Our fiftieth anniversary tour of New England a week or so ago was a truly special time. One reason is because one of our daughters took us and spent ten days touring with her parents, a heroic exercise. Another is that we hit some memorable places. One of them was Bar Harbor, Maine. This was partly brought to mind by Anexplorer's quest for a favorite eating place.

The grand plan was to drive straight up from Virginia to Bar Harbor and then work down through New England. A long drive up but certainly not really difficult. Great weather and beautiful views. We stayed at Atlantic Eyrie Hotel. When you go to Bar Harbor, and you should, try this one. It says “stunning panoramas of the ocean embracing the bold coastline of Frenchman Bay” and that is certainly true. The harbor is full of fishing boats, pleasure craft, and always has a tour ship and the ferry to Nove Scotia. Sunrises are worth getting up early enough to see. And it is a clean, comfortable hotel with friendly and helpful folks.

One of the goals was to see Acadia National Park. Spent the better part of two days climbing around the seashore rocks and seeing the park. Wish we had more. One of the highlights was a lunch at Jordan Pond, which is in the Park. By far the best meal in our whole trip. We tried lobster and lobster rolls at some of the recommended places but the best of all was the lobster stew at Jordan Pond. Lots of lobster in a delicious cream base. The restaurant is renowned for the popovers, too. And should be. Delicious. It sits on the banks of a glacial lake with the best of the views of the park and its glacial hills. We hit it when the trees were just starting to change.

White birches, we don't have them down here. The Maine accent, Ba Haba, delightful. There is one of the original ranger cabins near Thunder Hole where the surf gushes up. Old fire place in a tiny cabin. Waves crashing on the rocks. Small towns, friendly people. Spectacular views. The ideal atmosphere of New England.

Go to Bar Harbor.