September delivered an unforgettable adventure as we joined the Hagner family for a weeklong getaway to Bar Harbor, Maine—a place I’d never visited before, but now can’t wait to return to. From jaw-dropping coastal views to unforgettable culinary indulgences, this trip was the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and—of course—lobster.
Bar Harbor lived up to its reputation as a lobster lover’s paradise. Over the course of the week, we treated ourselves to lobster prepared in just about every way imaginable—lobster benedict in the morning, lobster rolls and bisque for lunch, and decadent surf and turf dinners. If there’s a dish that doesn’t pair well with lobster, we didn’t find it!
Between meals, we took time to soak in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park. Two highlights stood out to us:
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Cadillac Mountain: The highest point along the U.S. eastern seaboard, Cadillac Mountain offers sweeping 360-degree views that are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s easy to see why this is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Maine.
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Thunder Hole: A naturally formed inlet where ocean waves crash through narrow rock formations, creating a deep, echoing boom—and occasionally, a dramatic spray of seawater. It’s nature’s version of a fireworks show, minus the smoke.
Sprinkle in some lobster for breakfast, lunch, and dinner… and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an amazing vacation! (…and maybe a few extra pounds!)
One of our favorite outings was a road trip to Boothbay, where we embarked on a whale-watching tour. We were fortunate enough to spot a pair of whales and even caught a glimpse of some bright red whale scat—a rare sight, according to our guide.
On the way to Boothbay, we passed an intriguing structure and made a mental note to circle back. A few days later, Jeff and I explored Fort Knox—not the gold vault in Kentucky, but a historic fort in Prospect, Maine. With its granite walls, tunnels, and sweeping views of the Penobscot River, it ended up being one of the most fascinating stops of the trip. Check out this recap reel of our trip!
We capped off our Maine adventure with a sunset cruise aboard a four-masted schooner. The colors dancing over the water as the sun dipped below the horizon created the perfect sendoff to an incredible week.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without one final lobster feast—because when in Maine…
If you’re planning a trip to Maine, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park should absolutely be on your list. Just be sure to bring your appetite—and maybe some stretchy pants!