DO come. There’s a deep hush over the mountains that surprises me because I had thought it was so quiet and peaceful in August!
DON’T assume, though, that the quiet means you’ll have the island to yourself. National Park statistics show there are more visitors in September and October than in May and June.
DO check the State of Maine fall foliage hotline at (888) MAINE-45 or visit www.mainefoliage.com to help schedule when to visit.
DON’T stay in your car! This isn’t Vermont. Acadia National Park lets you experience evergreen, gold, and crimson from pine-scented carriage roads and trails.
DO plan to do everything you love. Average temperatures in September (69 degrees) and October (58 degrees) are ideal for hiking, kayaking, and biking.
DON’T worry if you hit an unseasonably cool or rainy day. You’ll probably be able to find a tent sale at your favorite shop and get a head start on holiday shopping.
DO plan ahead and lay out a rough itinerary, especially if you are only coming for a long weekend. Some restaurants are only open on weekends.
DON’T neglect to make reservations. Popular restaurants (like Burning Tree) and activities (like the Wildwood Stables carriage drives) are still booked well in advance.
DO plan on a classic lobster pound dinner. Thurston’s is open until mid-October.
DON’T have your heart set on the cozy pine dining room at Abel’s. They’re closed.
DO work off the lobster dinner with some mini-golf. An award-winning course called Pirate’s Cove is on Route 3 going into Bar Harbor.
DON’T neglect the quieter activities during your trip, such as visiting the museum in Somesville (through September only) and photographing the bridge and historic buildings there. The fall light is beautiful.
DO celebrate October in a New England farmhouse beer garden at The Atlantic Brewing Company in Bar Harbor – open until Columbus Day.
DON’T forget to bring home a case of their blueberry soda as well as Bar Harbor Real Ale.
DO pack clothes for all eventualities, but especially fleeces, windbreakers, caps, maybe even light gloves.
DON’T discount the possibility of warm weather. The first week of October ’07 saw highs in the low 70s on two days!