The Governor’s office has released new, less-restrictive guidance for out-of-state visitors with regard to COVID-19 restrictions:

“As of May 1, 2021, Maine no longer requires proof of a negative test or quarantine for travelers to the state. If one or more states see a spike in cases of highly contagious COVID-19 variants, Maine will apply its test or quarantine requirement to travelers to and from that state. The Maine CDC will publicly announce any such states when they are identified.”  This means that for now, we will no longer be requiring a written attestation upon check-in.  We and all of the shops and restaurants here in Bar Harbor look forward the return of a semblance of normacy following a long hiatus and await your visit!

For our many blessings, we give thanks.  Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving from Bruce, Cheryl and the Mira Monte staff.

Relax and enjoy a few days in our “Sweet Suites”, some with kitchenettes and fireplaces, for some holiday fun and getaways!  Bar Harbor is a “winter wonderland” from November through March. Most people are unaware that the Mira Monte Suites are behind the main inn and open all through the winter at reduced rates!  As a reminder, breakfast is not offered during winter months.

According to Maine’s website, leaf season won’t reach the island for a few more weeks.  We have it on good authority (our own eyes) that fall has already arrived in  spectacular fashion!  We only have a few remaining openings available for October, so this is effectively “last call for fall.”  We hope to see you soon.

The Mills Administration announced today that, effective immediately, travelers from Massachusetts are exempt from the requirement to get a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine for 14 days.   This is great news for our guests from MA- there’s still time to book in time for leaf-peeping season!

Leaf Peeping Season is almost here!  Summer is quickly drawing to a close in Acadia- there’s a new chill in the air and, though rare, a few of the trees around the park are already starting to show their fall colors.  High season for viewing typically starts the second week in October, and we’re already starting to book up at the Mira Monte.  If you’re driving to Acadia from Bangor, be sure not to ignore the sights along the highway as some of the best viewing can be found there.  The state of Maine publishes a leaf report seasonally to keep visitors up to date on the best times to visit each part of the state.  We expecct it to be up and running soon:  https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/projects/fall_foliage/report/index.shtml  We look forward to seeing you in the fall!

Acadia Bike offers a $3.00 per person discount on their already budget-friendly rates for rentals.  Acadia Bike caters to families, providing a huge selection of children’s bikes, tag-along attachments and child trailers. You can ride directly into Acadia National Park or use one of their convenient car racks; the free Island Explorer Bicycle Express shuttle is not running in 2020 due to Covid-19. And in the infrequent case of a flat tire or mechanical difficulty, Acadia has a “rescue” team on duty all day. You’ll never be stranded with Acadia Bike.

Though we have hundreds of bikes in our fleet, we often strip our racks clean, so we advise reservations. Just give us a call at 800-526-8615 and we’ll get you all set up for the dates you choose.

Our reasonable rates and expert service have made us the industry leader for more than three decades. Don’t forget to mention that you’re a guest of the Mira Monte!

The National Park Service has developed a vehicle reservation system to reduce traffic and parking congestion so visitors can plan ahead and have a more enjoyable visit to Acadia National Park. As a pilot to prepare for the 2021 season, reservations will be required for vehicles to enter the Sand Beach Entrance and Cadillac Summit Road from October 1 to 18, 2020. Vehicle reservations are available for purchase only online at Recreation.gov.   Beginning on October 1, The Sand Beach Entrance will require vehicle reservations from 7 am to 5 pm. The Cadillac Summit Road will require vehicle reservations from 4:30 am to 6:30 pm. All reservations provide a timed entry, but do not require a departure time. Reservations do not guarantee a specific parking space. If you leave the area with your vehicle, you need another reservation to re-enter. In addition to having a valid entrance pass, reservations must be purchased for $2.00 each online; reservations will not be sold at the park.  Conducting a pilot of the vehicle reservation system in October will help the park prepare a full season of vehicle reservations in 2021. The Chamber anticipates that this new program will help provide a better overall visitor experience for those coming to our area. Offering certainty to be able to visit two of the most popular destinations within the park will remove the stress of finding parking during peak visitation times.