Sunday, August 8, 2010

Bar Harbour a favorite place


Arcadia national Park, Maine

We had spent a number of days in Nova Scotia and had seen so many beautiful things, including much of the Arcadian past, with their colorful villages and towering churches.

Just south of Yarmouth is Argyle Township Courthouse in Tusket, the oldest courthouse in Canada, while to the north, tiny villages are overshadowed by lofty churches, such as St. Mary’s Church, the largest wooden church in North America.

Having about three hours in this area we were able to visit many of the old historical houses and the fishing villages the line to the Southwestern part of Nova Scotia. This was a very unique area to visit, and even took the time to stop in a neighborhood to have an extremely satisfying seafood meal.

Soon we were leaving Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on a large ferry that not only carrier passengers but cars, large trucks, and ever buses. The ferry would port in the Bar Harbor area Maine in a number of hours. The views from the ocean of the mountains of Acadia National Park were striking.

After departing the ferry we headed to The First National Park East of the Mississippi River. Acadia National Park has a rich human history that includes Native Americans, European settlers, artists, conservationists, and more. Each group has made its mark on what is today Acadia National Park. Explore this section to discover the people and stories of Acadia.

People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the scenery.

Acadia National Park, Maine, is a favorite vacation destination for good reason. The views are spectacular. The landscape is pristine. And, the wildlife is plentiful and protected. As a result, Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

Bar Harbor, Maine, a small coastal resort town on Mount Desert Island, has a symbiotic relationship with Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor, with its shops, restaurants, hotels, cottages, bed and breakfasts, inns, galleries, vacation rentals and more, has a special ambiance blended with Down east character. Bar Harbor, Maine and Acadia National Park is often the starting and ending point of an unforgettable Maine vacation. After spending much of the day we left the park and headed to our hardware. Were we were able to visit many of the galleries and shops.

Nestled nearby Bar Harbor are the traditional villages of Hulls Cove, Salisbury Cove, and Town Hill are all part of the municipality of Bar Harbor, as is a large portion of Acadia National Park. The National Park and Bar Harbor are often spoken and thought of as being the same thing.

Bar Harbor, Maine, often the center for visitors of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, has many hotels, inns, shops, taverns and restaurants. Bar Harbor is also home to College of the Atlantic. You will notice it on the ocean side of Route 3 as you enter the town. Jackson Lab, the world's largest mammalian genetic research facility, is here as well. For those who are not familiar with its name, the Jackson Lab is at the forefront of the genetics revolution that is transforming contemporary medicine. Wild Gardens of Acadia features over 200 species of plants, trees and shrubs indigenous to the island. Abbe Museum, also at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park, has a year-round location in downtown Bar Harbor. The focus of both museums is on the Native American culture and its history in Maine.

Directly north of the town pier is Bar Island. This island is accessible by foot at low tide and provides a spectacular view of the town of Bar Harbor with the mountains behind it. See this Bar Harbor fireworks picture. There are more at this page.

Several cruise ships such as the majestic Queen Mary visit this Maine harbor town providing their passengers with one of the most unique visual experiences available on the east coast of North America. For people wanting water related recreation, there is whale watching, kayaking, tours of the islands, and a ferry cruise aboard The Cat to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, returning round-trip to Bar Harbor, Maine.

“And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, said the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:12

From my weekly article in the Farmington Press,

Dr. Alton Loveless is the former CEO/President of Randall House Publications, Nashville, Tn., He is a freelance and has written for assorted publications printed both nationally and internationally.

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