Azalea Garden

“I've known Ed for thirty five years. He was a character then, and that hasn't changed. This is a way to get both a boat ride and a marine biology experience in one day. A high point for all of the children in our lives!”

“Best fine-dining on the quiet side. Food and atmosphere are both worth paying a little extra. The duck is amazing! Open Wednesday through Sunday for dine-in and limited take-out, lunch and dinner. New outdoor seating we have not yet experienced but looks lovely, as well as inside seating. Requires a face covering upon entry and exit. Recommend a reservation.”

“Thuya Garden is a gorgeous flowering garden located on a granite hillside overlooking Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine. It was originally designed and built in 1956 - 1961 by Charles K. Savage, a long-time resident of Northeast Harbor, along with financial support from John D. Rockefeller. The garden exhibits an English style influence with special input from Beatrix Farrand so that it will incorporate the unique character of the Maine coast. A variety of annuals and perennials line the two long sides of the garden. An open observation pavilion sits at the top of a slight incline on the north end overlooking the main garden that cascades down to a shallow reflecting pool below. Thuya Lodge was constructed from 1912 - 1916 by summer resident Joseph H. Curtis, its owner and Boston based landscape architect. The garden was constructed in an orchard also owned by Curtis. A memorial in his honor is located part way up the Asticou Terrace Trail. Thuya got its name from the abundance of white cedar (Thuya Occidentalis) located in the area.”

“Rent mountain bikes for the Carriage Trails (dirt roads through the park with no cars allowed) on the Bar Harbor side. Also biking Sargent Drive across Somes Sound has great views. Longer rides around the Park Loop Road or up Cadillac Mountain.”