Anyone familiar with both Boston and Bar Harbor?

[mouseclick1]

We were planning on going to Bar Harbor next summer with our family. Since Boston is kind of on the way (from MI), I thought of making that a part of our vacation also. Having never been to either town, I am not sure how many days to give each part of the trip. I know in Bar harbor I want to visit Acadia and do a whale watching trip, and in Boston visit some of the historical sites. I am trying to keep the trip from 7-10 days total, including driving there and back. Any recommendations on how to split up the days? Mapquest put Boston at about 11 hours from our house, and Bar Harbor another 5 or so hours from Boston. I think I have our Bar Harbor hotel selected, but have no clue about Boston. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Mermaid02]

I live near Bar Harbor. I'm not sure how you would want to divide the trip though. May I ask what hotel you have picked for "the island" as it's known in these parts...

 

[mouseclick1]

The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel. What do ya think? Good or bad choice?

 

[Mouseteacher]

If you are planing on touring the city of Boston, I would suggest at least a 2 day stay. Boston is an easy city to get around. It is a great walking city.

 

[mouseclick1]

I'm leaning toward 2 nights Boston, 4 nights Bar Harbor. I'm really stuck on Boston. There are so different areas to stay in. Don't know if we should stay in the heart of Boston, or in a nearby town. I would so greatly appreciate any suggestions on where to stay!

 

[horsegirl]

I'm a Mainer who lived in Boston for a time. The Marriott on the waterfront is a great spot. It looks out over the bay and is close to the Aquarium, Fanueil Hall (which has shops, food courts, entertainment) and the Science Museum. Two or three days in Boston is plenty to get the feel, and if you have any interest in sports, catching a game at Fenway is a must do, even if you aren't because the old park is small and has a very special feel. You would really get a feel for the city by going to the game. By staying at the waterfront, you are also very close to little italy. Boston has two excellent museums including the Isabella Stuart Gardiner which houses great works of art in a gorgeous building.

Have fun- Bar Harbor/Acadia is beautiful. You can even hop over to Canada on the Cat for a day!

 

[gallaj0]

Staying right in Bosotn is usually VERY expensive. There are some very high priced hotels, and some middle of the roads, but even they are pretty pricey.

If you are a member of any hotel "reward" programs, you may be able to get a decent rate; the Marriott Long Wharf is on the water, right near Fanuiel Hall, New England Aquarium, the North End, Paul Rever's house; and usually priced accordingly. There are some others in the same area; the Langham, Nine Zero, some other "boutique" hotels. Expect about 250-300 a night, rack rate.

The ones in the Back Bay area will be 50-60 dollars cheaper a night, but you'll need a cab or a decent walk (25-30 minutes) to get to the harbor/Fanueil Hall area.

South Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, Cambridge etc. aren't walkable, but if you have a car, you could park in dowtown for 20 bucks on a weekend day.

 

[golfgal]

What ever you do DON'T DRIVE IN BOSTON. They are the WORST drivers in the world. Stop lights mean nothing to them, one way streets, forget it. Traffic is HORRIBLE! Park your car and take public transportation.

We stayed at a Marriott that was very easy to get to/from everything. I just can't remember which one, a lot of help that was.

 

[Mermaid02]

The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel. What do ya think? Good or bad choice?

I've actually stayed there! It's nice- not right on the water but within walking distance (easily) to the shops and restaurants. If you are interested in a Pub- I recommend Geddy's. Good food and a nice atmosphere. For a fancy meal, the Bar Harbor Inn is very nice. Freddy's Route 66 is a neat restaurant too.

Have a great time!

 

[mtemm]

Staying right in Bosotn is usually VERY expensive. There are some very high priced hotels, and some middle of the roads, but even they are pretty pricey.

South Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, Cambridge etc. aren't walkable, but if you have a car, you could park in dowtown for 20 bucks on a weekend day.

I agree that Boston proper can be very expensive to stay in, but personally I probably wouldn't opt to stay in roxbury/dorchester/or even south boston. Cambridge is okay, but is it really cheaper than boston?

If you do choose to stay outside of the city, you can always park at a T station like Wilmington or Alewife or the like and take the T in. It would be an adventure in its own right and would avoid the need to drive in Boston (just hop on route 2 and park at Alewife T station)

Have you thought about checking into staying near Lexington/Concord. Definitely worth a stop if you like history, and should be a nice area but cheaper than Boston proper.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

I have a summer home in Southwest Harbor - about 15 miles from Bar Harbor and spend summers there since I was born. We go to BH about 3 times a week in the summer. Twice during the week they have the band play at the Gazebo in the park. They are awesome - the kids run around the Gazebo while they play, dance, have fun and everyone brings chairs, blankets, etc. I did "the run" when I was young, as did my own mom. Now my dd does it! It's a nice free thing to do. Also, if you want the best lobster dinner EVER go to Thurstons over at Bernard's. Very easy to get to from BH. If you have children and want to go on a boat ride, the best one would be the "Dive-In Theater" trip. The gentleman who runs it used to be a teacher, so he has great rapport with kids (and adults too). He dresses up in a wet suit and goes under the sea with a video camera and has a live feed to the boat - then he brings up tons of sea critters for anyone to touch, hold while he tells you all about them - then back into the sea they go. It's a little pricey but worth every dime. You can even buy the book he wrote that goes along with the trip and autograph it - my dd still has it.

I could go on and on about BH, Mt. Desert Island, etc - if you want to pm me with ???'s I'll be more than happy to help in anyway. I know all the touristy things to do and all they little unknown local things (although we don't give all our info up - gotta save stuff for us you know LOL!) You will have a great time! And if you can, make Boston a separate trip - too much to do and the distance between the two towns is very far.

 

[jipsy]

Make sure you take a DUCK TOUR!

 

[Lynn CC]

I visit Boston alot, (I grew up in South Boston). When we go we stay at the Omni Parker House(it's worth it), it is right in the Center of everything! You can sign up to be a select guest on their website www.omnihotels.com, and get great discounts. The Omni is right by the Statehouse, Faneuil Hall, The North End (all the yummy restaurants and Bakeries), Downtown Crossings & Newbury Street (shopping), The Boston Common/Public Garden, Theater District. You can sign up for many tours right at the visitors center in the center of the Boston Common. You can get passes for discounts to all the tours etc. I would suggest 2 days especially if you want to tour some of the Historic Sites!

If you want more info on Historic sites www.bostonhistory.org www.historictours.com
Have Fun!

Forgot to say that Omni has valet parking (in their garage)for about $25/day, very reasonable for the area.

 

[Mermaid02]

Also, if you want the best lobster dinner EVER go to Thurstons over at Bernard's. Very easy to get to from BH.

This is SOOOOOOOOOOO true!! Best lobster I have ever had in my life!