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To get your vacation planning started we've put together a list of some of our favorite places to eat, shop and play. Click on the images to find out more. But really, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Look out for the items below that have asterisks. You can RSVP to join us at those locations in the days following our festivities. We'll use the RSVPs to see if we can get reservations and/or group rates.
 PLAYWhale Watching Bar Harbor Keep your fingers crossed for sunshine because we definitely want to head out on the ocean and look for whales! Pack some layers in your suitcase - it gets seriously cold out there, even in July. ** Join us on Monday, July 27 for a whale watching tour. We will use the RSVPs to get our reservation and a group rate. There are both daytime and sunset tours. Rain plan TBD. |  SHOPThe Naturalist's Notebook Seal Harbor In their own words The Naturalist's Notebook is "a unique exploratorium" that "merges nature, science, arts and the frontier of knowledge in interactive installations and projects that are fun and accessible for all ages." |  EATThe Jordan Pond House Acadia National Park The Jordan Pond House is the only restaurant in Acadia National Park. Known for tea and popovers on the lawn, this one is can't miss! ** Join us on Tuesday, July 28 for a meal, a hike and more. Go to the RSVP page to add yourself so we know who to expect. Rain or shine. |
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 PLAYAcadia Repertory Theatre Somesville Emma spent three summers performing at Acadia Rep and for those in the Minneapolis theater scene, you'll find familiar faces running this place! Families can even enjoy a children's show two mornings a week. And if nothing else, Somesville is worth driving through for picture-perfect views. |  PLAYDeer Isle - Stonington Deer Isle If you're looking for a day trip to get away from the tourists on MDI here's the spot. There are 8 lighthouses, tons of art galleries and great restaurants. Not to mention the picturesque harbors! And if you like coffee, check out 44 North, which was recently mentioned in the NY Times. ** Join us on Wednesday, July 29 for a day in Deer Isle - Stonington. |  EATBarncastle Blue Hill We will be serving wood-fired pizza from Barncastle at our Welcome Party. If you can't get enough, check out the restaurant in Blue Hill. It's so cozy and comfortable you won't want to leave. |
 SHOPGrasshopper Shop Ellsworth Emma grew up browsing this store and smelling every single soap and candle available. From toys to home goods, clothing to gifts, you will probably be able to find it here. Pick up those souvenirs and presents for everyone back home! |  PLAYCadillac Mountain Acadia National Park Cadillac is the highest peak in the park and provides some spectacular views. We recommend driving to the top instead of hiking. And if you're an early riser, the sunrise is really cool. ** Join us on Monday, July 27 for a day around Bar Harbor & Northeast Harbor, including a drive up to the Cadillac summit. Check the RSVP page to join in. Rainy day alternative TBD. |  EATLompoc Bar Harbor Enjoy some bocce out on the patio with a burger and a beer! |
 SHOPBlue Hill Books Blue Hill This independently owned bookstore is like a second home for the Gochberg clan. The maid of honor even worked here! Pick up a copy of "Blueberries for Sal" for your children's book collection and then head down the road to check out the featured mountain. And while you're there, look for the Blue Hill County Fairgrounds - the inspiration for Charlotte's Web! |  PLAYAcadia National Park For many of you, visiting Acadia is probably top of your list of things to do. The park pass is really reasonable and will give you access to all areas of the park, like Thunder Hole, pictured above. ** Join us on Tuesday, July 28 for a day in the park which will include exploring places like Thunder Hole and a hike, along with a meal at the Jordan Pond House. Go to the RSVP page to sign up for all or some of the day's activities. Rainy day activities TBD. |  EATUnion River Lobster Pot Ellsworth If you don't get your fill of lobster at the reception you can check out this Gochberg family favorite. |
 PLAYHiking Acadia National Park Some of our favorite trails include Ocean Path (easy), Bubble Rock (moderate), the Precipice (hard), and the Beehive (hard). Cadillac Mountain is also a must-see, but we prefer to drive to the summit and save our hiking for some of the other trails. ** Join us for a day in the park on Tuesday, July 28. We'll pick a trail as we get closer to the date. Rainy day alternative TBD. |  PLAYAsticou & Thuya Gardens Northeast Harbor Northeast Harbor is home to two magical gardens. Years ago Emma hiked along a trail leading to Thuya Garden and guarding the gate sat a rabbit munching on a carrot. It was straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Magic. ** Join us on Monday, July 27 for a day around Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor, including the gardens. If we run out of time this activity may be moved to Tuesday, July 28. Rainy day alternative TBD |  EATThe Flour Shop Surry We love to support small businesses and shopping local! That's why our wedding cake is from The Flour Shop, located right in the heart of Surry. Stop in Wednesdays through Saturdays for pastries and coffee. |
 PLAYBiking Acadia National Park Taking a bike along the Carriage Trails in Acadia is a really beautiful way to take in the heart of the park. Bikes can be rented at a few different locations. |  EATRupununi's Bar Harbor Emma enjoyed many a cast party at Rupununi's after opening shows at Acadia Rep. They are a great late night or lunch option. |  PLAYPirate's Cove Bar Harbor Pirate's Cove is like the creme de la creme of mini-golf: three course options that are fun for everyone. |
 EATThe Cellar Ellsworth This is a new place that we are looking forward to checking our ourselves. Looks like they have a no cell phone policy so your Instagram feed will be food porn free for one meal at least! |  SHOPRooster Brother Ellsworth Go in just for the amazing coffee aroma alone. But stick around to browse the chocolate, cookware and yes, coffee. They were recently featured in the NY Times too! |  PLAYThe Oceanarium Bar Harbor Fun for kids! You'll see lobsters in all stages of growth and there's even a discovery pool where kids can touch and hold local sea life. |
 EATArborvine Blue Hill Arborvine is a great option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. But they also have a more casual brew pub located right next door. |  SHOPBen & Bill's Chocolate Emporium Bar Harbor Fudge, saltwater taffy, maple sugar candy, chocolates and ice cream. 'Nuff said. |  EATThe Crocker House Hancock We have the Carriage House reserved for any larger group that is interested in staying at this awesome B&B. The food here is worth a visit as well if you don't mind a bit of a drive. |
 EATMDI Ice Cream Bar Harbor What's better than ice cream in the summer? Check out Mount Desert Island Ice Cream for some unique flavors. |  EATCafe This Way Bar Harbor We recommend this joint for a good, hearty breakfast before heading out on your hike or bike ride in the park. |  SHOPCool As A Moose Bar Harbor Classic, slightly cheesy gift shop. But chances are you will run into someone in Germany wearing the same Cool as a Moose tie-dye tee. It's just that cool. ** On our day in Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor we will try to fit in some shopping before or after lunch. |
 EATGeddy's Bar Harbor A classic Bar Harbor landmark with yet more lobster if you can't get enough. |  EATThe Riverside Cafe Ellsworth Open for breakfast and lunch, this is a great place to stop while checking out Ellsworth or heading out to sight-see. |
Images 3, 6, 7, 13, 14, and 17 are from acadiamagic.com, another great resource for your travels.
Images 8, 9, 20, 24, 26 and 27 are from tripadvisor.com.
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