Foreword

With the COVID-19 Pandemic still in full swing, now is more important than ever to support local business. Atlantic Brewing Co is offering takeout for both food and beverage 7 days a week. Check their Facebook page for details.

Harboring in Bar Harbor

Rolling in around 4:30, I arrive in the charming village of Bar Harbor and quickly check into my airBnB. The room I was renting for the weekend was in a beautifully restored old house, just a few blocks from Main Street. After spending some time to let my phone charge, I headed out to explore the quaint shops and find some dinner.

I first headed to the half mile long shore path while it was still light out. I was greeted with picturesque views of wave crashing against the rocky shoreline while the islands in the background transfixed me. Equally impressive were the large ornate homes and mansions, where a lucky few had this view as a permanent fixture of their backyards.

I explored Main and Cottage Streets – the main commercial streets. Lots of fun and quirky shops lined the street, some more touristy than others. I passed by a sporting goods store and ended up buying a pair of hiking gloves. It was going to be in the 40s when I set out to hike the next day and gloves were going to make things a bit more comfortable. Afterwards, all my top choices for dinner were completely packed, so I ended up at what turned out to be a second rate restaurant for a mediocre meal of a lobster roll and chowder – don’t worry, I learned from my mistake and had plenty of amazing food for the remainder of my trip.

Laying Anchor at Atlantic Brewing

After my meal, I headed to Cottage Street for Bar Harbor’s only brewery in the village center (Jack Russels, you’re still on my list!). Atlantic Brewing company is located in a contemporary cavernous space with your typical industrial decor. 

I was lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar almost immediately and looking at the food menu, I started to regret settling for a mediocre meal instead of getting a bite to eat at the brewery.

I ordered a flight of five, which consisted of most of the beers they had on tap:

• Blueberry Ale – One of Atlantic’s signatures. Fruity and dangerous in how drinkable it is.
• Real Ale – A full bodied American Brown Ale.
• A Bigger Boat – As the name suggests, this New England IPA had enough hoppy goodness to overfill a barge or a small yacht.
• Mr Manager – No need to complain to the manager over this well spiced hefeweizen.
• Cultivar – This Belgian Kettle Sour made for the perfect desert island dessert.

After I polished off my flight, it was already getting late. I was planning for an early start tomorrow so I made my way back to the airBnB. I did stop by the lively Lompoc Cafe for a delightful maple hot toddy. Now liquid warmth in my stomach, I was ready for bed.

Beehives and Lobster Pounds

The next day, I woke up at 7 and headed to the Beehive in Acadia National Park. I was able to find prime parking right near the trailhead and started the climb. The Beehive is an exhilarating, fun hike. There’s plenty of technical sections, narrow ledges and some sections where you have to use metal handles and ladders to progress. This definitely isn’t a hike for beginners, but it also isn’t nearly as harrowing as the Precipice Trail that I would tackle the next day – in fact it’s a cakewalk by comparison.

At the top of the Beehive, you’re treated to a commanding view of the Ocean and the rest of Acadia. This was a truly stunning sight to behold. As I looked over the seaside, asparkle with the morning sun, I took a moment to reflect in the zenlike environment.

I then went on to climb neighboring Gorham Mountain, which was a leisurely hike – perfect for beginners – where I was met with additional great views.

I arrived back at my car after walking along the cliffs at the seashore as I dodge the neverending throngs of tourists who started to stream into the park. Looking back, I’m glad I decided to start the day early as there wasn’t a parking spot left within a half mile radius of the trail head.

My next destination was lunch. At the recommendation of my airBnB host – always listen to your airBnB host people – I drove through stunning Acadia all the way to the other side of Mount Desert island to Bernard where one of the best lobster pounds in Maine can be found – F W Thurston. If this was a food blog, Thurston Lobster Pound deserves its own blog post. The seaside restaurant was straight out of a postcard. It is as if everything associated with Maine coalesced into a single point in time and space. After demolishing one of the best lobsters I have ever had, I headed back towards Bar Harbor.

Final Verdict

Atlantic Brewing Company is a place where you can congregate with fellow tourists and locals alike, sharing stories of Acadian adventures while also sharing a cold glass of beer in a warm environment. 

Information
Atlantic Brewing Co
http://www.atlanticbrewing.com/
15 Knox Road
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609