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Bar Harbor, Maine
Finding European Grace in New England
By Julie and Travis Sullivan
Nestled along the shore among breathtaking coastal views and magisterial mountains, Bar Harbor, Maine, offers New England's version of old European charm. Tucked into a corner of Mt. Desert Island, this old fishing town has not forgotten the industry responsible for its livelihood through centuries past, yet still graciously accommodates the variety of adventurers, hikers, sailors, whale watchers and seafood enthusiasts roaming Maine's coast. Bar Harbor's pleasures, like many coastal European towns, are based on practicality and authenticity. Here, though, instead of vineyards and small farms, Maine has the sea and tidal coves of lobsters and clams.
Long a home for fishermen, Bar Harbor has also been a summer home for nearly as long to New England's wealthy. Old mansions line Bar Harbor's coastline, making the easy local pleasures practical and authentic: sea kayaking, pleasure cruises, cozy restaurants and craft shops throughout the small town.
Though some mansions remain private residences, others have become inns or bed and breakfasts – and most can be viewed from the public path winding along the waterfront. The public walkway, accessible from the public square in the heart of the town (at the docks, of course) or from the public park off of Albert Meadow, lines typical Maine coastline: sharp and rocky, salty and unchanged through the years.
Along this path, the Balance Rock Inn sits within easy walking distance of Bar Harbor's attractions: craft shops, seafaring adventures and seafood restaurants. Set 100 yards from the public walking path near a large, seemingly precariously-balanced rock on the shoreline, the Inn, surrounded by color-dappled gardens, offers a truly old world lodging experience.