I have always thought the name of the place was strange, but then as the history begins to unfold, the reason is clear. Most of the Island is home to the incredible Acadia National Park. Getting there is not the easiest task in the world, but well worth the effort.

We always fly into Boston, MA, and rent a car for the journey. We could fly closer, but not less expensively. The airlines have worked it out so that getting to the smaller, better spots costs a whole lot more. The rental car is a much better deal, and the best part is getting to see the sights along the way. Whether it’s a Maine lighthouse, or the best lobster sandwich in the world, the trip to Ellsworth (the last town before the Island) has a thousand unique adventures. (Can you say L.L. Bean?)

Bar Harbor is the “big city” on the Island. You can get there by plane, by ship, by bus or by automobile. Take my word for it; go by car. Stay in the vacation home of your friend just inside the park (don’t have one? There are multitudes of hotels, B&B’s, etc.) and drive the length and breath of some of the most spectacular costal scenery in the United States, not to mention Cadillac Mountain, Somes Sound, and the delightful and beautiful Bass Harbor Lighthouse.

Whatever else you do, visit a Lobster Pound. The last pound on your right after you leave Ellsworth and 10 seconds before you cross the Trenton bridge onto Mt. Desert Island, has lobsters by the pound, cooked on the spot, and may be the best tasting lobsters on Earth. Park your car any which way in the gravel lot and eat up. You’ll be glad you did!