When exploring National Parks, embracing patience becomes part of the adventure. This truth especially resonated with us during our visit to Acadia National Park. Whether in the United States or Canada, these natural wonders never fail to captivate my heart. Returning to Maine in the vibrant fall season, I couldn’t contain my excitement to finally set foot in Acadia, a long-standing dream of mine. As we ventured through the park in early October, our amazement grew as we unexpectedly spotted two majestic cruise ships gracing the port on October 2nd. While this influx of visitors added to the lively atmosphere, it also reminded us to always be mindful of cruise ship schedules when exploring coastal destinations—an invaluable lesson from a past foray in Croatia with dear Nancy.
We loved our time at Acadia and only explored a small portion of the park.
Embracing the Magic of National Parks
A few years back, I discovered the National Park Passport Book and it completely changed the way I travel! I absolutely love hunting for stamps and discovering new parks to visit. The stickers and annual stamp sheets add an extra layer of excitement to my adventures. Plus, the individual stickers for each park are such a wonderful way to commemorate my visits if they don’t have the full sheet.
Cadillac Mountain
When we visited Cadillac Mountain, reservations were required to visit. We made reservations for the morning. The “hot” tickets for the mountain are sunrise ones and I can see why. It would be amazing to visit at sunrise. The experience of witnessing the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain would be unparalleled. The tranquility and beauty of the surroundings as the first light breaks over the mountaintop is a sight that would leave a lasting impression. Those fortunate enough to secure sunrise tickets are treated to a unique and unforgettable experience that makes the visit to Cadillac Mountain truly special. This is the first sunrise in the continental United States.
Jordan Pond
After experiencing the beauty of Cadillac Mountain, we made our way to Jordan Pond. The atmosphere was buzzing with activity, and we managed to secure a parking spot just to use the restrooms. I had hoped to grab a quick bite to eat, but the queue seemed never-ending. If you have your heart set on sampling the famous popovers at the Jordan Pond House, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. The outdoor surroundings are absolutely stunning, but do be mindful of the busy bee population. My adventure was somewhat limited to a brief walk to the restroom, during which I managed to capture some lovely snapshots of the area.
Seal Harbor Beach
After our stop at Jordan Pond, we made our way to the Seal Harbor Beach area to plan the rest of our day. We were delighted to have brought along our own lunch, which we enjoyed before deciding to explore outside the park. Consulting the map, we set off along the coast to Northeast Harbor, where we had a wonderful experience at the visitor center, receiving valuable advice on how to enjoy the beauty of the area away from the crowds.
Seawall Picnic Area
It seems that many visitors tend to gravitate towards the well-known attractions in Acadia. However, one hidden gem that captured our hearts and offered breathtaking vistas was the Seawall Picnic area. Here, we found a tranquil spot where we could have witnessed the splendid sunset, where others had also gathered to marvel at the spectacle.
Frazer Point Picnic Area
We kicked off our second day at Acadia with a delightful visit to Winter Haven, ME, located near the entrance to the Schoodic Peninsula area. Indulging in scrumptious lobster rolls, we stumbled upon the enchanting Frazer Point Picnic Area, boasting breathtaking views that made our lunch an absolute joy!
Schoodic Peninsula Drive
When delving into my Acadia research, I came across numerous blogs and YouTube videos underscoring the unmissable allure of the Schoodic Peninsula. A breathtaking 6-mile road offered us the perfect avenue for exploring this pristine landscape, and it swiftly became the highlight of our Acadia journey.
Schoodic Institute
At the conclusion of our journey lies the Schoodic Institute, offering more opportunities to add stamps to your National Parks Passport Book. This is where we were introduced to the wonders of blueberry ice cream, and I wished for more time to fully delve into the environment studies and the evolving landscape.
Travel With Laughter 