Mainly Maine

Moi main mission in Maine was easily accomplished: lobster and blueberries! During our weekend in Bar Harbor we taste-tested

• lobster roll and blueberry salt-water taffy
• blueberry yogurt and lobster bisque
• blueberry pancakes and lobster stew
• lobster salad and blueberry pie
• blueberry scones and steamed lobster

Some other favorite local specialties voted for by TBG and niece R were

• fried clam rolls and haddock rolls
• ice cream: lots of rich creamy ice creams in incredible flavors (and colors!)
• popovers and fresh-squeezed lemonade
• fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls
• homemade creamy fudge

Mignette loves the island life! Bar Harbor is extremely dog-friendly. Not only did we discover Bark Harbor on Main Street, they also gave us a listing of restaurants and cafes that are dog friendly. Mignette was welcomed everywhere!

Bar Harbor is an island, and as with most islands, phone and internet service were sketchy. TBG started every morning at Opera House Internet Cafe, where I had my chai tea latte, and TBG got his internet connection.

A few things about Maine surprised me:

• so many French speaking Canadians: I knew we were close to Quebec, but I did not anticipate hearing so much French spoken on the streets. Many of the shops had someone who spoke a little French, but I was surprised that some visitors did not seem to speak English: in one store I had to translate! Some highway signs even gave distances in both miles and kilometers.
• Warning: Moose Crossing signs. These cracked me up. Unfortunately we did not see any Moose. (Meese???)
• Whoopie Pies. Everywhere we looked, stacks of whoopie pies. Who knew whoopie pies are from Maine!
• Of course lobster signs everywhere, but one Italian restaurant advertised:

Pizza, Spaghetti and Lobster

Moi tip: A few places are definitely worth visiting in Bar Harbor and deserve special mention:

• Acadia National Park: It was definitely the hilite for TBG. He came prepared with a huge camera bag, and was not disappointed. For photography and hiking he recommends:
  • Cadillac Mountain at sunset
  • driving the 27 mile Park Loop Road
    
  • Jordan Pond Restaurant for popovers, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and the views

  
  

• An early morning walk on The Shore Path along the harbor
• Jordan’s Snack Bar in Ellsworth: it’s off-island, but a definite must. The lobster roll is the best! See the picture above: fresh lobster chunks sitting on a bed of lettuce in a toasted split-top bun, dripping with melted butter ( I don’t do mayonnaise). Simple and perfect: the best! The onion rings and ice cream aren’t bad either!