In Maine, perhaps the hottest spot is Mount Desert Island, home of the famous and naturally gorgeous Acadia National Park. There are a lot of highlights that are can’t misses like waking up to the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, hiking the rocky coast and looking for puffins, but there are other fun things one can get up to on the island, like seeing how much seafood you can eat or simply road tripping around the entire island to see what else this magical place has to offer.
For me, Bar Harbor was nice, but very touristy and generally overpriced, and so I opted to stay across the island in the town of Southwest Harbor, which I found to be less touristy, and closer to the things that I wanted to see, while also being much more comfortably paced. Sure, the main park of Acadia is a can’t miss experience, but I also feel as strongly about Ship’s Harbor Trailhead, which is just south of Southwest Harbor, because it showcases seven different ecological zones along with a lot of unique wildlife; a sort of sum up of Acadia in one easy hike.
I found Southwest Harbor to be quieter, comfier, and generally at a slower pace than busy Bar Harbor, and for that reason I felt at home, and never wanted to leave. I had the pleasure to stay at the Birches Bed and Breakfast, which is a seven-generation owned accommodation that is perches high on a hill with lovely, sweeping views of the coast, islands and the ocean beyond. The grounds consist of seven acres of waterfront property, with natural areas (where deer roamed freely before me as I ate my delicious breakfast, which was so neat), stunning gardens, and a dock on the coast for boaters who can simply tie up and walk up the hill for a cozy night’s stay. The Birches is a peaceful spot, where the moment you breathe in the fresh air and take in that stunning view, you’re instantly relieved of any stress and anxiety that might have been plaguing you. Their rooms are large and decorated like home with books and personal touches that make it all the more intriguing and homey feeling.
I found Southwest Harbor to be quieter, comfier, and generally at a slower pace than busy Bar Harbor, and for that reason I felt at home, and never wanted to leave. I had the pleasure to stay at the Birches Bed and Breakfast, which is a seven-generation owned accommodation that is perches high on a hill with lovely, sweeping views of the coast, islands and the ocean beyond. The grounds consist of seven acres of waterfront property, with natural areas (where deer roamed freely before me as I ate my delicious breakfast, which was so neat), stunning gardens, and a dock on the coast for boaters who can simply tie up and walk up the hill for a cozy night’s stay. The Birches is a peaceful spot, where the moment you breathe in the fresh air and take in that stunning view, you’re instantly relieved of any stress and anxiety that might have been plaguing you. Their rooms are large and decorated like home with books and personal touches that make it all the more intriguing and homey feeling.
I had the pleasure to stay in a room overlooking the brilliant view of the coast, with a king bed, private bath, and additional space for relaxing, reading, or television time. The breakfast was literally flavor infused and bursting with flavor as we were served blueberry-flavored pancakes with blueberries inside, topped with strawberries and a fine sausage patty that puts McD’s to shame. Everything about the Birches was immaculate and well-thought out, and it was obvious that the owner Susi has a dear love for her work and her home, which comes out in everything she does and everywhere you look. Susi is one of the sweetest people I’ve met and she and the Birches will stay near and dear my heart for as long as I can remember, that much I know. I also know that I will be back for another visit someday, because the Birches made my wife Leah and I’s honeymoon visit memorable, personal and far beyond our wildest dreams.
The Birches B&B
46 Fernald Point Road
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
(207) 244-5182
If you would like to learn more about the Birches B&B, click here.
The Birches B&B
46 Fernald Point Road
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
(207) 244-5182
If you would like to learn more about the Birches B&B, click here.
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