Find the beautiful village of Northeast Harbor on the sheltered southern side of Mount Desert Island in Maine. This tranquil place is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. It is no wonder it is a favorite vacation destination for the wealthy and famous, who come here to sail on the blue waters, hike the rugged coastline and enjoy excellent seafood.
Northeast Harbor has been drawing a star-studded list of visitors for many decades. In the early 20th century, iconic financier and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. was among those who considered this village a home away from home. Walk the sprawling reaches of the lovely Acadia National Park today to appreciate one of his major contributions to this community. Rockefeller helped to create this protected area, donating thousands of acres of his own land to the project.
Be sure to stop at peaceful Upper Hadlock Pond while you are in the national park. Stroll along the hiking trails around the water or simply relax and enjoy the postcard-perfect view of this tree-fringed pool. Another impressive outdoor space to visit in Northeast Harbor is the Asticou Azalea Garden. The beauty of this carefully cultivated, bloom-filled area has to be seen to be believed, especially in summer. The picturesque spot is a popular venue for weddings.
Enjoy astonishing panoramic views of the entire Northeast Harbor area and dramatic granite cliffs as you climb the granite stairs of the Asticou Terraces. Drive or walk up to the top to be rewarded with access to the magnificent Thuya Garden, another lush and well-tended garden that is a must-visit site.
Catch a domestic flight to Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport and drive south to Northeast Harbor in about 20 minutes. Once you arrive, park your car and explore the little village itself by foot. The place is filled with charming independent boutiques, bakeries, restaurants and galleries. You can easily fill an afternoon discovering these attractions.
