Bar Harbor, Maine - Complete 7-Day Itinerary

July 12-19, 2025 | Group of 11 | Based in Surry, Maine

Attendees: Amy, Jenny, Beverly, Efrem, Asi, Mimi, Gwenyth, Madelyne, Ella, Vinny, Finn, and maybe Cole

PRE-ARRIVAL

• Amy and Jenny: Stop at Costco for snacks and supplies for the group for the week
• Amy: Get a third car reservation for Cadillac Mountain, if possible

Saturday 7/12 - Arrival Day

• Afternoon: Settle in, receive delivery of two rental kayaks from The Activity Shop (to be picked up on departure day), explore downtown Bar Harbor
• Evening: Welcome dinner at Union River Lobster Pot in Ellsworth

Sunday 7/13 - Sand Beach & Bar Path

• Morning: Sand Beach visit (whole group) - swimming/wading for those interested, beach relaxation for others
• Late Morning: Check tide charts for Bar Island/Bar Path crossing timing
• Mid-Day: Bar Island/Bar Path walk at low tide (whole group) - accessible 1.5 hours before and after low tide, great for tide pooling
• Afternoon: Split groups
  • Active: Great Head Trail (moderate 1.4-mile loop with ocean views)
  • Relaxed: Relax at accommodations in Surry or rest time
• Evening: Order in from Pat's Pizza (Surry)

Monday 7/14 - Cadillac Mountain Day

• Early Morning: Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain Summit - Split approach
  • Active: Hike up South Ridge Trail to summit
  • Relaxed: Drive up and meet the hikers at the summit (6:00am car reservation for 2 cars)
  • Whole group: Spend time exploring at the summit before all driving down together
• Post-sunrise: Group breakfast at Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast
• Afternoon: Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs (whole group), then relax at accommodations
• Evening: Dinner at Stewman's Lobster Pound (close to Bar Harbor activities)

Tuesday 7/15 - Water & Mini Golf Day

• Morning: Boat tours - Split groups
  • Active/Fishing enthusiasts: Fishing boat tour
  • Relaxed: Scenic nature cruise
• Afternoon: Pirates Cove Adventure Golf (whole group)
• Late Afternoon: Split groups
  • Active: Beehive Trail (steep but thrilling scramble with iron rungs)
  • Relaxed: Oceanarium visit OR relax at accommodations
• Evening: Dinner at Home (Surry)

Wednesday 7/16 - Southwest Harbor & Clamming

• Morning: Clamming/mussel hunting near Trenton area (whole group) - Bar Harbor shellfish licenses available at Town Clerk's office
• Mid-Morning: Drive to Southwest Harbor area, split groups
  • Active: Flying Mountain Trail (1.5 miles, great Somes Sound views)
  • Relaxed: Wendell Gilley Museum + Southwest Harbor village exploration OR relax at nearby location
• Lunch: Beals Lobster Pound in Southwest Harbor (whole group)
• Afternoon: Schoodic Point visit (dramatic coastline, whole group) - plenty of sitting areas for relaxation
• Evening: Dinner at Home (Surry - close to route back)

Thursday 7/17 - Peak Adventure Day

• Morning: Split groups
  • Active: E-bike rental and carriage roads exploration (challenging longer routes)
  • Relaxed: Jordan Pond House for popovers + leisurely pond viewing OR relax at accommodations
• Afternoon: Split continues
  • Active: Dorr Mountain via Ladder Trail (challenging scramble)
  • Relaxed: Abbe Museum + Bar Harbor shopping OR relax at accommodations
• Evening: Dinner at McKay's Public House (worth the drive for farewell week celebration)

Friday 7/18 - Carriage Roads & Final Adventures

• Morning: Split groups
  • Active: Gorham Mountain Trail (moderate 1.4 miles with great views)
  • Relaxed: Leisurely carriage roads walk OR relax at accommodations
• Afternoon: Horse-drawn carriage ride 3-5 PM (whole group)
• Evening: Farewell dinner at West Street Cafe

Saturday 7/19 - Departure

• Morning: Pack up, kayak pickup by The Activity Shop, yard sales in Surry, final Bar Harbor stroll
• Late Morning: Departure

SUMMARY & ACTION ITEMS

🎯 ESSENTIAL RESERVATIONS & BOOKINGS:

• ☐ Prior to making applicable reservations, have Madelyne confirm which days Cole will be there so he can be included in headcounts and reservations
• ☐ Reserve kayaks: Confirm delivery and pickup with The Activity Shop
• ☐ Cadillac Mountain summit car reservations: 6:00am reservation for 2 cars (Monday) - Amy working on 3rd car if possible
• ☐ Fishing boat tour (Tuesday): GET HEADCOUNT and reserve for active/fishing enthusiasts
• ☐ Scenic nature cruise (Tuesday): GET HEADCOUNT and reserve for relaxed group
• ☐ Jordan Pond House popovers (Thursday): GET HEADCOUNT and make reservations
• ☐ Friday dinner: West Street Cafe reservations for 11 people - call (207) 288-5242 or book online
• ☐ Thursday dinner: McKay's Public House reservations
• ☐ E-bike rental: Reserve for Thursday (active group only)
• ☐ Shellfish licenses: Obtain from Bar Harbor Town Clerk's office before Wednesday clamming
• ☐ Put together a half day e-bike suggested route

🍽️ RESTAURANT OPTIONS & SPECIALTIES:

Friday Dinner - Primary Choice:

• West Street Cafe - Famous "Downeast Special": 1¼ lbs Maine lobster, clam chowder, fries, coleslaw, and blueberry pie ($24.95)

Friday Dinner - Alternatives:

• Geddy's - Pick your own lobster from live tank, historic venue with musician memorabilia, 98% gluten-free menu
• Thirsty Whale Tavern - Charming pub with back garden, 14 local craft beer taps, famous fish sandwiches and lobster rolls

📅 TIMING-DEPENDENT ACTIVITIES:

• Bar Island/Bar Path: Check tide charts - accessible 1.5 hours before and after low tide
• Clamming: Coordinate with low tide timing and shellfish license requirements
• Horse-drawn carriage: Already reserved 3-5 PM Friday

🏃‍♂️ HIKING OPTIONS FOR ACTIVE GROUP:

• Great Head Trail (Sunday)
• Cadillac South Ridge Trail (Monday) + summit meeting with relaxed group
• Beehive Trail (Tuesday)
• Flying Mountain Trail (Wednesday)
• E-bike carriage roads + Dorr Mountain/Ladder Trail (Thursday)
• Gorham Mountain (Friday)

📞 KEY CONTACTS:

• West Street Cafe: (207) 288-5242
• Bar Harbor Town Clerk (shellfish licenses): Check their website for hours
• The Activity Shop: Kayak delivery arranged

💡 IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Bar Island/Bar Path: Unique experience walking on ocean floor - check tide charts carefully
• Clamming: Shellfish licenses required - available at Bar Harbor Town Clerk's office
• Restaurant Reservations: Book West Street Cafe and McKay's as soon as possible - July is peak season and both get very busy!
• Surry Dining Strategy: "Dinner at Home" = cook/order in at your Surry accommodations
• E-bike Strategy: Single rental day for active group allows them to cover more challenging carriage road terrain
• Relaxed Group: Multiple opportunities to relax at accommodations built into schedule

This schedule provides great variety with regular rest opportunities for the relaxed group while keeping the active group engaged with varied challenges, plus plenty of group bonding time over meals and unique Maine experiences!