Mira Monte’s “Almost” President

Each year we continue to discover new details that add to the rich history of the Mira Monte. New research by Bar Harbor Historian Brian Armstrong has revealed that the inn was the summer home of one of the preeminent politicians of the gilded age, James G Blaine, during the presidential campaign of 1884 . Though little discussed today outside academic circles, he was a household name to his contemporaries. Nicknamed “the plumed knight” Blaine held numerous public offices throughout his long and storied career including speaker of the house, United States senator and US secretary of state. A perennial presidential favorite, Blaine eventually secured the Republican nomination in 1884, the very year that he signed the lease for the Mira Monte. The accompanying newspaper illustration from this period depicts Blaine enjoying a leisurely buckboard ride. Amid the convivial chitchat of his companions, Blaine appears resolute, as if in contemplation of the impending battle. The inset captioned “Blaine’s Cottage” shows Mira Monte as it appeared in Blaine’s time; the profile of the house with it’s distinctive stacked bay windows and turret-like dormer easily recognizable despite the passage of time. Ultimately, the object of Blaine’s greatest aspiration was not to be his; following a bitter and scandal plagued campaign, Blaine lost the election to Grover Cleveland by a mere one quarter of one percent of the popular vote.

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

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!