America's Best Idea

Acadia National Park

On our 6th wedding anniversary, we selected Acadia National Park as our destination, setting out a day early, driving in the evening with eager anticipation for a smooth journey. Little did we know, our adventure was about to take some unexpected twists.

Every hotel was fully booked, even on a summer weekday. However, at 2 am, nearly 60 minutes from the park, we stumbled upon a motel with just one room left - the Rocky Ridge Motel. While I can't recommend it for cleanliness, it served its purpose, and it's a room we still laugh about to this day.

The next morning, we arrived in Acadia, greeted by the crisp sea breeze. Along the coastline, we paused to capture the breathtaking scenery, taking countless photos. The salty sea air filled our lungs as we gazed at the rugged cliffs and the deep blue waters, providing a moment so good for the soul.

The climbing area was unlike any other, offering the unique experience of climbing by the ocean. Tim belayed me down the cliff, and then I ascended, with waves crashing below and lobster boats bobbing behind me. It was an absolute thrill, a blend of excitement and serenity as the ocean roared beneath us.

We spent a few nights camping under the starry skies and found rooms in the charming town of Bar Harbor in between. The town was a sea of blueberry-themed delights, from blueberry beer and pie to fudge, jams, muffins, and everything in between. Of course, we couldn't pass up the daily must-try treat of lobster rolls. Geddy's and Stewman's were great choices for dining, offering mouthwatering seafood dishes and local specialties. I enjoyed looking at the different colored buoys displayed around town, giving it that unmistakable New England feel.

Some of our favorite stops in the park included Jordan's Pond, where we had a scenic lunch, savoring their signature popovers. The deliciousness of the warm, buttery popovers melting in our mouths, accompanied by a bowl of soup, warmed us from the inside out in the cool breeze. We also visited Thunder Hole to hear the thunder of the sea, a truly unique and powerful natural wonder. The waves crashing and the water echoing off the rocks were amazing to listen to.

During low tide, we walked across to Bar Island, the only time it's accessible on foot or by an all-terrain vehicle across a natural gravel land bridge. It was an adventure in itself, braving frigid waters in certain spots. The ever-present fog added an unexpected twist, with our whale-watching tour canceled one day due to the thick fog. I had never experienced such thick fog before, where you couldn't see what's in front of you. Luckily, the next day, as the fog lifted, we saw a whale lazily breaching the surface, playing a game of hide-and-seek with our boat. It was a reminder of nature's unpredictability and beauty.

Another great spot we explored was driving to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Standing at 1,530 feet, it's the eastern U.S. coast's tallest peak and offers the first glimpse of winter's sunrise. On our next visit, we plan to tackle the Cadillac North Ridge Trail to check off one of our bucket list hikes. The views from the top were breathtaking, providing vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscapes of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula.

Our exploration of Acadia was nothing short of magical, and I promised myself we'd return in the fall one day to witness the park's renowned foliage. This place had become a gem in our hearts, a testament to the wonders of the national park system and the unforgettable moments we shared together.