The last storm that blew through really did a number on the trees, including these in Glen Mary Park down the street from us.  Thankfully, the inn came through unscathed!

It’s an old New England tradition that we just made up! Our parmesan crusted haddock breakfast has become a real hit. Shown here with sauteed spinach, scrambled eggs and lemon caper butter.

Avocado Toast with Bacon, Arugula, Tri-Color Tomatoes Vinaigrette and Basil Chiffonade.

Mt Desert Island’s popular shuttle bus, the Island Explorer, is back for the season! After running on a limited schedule last year, operations are now back in full swing. Most routes begin at the Village Green, just a short walk from the Mira Monte. The Explorer offers visitors the opportunity to stop at the most popular attractions in Acadia and Mt Desert Island without having to battle the island’s notorious summer traffic. For more information on the shuttle and schedules, click the following link: Island Explorer Shuttle

These little guys look innocent enough, maybe even cute in a caterpillar kind of way. You might even be tempted to pick one up and let it crawl around a bit. Be forewarned that if you do it will likely mean the beginning of weeks of misery. This is the caterpillar of the brown tail moth, an invasive species commonly seen in Maine in the spring and summer. In addition to devouring the leaves of local deciduous trees, the thing that makes these caterpillars so troublesome is that their hairs are filled with a toxin that can cause severe itching and pain similar to that of a poison ivy rash. The hairs can also become airborne and drop from trees onto unsuspecting travelers. Breathing the hairs can cause respiratory distress and require medical attention. Over the counter remedies such as hydrocortisone, diphenhydramine, and lidocaine offer some relief, but there is no cure for the caterpillar toxin and prevention is the best way to avoid the dreaded itch. Stay clear of the caterpillars and their nests which take the form of a tangled, tent-like web woven between the branches of trees and shrubs. Thankfully, caterpillar encounters and severe reactions to the caterpillar toxin are relatively rare and shouldn’t dissuade anyone from visiting Acadia this season. Due caution will help to ensure that your visit remains pleasant and itch-free.

We’ve noticed an alarming trend among Bar Harbor’s Bed and Breakfasts over the past year.  Many independent inns have been bought out by large hotel companies and have closed their kitchens and eliminated breakfast service completely.  We understand why they’ve done this; it’s a whole lot less expensive for them and it makes their businesses much easier to run.  We think that’s just wrong. At the Mira Monte we still believe in providing the home-style hospitality that you’ve come to expect from a B&B. Instead of taking breakfast away, we’re investing in a brand-new professional kitchen so that we can bring you an even better breakfast experience during the coming seasons.  Our breakfasts are hot, upscale and served at the table.  From time to time, we’ll update  you on our progress here in our blog- stay tuned!