head Light
973 South Lubec RoadHere it is, land's end itself...well, not really, Land's End is in England. But at the somewhat ironically named West Quoddy Lighthouse is the Easternmost point of the United States. The lighthouse itself is iconic with it's Candy-cane color scheme, but the surrounding area is very 'Maine', with the rocky shores and typically colder temperatures than Downeast.
It is a long drive, 2 hours from the dome so it may be difficult for those staying just two nights, but it may be an option for those staying longer, or those extending their trip further into Maine after staying at the dome. The two biggest contributing factors to making the trip would probably be:
1. No crowds. If you're here in the summer, Acadia is going to be PACKED. Nobody's coming up to Quoddy, which means a more isolated experience.
2. The town just north of here, Lubec, sits right across the nay from Canada. Lubec has restaurants, a brewery and is the quintessential Maine town; small, colorful, photogenic and emblematic of coastal Maine.
3. The milestone of being able to say you've been to the easternmost point of the United States has to count for something, right?
This is an Inn and restaurant in Hancock, maybe 10 minutes outside of Ellsworth. Originally it was owned by a French woman who, according to the previous generation (my grandparents), made incredible food.
Now, that's not to say the food here is not good, it is, and it is certainly a staple of the downeast/Hancock area. That being said, sit at the bar if possible. If it's you and your friend or loved one, grab a seat at the bar, since your drinks will be served to you cold and fresh (I'm specifically thinking of an instance when my grandfather ordered a martini for himself. He was looking forward to the skate, but it had melted before the martini got to our table).
Our recommendations are for the mussels and frites and the smoked finnan haddie.
The mussels and frites are served in a delicious red pepper broth that may rival the actual mussels.
The finnan haddie is a holdover from the previous restaurant and is essentially a fish pie, but to say that's all it is, is disingenuous to what you will receive on your plate.
Weirdly enough, we also recommend their french fries, crispy and crunchy, delicious.
51 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Ironbound Restaurant & Inn
1513 US-1This is an Inn and restaurant in Hancock, maybe 10 minutes outside of Ellsworth. Originally it was owned by a French woman who, according to the previous generation (my grandparents), made incredible food.
Now, that's not to say the food here is not good, it is, and it is certainly a staple of the downeast/Hancock area. That being said, sit at the bar if possible. If it's you and your friend or loved one, grab a seat at the bar, since your drinks will be served to you cold and fresh (I'm specifically thinking of an instance when my grandfather ordered a martini for himself. He was looking forward to the skate, but it had melted before the martini got to our table).
Our recommendations are for the mussels and frites and the smoked finnan haddie.
The mussels and frites are served in a delicious red pepper broth that may rival the actual mussels.
The finnan haddie is a holdover from the previous restaurant and is essentially a fish pie, but to say that's all it is, is disingenuous to what you will receive on your plate.
Weirdly enough, we also recommend their french fries, crispy and crunchy, delicious.
Full disclosure, we have not been to the lumberjack show, but it was recommended to us by a previous guest. There is a lot more information on their website about exactly what this is, but just know they do the show RAIN OR SHINE, so if you're looking for something to do, especially on a rainy day, this might be the show for you! Good for all ages!
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Timber Tina's Great Maine Lumberjack Show
127 Bar Harbor RoadFull disclosure, we have not been to the lumberjack show, but it was recommended to us by a previous guest. There is a lot more information on their website about exactly what this is, but just know they do the show RAIN OR SHINE, so if you're looking for something to do, especially on a rainy day, this might be the show for you! Good for all ages!
Fine dining in Bar Harbor. Cuban cuisine with a mix of the local. It is VERY good but the price reflects that. Great drinks as well, the mojito is a favorite of ours.
73 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Havana
318 Main StFine dining in Bar Harbor. Cuban cuisine with a mix of the local. It is VERY good but the price reflects that. Great drinks as well, the mojito is a favorite of ours.
City/town information
The hub of activity on Mount Desert Island. Filled with kitschy shops and fine dining restaurants, it's a must for anyone visiting the island.
284 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bar Harbor
The hub of activity on Mount Desert Island. Filled with kitschy shops and fine dining restaurants, it's a must for anyone visiting the island.
The city everyone must go through to reach Mount Desert Island. While the city is really just a hub for campers headed to the national park, it does have a lot to offer in restaurants, mostly in the downtown area.
74 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Ellsworth
The city everyone must go through to reach Mount Desert Island. While the city is really just a hub for campers headed to the national park, it does have a lot to offer in restaurants, mostly in the downtown area.