1. Asticou Inn
City: Northeast Harbor, ME
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (207) 276-3344 or (800) 258-33
Address: Route 3
Description: Living is good at the Asticou, a turn-of-the-20th-century inn overlooking Great Harbor in tony Northeast. The views of Mount Desert’s most famous features—ocean and mountains—are absolutely spectacular. The 48 rooms and suites spread across its main inn, cottages, and lodgesall have private baths, but they don’t make too many concessions to the times. Most are cozy and bright, with nice views and relatively straightforward furnishings that are comfortably old-fashioned. The adjacent cottages are ideal for families. Many rooms are booked long in advance by repeat visitors. Asticou is famous for its azalea gardens, so make it a point to wander through them. The inn also has clay tennis courts, a heated outdoor pool, and easy access to Acadia—trails head into the park from right across the street. Service is a hallmark, of course.
2. Northeast Harbor Golf Club
City: Northeast Harbor, ME
Category: Golf
Telephone: (207) 276-5335
Address: Sargent Dr.
Description: Much like Kebo Valley, in that it feels old and classic, Northeast Harbor Golf Club was built in 1895 on the side of Somes Sound, the only genuine fjord in the Lower 48. Duffers enjoy 18 short, hilly, woodsy holes here, with views of beautiful Mount Desert frequent companions. The course has a full pro shop, a practice green, and club and cart rental. The driving range is for members only. Make sure to wear clothes that are appropriate—no cutoffs or halters. You can tee off as early as 7 a.m., and the course is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
3. Asticou Azalea Garden
City: Northeast Harbor, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 276-3727
Address: Route 198
Description: The azaleas are the real draw here, obviously, but their springtime bloom is only one of the many reasons to visit. Others include the rhododendrons, the laurels, and the Oriental touches. Architect Charles Savage designed the gardens here, and he used many plants rescued from Beatrix Farrand’s famed Reef Point estate.
4. Japanese Garden At Yourcenar
City: Northeast Harbor, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 276-3940
Address: South Shore Rd.
Description: Better known for her books, Marguerite Yourcenar kept a garden at her Northeast Harbor home that is full of wild flowers, fruit trees, and walking paths. Yourcenar is one of the few women elected to the prestigious Academie Française, and her house-museum is open by appointment.
5. Thuya Garden
City: Northeast Harbor, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 276-3727
Address: Route 3
Description: Another garden designed by famous landscape architect Charles Savage and inspired by Beatrix Farrand, the semiformal, English-style perennial garden here is a true stunner, set against a backdrop of woods on a hill in Northeast Harbor.
6. Docksider Restaurant
City: Northeast Harbor, ME
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (207) 276-3965
Address: 14 Sea St.
Description: People rave about the lobster served at this straightforward place not far from the marina, whether it be the traditional boiled version or the lobster roll. Locals and visitors line up for it. The chowders have their fans, too, as do the crab cakes, and there are plenty of salads and burgers for those who prefer not to eat seafood.
7. Redbird Provisions Restaurant
City: Northeast Harbor, ME
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (207) 276-3006
Address: 11 Sea St.
Description: Housed in one of the town’s fancy old cottages, Redbird features the cooking talents of Chef Jesse Perrin, who did his understudy work in Boston at places like the famed Blue Ginger. Look for dishes like “Spruced Up” Breton pork loin and organic Scottish salmon, as well as items that show Italian influences. With a nice porch and outdoor garden area, rattan chairs, and ample flowers, Redbird is a treat.
8. Tan Turtle Tavern
City: Northeast Harbor, ME
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (207) 276-9898
Address: 151 Main St.
Description: A long, long menu of is the order here—some diners have likened it to a catalog—and seafood is prominent. Yeah, you’ll find steak and pasta, but what you’ll want is the ale-battered jumbo shrimp or the crunchy fish sandwich or the lobster roll. And of course, it being a tavern, you can expect to find some tasty regional microbrews on tap.