When steamships and railroads were opening up America in the 1800s, they also opened up Downeast Maine, and by the end of the century, Bar Harbor, a small town on rocky Mount Desert Island (map), boasted almost as many palatial summer "cottages" as Newport RI.

The Great Fire of 1947 left only a small number of mansions still standing, but many of these are now wonderful inns.

In fact, Bar Harbor has lots of lodgings of all kinds—B&Bs, hotels and motels, campgrounds—to cater to the thousands of visitors who come every summer.

Most visitors come for the town's graceful Victorian architecture and atmosphere, and of course to tour and enjoy Acadia National Park, which takes up half of Mount Desert Island.

Ascending Cadillac Mountain (by car, bike or on foot) on the outskirts of Bar Harbor is a must-do during your visit. The preferred time is dawn, when you can witness the sunrise before anyone elsewhere in the USA.

Restaurants and shops keep visitors fed and occupied when they're not enjoying the beauties of the island and the park, or taking a day cruise on a saling ship or motorboat.

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