Acadia National Park
It all began with a simple idea. When we learned we were expecting our son, thoughts of nursery themes filled our minds. Among countless ideas, one concept kept resurfacing: a painting featuring all the US National Parks. This notion held a special excitement for us—a symbol of our passion for adventure and a future filled with exploration.
As our son grew, so did our eagerness to introduce him to hiking and all of the US National Parks. Thus, the idea of our first national park trip was born. Despite the challenges of traveling with a two-year-old and a seven-month-old, we were determined to make it happen. After considering various destinations out West (we live in New Jersey), we felt drawn to the rugged beauty of Acadia National Park in Maine. And so, our journey began.
Planning our trip posed its own set of challenges. With summer in full swing, finding family-friendly accommodations amidst the bustling tourist season proved tricky. However, we soon discovered the Acadia Inn—a no-frills family inn that exceeded our expectations. With a one-bedroom suite equipped with two bathrooms and convenient amenities like a fridge for storing snacks and a complimentary breakfast, it became our home away from home.
Despite encountering some of the coldest and rainiest weather Maine had seen in years for that time of the year, our time in Acadia was nothing short of magical. Here's how we made the most of our family adventure:
Tip #1: Plan Around Nap Times and Pack Plenty of Snacks
Traveling with little ones means flexibility is key. Embrace the chaos of travel days by allowing nap times, unlimited snacks, and screen time—whatever keeps everyone happy and entertained.
Restaurants We Loved:
Bar Harbor Lobster Company
Jordan Pond House Restaurant – in Acadia National Park
The Terrace Grill at Bar Harbor Hotel
Tip #2: Indulge in Lobster
When in Maine, indulging in lobster is a must. Whether it's whole lobster, lobster rolls, or lobster mac and cheese, savor every bite. And don't worry if the little ones aren't fans yet—that just means more lobster for you!
Places We Enjoyed Exploring:
Acadia National Park: Jordan Pond, Ocean Trailhead, Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain lookout
Bar Island Bridge (best seen during low tide)
Local Breweries: Atlantic Brewing Company, Fogtown, Blaze
Downtown Acadia: Explore shops and treat the kids to ice cream
Tip #3: Stay Downtown for Convenience
Parking in downtown Acadia can be challenging, so opt for accommodations within walking distance to alleviate the hassle of driving around or paying for parking.
Overall, our experience in Acadia exceeded our expectations. The town's family-friendly atmosphere and accommodating locals made it a memorable destination for our young family. While the weather may not have been perfect, our adventure was filled with laughter, discovery, and cherished memories. We eagerly look forward to returning to Acadia and exploring more of Maine's natural beauty in the future.
So, to all the families out there dreaming of their next adventure, remember: it all begins with an idea, fueled by passion and a sense of adventure. Happy exploring!
