There’s just something about the East Coast. Four days in Bar Harbor made for the loveliest long weekend and reminded me why New England is so special. We traveled to Maine to celebrate my best friend’s birthday, and between the ocean views, morning coffee, slow afternoons and beautiful scenery, it couldn’t have been a sweeter destination for our first girls’ trip together.
We spent three nights at the Bar Harbor Inn, and I truly can’t imagine a better place to experience Maine for the first time. It’s located right on the water, offers incredible views and easy access to downtown, the Shore Path and Acadia National Park.
The location was one of our favorite parts. We could walk almost everywhere, making it easy to settle into vacation mode and embrace the slower pace of coastal Maine. By the time we checked out, we were already talking about coming back.
Where I Stayed: Bar Harbor Inn
Food & Beverage:
One of the best parts of traveling is discovering new places to eat, and Bar Harbor certainly didn’t disappoint. From cozy coffee shops to memorable waterfront dinners, every meal seemed to come with a beautiful view and plenty of charm.
Located inside the Bar Harbor Inn, The Reading Room was one of our favorite spots. Our first evening in Maine began with a late dinner overlooking the water, and we found ourselves returning for breakfast throughout the weekend. Several cups of drip coffee made for the perfect slow mornings.
Without a doubt, my favorite coffee stop of the trip. The Salt Market is equal parts coffee shop and local market, with delicious drinks and plenty of charm. I loved blending their house-made balsam and maple syrups for a drink that felt uniquely Maine.
Mother’s Kitchen was one of the highlights of our trip. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and it felt like the kind of place locals and visitors equally love. It was the perfect stop after spending the morning exploring Seal Harbor.
Our final dinner in Maine ended at Porcelli’s, and it was the perfect way to wrap up the weekend. Cozy and inviting, it offered a wonderful Italian meal and one last opportunity to soak up the charm of Bar Harbor before heading home.
Bar Harbor Highlights
One of the things I loved most about this trip was how unhurried it felt. There were no packed schedules or long lists to check off, just a handful of memorable experiences and plenty of time to enjoy them.
We watched the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, wandered the Shore Path and explored downtown Bar Harbor. We spent time at Seal Harbor Beach, crossed the sandbar to Bar Island and enjoyed one of our favorite memories aboard an evening sail out of Southwest Harbor.
Afternoons were spent exploring Acadia National Park, relaxing at the inn and savoring simple moments with coffee or a glass in hand. It was a trip filled with quiet mornings, ocean views and celebrating one of my favorite people.
