If you visit Mount Desert Island, Maine, be sure to take in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. But you should also treat yourself to a day or two on the “quiet side” of the island.

If you feel like getting out on the water, hop aboard the RL Gott. Captains Kim and Eli Strauss offer this description of the community:

Tucked in to the “quiet” southwestern side of Mount Desert Island, Bass Harbor recalls the rustic feel of a classic New England fishing village. When the government established a Post Office nearby in the early 1900’s, the village still had not officially been named. Federal officials asked the locals for suggestions, only to hear the reply, “You can name it after the President for all we care!” Thus, the village was officially called “McKinley” from that day forward – until it was changed back to Bass Harbor by petition in 1961.

Today, Bass Harbor remains one of Maine’s most lucrative lobster ports and an icon of its rich historic and cultural traditions. Lobster traps, winding roads, and antique buildings offset the majestic scenery of the harbor and offshore islands. Just 35 minutes from Bar Harbor, Bass Harbor offers a secluded and comfortable way to experience coastal Maine on the less traveled side of the island. The village is part of the Hancock County municipality of Tremont (along with the village of Bernard right across the harbor).

2 Responses

  • Dave, I always forget you are a Mainer. Maine has a lot of fund memories for me. My mother speaks even more fondly (she’s from upstate NY). She spent many summers in the 40s and 50s in the Saco/Biddeford area and recalls when porpoises washed ashore. She also recalls that they had a summer cottage destroyed by the fire in the same area. I have been down east many times, but my last visit in 2013 was just limited to OOB and the Portland/kennebunk area. On my bucket list is “BikeMaine” which takes place around labor day.
    My yearly Christmas present always includes two boxes of chocolate from Ogunquit.

    I assume given your surname you are of French Canadian descent. Apparently some of my descents came overland from Maine to Quebec, then Indiana, then NY.

    BTW, speaking of names, before I married Kris, I was a Morgan! (My great grandfather was from Glamorgan Wales and also Pembrokeshire).

    • Good to hear from you, Caitln. I am indeed a Mainer of the Franco Canadian variety. I spent many a summer weekend in Old Orchard Beach, frolicking on the carnival rides and eating french fries with salt and vinegar on the pier. Thanks for sharing your Maine connections, and your comments. My best to Kris!

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