Ellsworth: The Heart of the Maine Coast

We’re here because we love Ellsworth. The kids grew up walking to the town library, listening to live music in the Waterfront Park, and day tripping to the sand beaches of Acadia or the art studios of Southwest Harbor. Ellsworth is perfectly located near to, but out of the hustle of Bar Harbor and the Island. A quick 30 minutes to Bangor International Airport keeps everyone well connected.

There is a local microbrewery mere steps from the BNB, and everything on Main street from a classic English Pub (Chris’ favorite) to a social house, a theatre, shopping, and countless other bars and restaurants. We’re a short, few minute drive from large grocery stores or even the county Wal Mart. The regional hospital is just a few minutes away - though we hope you won’t need it!

Below are some of our favorite ways to explore the area, though there are too many to list here. We have a comprehensive list of things to do in our House Binder, plus our decades of living in the neighborhood. Ask it - odds are, we know it.

Our Favorite Things to Do:

  • Hiking

    Acadia has beautiful, easy ocean hikes next to daunting treks up Cadillac. Or, stay close to home with woods walks in Ellsworth at Birdsacre or the Woodlawn museum. For the latest guidebooks and maps, visit Cadillac Mountain Sports, a 5 minute walk from the BNB.

    The area is a paradise, waiting to be explored on two feet.

  • Whale Watching & Nature Cruises

    As kids, the family went on a whale watch at least once a summer. There’s no better way to see the majestic nature that the Maine Atlantic has to offer than from the deck of a boat, miles off the coast. We recommend calling Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co for more information.

  • Downtown Ellsworth

    If the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor wears on you, take a rest day to explore Ellsworth. Leave the car parked at the BNB and walk to our historic downtown on the Union River. Shop at the cute boutiques, get a lobster meal at the Union River Lobster pot - or our favorite, Indian food at Serendib. Catch a movie or live show at the Grand theatre, or see live music on the steps of City Hall. Visit the Heart of Ellsworth page to learn about the latest schedule of events and a full list of shops and restaurants.

  • Rock Climbing

    For the adventure seekers, climbing in Maine is a quiet, hidden gem. For beginners and experts alike, the climbing in Maine is uncrowded and wonderful. Visit our friends at the Atlantic Climbing School for more.

  • Downeast Scenic Rail Tour

    The Downeast Scenic Railroad offers a wonderful 12-mile round-trip train ride from Hancock, Maine, through Ellsworth Falls, and across the Union River Bridge on the former Maine Central Railroad. The beautifully restored passenger train, with vintage locomotives and coaches, staffed by our all-volunteer crew, is the first passenger train to run on these tracks since 1960. For tickets and details, visit the Downeast Scenic Railroad website.

  • Mini Golf at Pirate's Cove

    This is our family favorite! Birthdays and other special occasions were celebrated, and often ended in fights on the course! This picture is actually from one of our family outings. Is it a chain? Yes, but for our area it’s a classic mini golf experience that is simply too classic to miss. Visit Pirate’s Cove for more info.

  • Candle Pin Bowling

    A perfect rain day/rest day activity! Enjoy the nostalgia of this Candlepin Bowling Alley with the world's oldest known candlepin pinsetter machines still in use. This alley is the site of countless childhood field trips. Currently the bowling alley is reservation only, see Ellsworth Bowling for more.