We’d Love to See You… but not just yet! Reservations accepted for May-Oct

Mira Monte Exterior Given the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 crisis, the Town of Bar Harbor has made the difficult decision to keep all hotels, inns, restaurants and shops closed through April 30. The town debated this course of action for several hours, but in the end determined that it was a necessary step in protecting our visitors and our citizens. We support this decision. Our reservation system remains open for dates after April, and we have taken the step of relaxing our cancellation policy should you need to change your plans due to COVID-19. All of us at the Mira Monte wish you continued safety and health during this extraordinary time. We are looking forward to seeing you after the crisis has lifted! -Bruce and Cheryl

Acadia Postpones Park Reservation Plans

Acadia Park

By now, you may have heard that the National Park Service will implementing a “timed reservation system” for many of the popular attractions in Acadia National Park, including Cadillac Peak, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach and Eagle Lake. Though originally envisioned to begin in summer of this year, the Park Service has announced that reservations will not be needed through the spring and summer seasons of 2020. A trial system will be tested in the fall, with roll out throughout the park scheduled to begin in the 2021 season. For the time being, you needn’t worry about reserving your place in line or paying additional reservation fees. Of course, we always encourage guests to use the island’s free shuttle service during the summer in order to minimize congestion on the roads. Shuttles meet at the village green, within easy walking distance from the Mira Monte.

Garden Renovation to Begin

Lilac

The expansive, impeccably-landscaped grounds of the Mira Monte were once the crown jewel of the property. Over the years, they have been featured on HGTV and in numerous travel publications from coast to coast. Though the garden’s spring blooms remain beautiful, their beauty belies a pressing need for renovation. The award-winning firm of Burdick and Associates has been selected to create a comprehensive “master plan” for the restoration and renovation of Mira Monte’s grounds. Burdick specializes in landscapes that create a harmonious balance between human and natural elements that draw upon the native beauty of Maine. While newly-planted areas will focus upon local flora, the 2 formal gardens of the estate will continue to retain their historic character. It is our hope that the grounds will provide a place of beauty and respite for our guests for many years to come!

2 Rooms to Receive a Bold New Look for 2020

We are happy to announce that we have contracted Wallace Interiors of Trenton, a leading area design firm, to perform a makeover of 2 of our guest rooms at the Mira Monte. In this pilot project, the North Suite and the Newport room will be re-imagined to feature a bright, refreshed “contemporary Victorian” look. Under the plan, care will be taken to preserve the historic elements of each room, including the many fine Eastlake-style antique furniture pieces in each. We will post updates as work progresses!

Special Winter Rates!

Bar Harbor in the winter is a wondrous sight to behold! The advent of snow season promises to turn our seaside town into a winter wonderland; perfect for snow play and cross-country skiing in Acadia National Park. The Mira Monte currently has a limited number of rooms and suites available at very low off-season rates! Book your stay now through March and use promotional code WINTER2020 to receive an additional 20% off! Reservations at this special rate are only available through the Mira Monte website. Click “Check Availability” at the upper right corner of this page, then click the “+” next to “Special Rates” to enter the promotional code. Please note that breakfast and daily housekeeping are not offered during the winter. A number of restaurants and shops in town are open for your dining and buying pleasure. Check weather conditions before booking.

Valid on Monday, January 13, 2020 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Restoration Update

The Mira Monte is full of charm, character and history but caring for this 150-year-old structure can be a daunting task. To us, it’s a labor of love. Time, sub-zero temperatures, snow and our fearsome nor’easters exact a very heavy toll on old wood. We perform regular maintenance at the end of each season to address potential problem areas. The winter season affords us some valuable time to devote to the ongoing renovation of the inn- even when the temperature outside is in single digits and snow blankets the ground. Below, our staff removes a section of damaged sheathing and installs new insulation, wrap and clapboard.

Remembering Ash Cottage

This plaque, to be displayed near the entry, recognizes the Mira Monte inn as the former home of Orlando Ash, an early Bar Harbor entrepreneur and developer who built the Mira Monte and many of the surrounding historic homes. Ash’s holdings were once said to extend from Cadillac Mountain to the sea. Although there have been some competing claims regarding the precise age of the building, the inn is widely recognized as one of the oldest homes in town, as well as one of Bar Harbor’s first B&Bs.

Mira Monte Receives TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence!

We’re proud to have been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in our first year as new owners! A BIG THANK YOU to all our guests for making this possible. We won’t forget that your’e the reason for our success!

Mira Monte Featured in Mainebiz

Mira Monte Exterior

We’re very proud to have been featured in Mainbiz, Maine’s premiere business magazine! Read all about it here: https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/from-california-to-maine-buyers-take-over-one-of-bar-harbors-first-bbs

Hiking Guide- Flying Mountain

At just over 280′, Flying Mountain is more of a rocky outcropping than a true mountain, even by Acadia’s standards. It was named by the native Abenaki, who thought that the hillock appeared to be leaping or flying from the surrounding mountainsides. Despite it’s modest height, the short 1.5 mile hike to the summit offers truly beautiful vistas that make the trip worthwhile. The trail is a moderately steep scramble over cobbles and tree roots, interspersed with a series of graded steps. For this reason, it is not suited to those with mobility issues, though hikers of average fitness should find the climb relatively easy due to it’s short length. The hike is a favorite among kids, but be forewarned that the few rugged areas and drop-offs do require some level of parental diligence. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with serene views of Sommes Sound and the Cranberry Isles beyond. There is a normally a very pleasant side trip that can be added to nearby Valley Cove, but the trail was sadly closed for maintenance during our visit. Directions: From the Mira Monte Inn, take Mt Desert St (Eagle Lake Road) west to hwy 102. Turn left on 102 toward Southwest Harbor. In about 5.4 miles, turn left of Fernald Pt Road. In about .75 miles, the trailhead will be on the left.