Category Archives: Life in Maine: Your Mount Desert Island Vacation Guide

Your more restful, less stressful Mount Desert Island Vacation Guide

How life in Maine is meant to be

Each year, over a million visitors come to Mount Desert Island. They arrive by ferry, by cruise ship, by car or by plane.

During the peak tourist season, everyone is asking the same questions, all at the same time:

As my guest, I provide you with the insider tips which will make your visit more restful, and less stressful.  I will help you avoid the crowds, and find the hidden gems no one else knows about.

If you find a job you love, keep your job!And most days, you’ll find me at the Front Desk of the Bar Harbor Inn, at the end of Newport Drive.  Please stop by if you can.

I am SO glad you chose to spend your vacation in Maine this year!  Welcome to Mount Desert Island.

Welcome to Life in Maine.

Sincerely, David Faris

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What’s for breakfast on Mount Desert Island?

Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner

The early sunrise warmly welcomed you to Mount Desert Island. As a result, you’re ready to hike on the trail, hit the beach, or catch a ferry or a cruise! But before you get started, you’d like to have a hot breakfast.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Enjoying a stack of Maine blueberry pancakes with Maine maple syrup may become your favorite Mount Desert Island dish, above even a lobster bake!

Thankfully, there is no need to worry, because Mount Desert Island has some great places to get an early morning bite to eat.

Because we are so close to Downeast Maine blueberry country, the blueberry pancakes here are nothing short of legendary.

However, if your crowd is a little larger, Epi’s breakfast pizza will inspire your team to go further than you’d ever expect!

Note: The names of each restaurant listed below is linked to its website. And if you have a cellphone, click on their phone number to give them a call. This will easily allow you to be sure their schedule hasn’t changed, or to make a reservation when possible.

Breakfast Restaurants on Mount Desert Island

Reading Room @The Bar Harbor Inn (0.1 mi) DI *****
1 Newport Drive, Bar Harbor 288-3351
Delectable local Maine cuisine and attentive service are surpassed only by the magnificent panoramic ocean views of Frenchman Bay. Reservations highly recommended for dinner.
Open Daily 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for breakfast, and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM for dinner

Epi’s Pizza (0.2 mi) DI ***
8 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor 801-2516
Serves great sandwiches and pizzas daily. Their Breakfast Pizza is AWESOME!
Open Daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast (0.2 mi) DI *****
15 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor 288-4166
Start your day with a hearty, homemade breakfast with friendly folks. Even the bread is homemade!
Open Wednesday to Monday 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM

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The Five Priceless Hotel Amenities…

… and where to find them on Mount Desert Island

amenities are not just toiletries

When someone mentions amenities, we usually think of coffee machines, shampoo, refrigerators and microwaves. These things are wonderful, and necessary. However, there are amenities that come with a particular room or a specific hotel. They will add quality to your stay on Mount Desert Island, far more than any kitchen appliance can bring.

I list five most priceless hotel amenities below, in order of importance. Before you choose a hotel to stay on Mount Desert Island, decide which of these are most important. Then do the math, and figure out whether the difference in price is worth it.

#1: Special Consideration for those traveling with you

Before anything else, choose amenities which will help meet your special needs, and the needs of your traveling companions.

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What you saw on MDI during the Coronavirus Crisis

Nothing to see here… unless nature is enough for you

If you were planning to come to Mount Desert Island while the Coronavirus was still a national crisis a year ago, what would you expect?

Don’t expect things to be as they were the last time you were here. This time, your vacation on the Island will be very different…

…but much more peaceful, refreshing and pleasant. It was so, as long as the Coronavirus emergency was with us… and as long as you prefered a hike through forests, over hills and along coastlines, instead of window shopping, dining out and large crowds.

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