Bar Harbor: My Acadia Adventure

Tender port, but the ride into town is pretty. We booked the earliest bus to Acadia (pro move) and watched the sun rise from Cadillac Mountain — first place the sun touches the U.S. from October to March. The whole horizon turned pink and orange over the Porcupine Islands and the fall foliage was on fire.

Then Oli's Trolley tour around the Park Loop Road — stopped at Thunder Hole (waves crash like artillery), Sand Beach (cold but beautiful), Jordan Pond House for popovers with strawberry jam that are basically clouds. Saw a moose! Just standing there in the woods like a tank with antlers.

Back in town we demolished twin lobster specials at Stewman's Lobster Pound on the water — drawn butter everywhere, zero regrets. Walked it off along Shore Path with the mansions on one side and the bay on the other.

The pros: Acadia is world-class, and the town is cute without being precious.

The cons: as a tender port with high popularity, expect crowds by noon.

Practical tips: Book Acadia transportation the second you board the ship — buses and Oli's Trolley sell out. Lulu's Lobster boat tour if you want to see seals and pull traps.