I have a confession to make: I have never been to Nantucket. How is that even possible? I grew up in New Bedford, 54.9 miles as the crow flies from Nantucket, and I still have not found my way there.

Seastreak, the high-speed passenger ferry from New Bedford, could get me to Nantucket in a jiffy. The island is accessible by both air transportation and a drive-on ferry from the Cape.

I’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard and Cuttyhunk. So why have I never been to Nantucket? Perhaps it’s time to make plans to go there.

But wait, Vogue.com tells me I should “Skip Nantucket and head to Northeast Harbor, a charming town on Maine’s Mount Desert Island” instead.

The Insider’s Guide to Nantucket might disagree.

Believe it or not, I have been to Mount Desert Island. It’s fabulous.

My wife and I recently spent a week in Bar Harbor, Maine, one of four towns on Mount Desert Island. Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, and Tremont are the other three. Northeast Harbor is a village in Mount Desert.

According to Vogue, “While other East Coast summer destinations like Nantucket and the Hamptons can fall victim to seasonal overcrowding, Mount Desert Island remains an idyllic and unbothered getaway even in August, with only the main hub of Bar Harbor – known as the gateway to Acadia National Park – receiving notable foot traffic.”

There is a small airport at Bar Harbor; otherwise, you’ll need to drive.

Driving to Bar Harbor takes about five and a half to six hours from the New Bedford area, depending on traffic, but most of it is easy driving.

I’ve never been to Nantucket, so it would be unfair for me to try to compare the two, but having spent time on Mount Desert Island, I can vouch for it as one of my favorite destinations in New England.

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Maine school students began winter break Friday, with many families heading to Bangor for the high school basketball tournament.

Visitors from across the state are extending their stays in the city and making sure to include dining and shopping. Hotels are seeing increased business during the tournament period.

The Hollywood Casino hotel is experiencing what staff describe as one of the busiest periods of the winter season.

“We’re excited. You know, we’re staffed up. We’re ready. We’re ready to welcome everyone to the property,” said Marc Guastella, vice president and general manager of Hollywood Casino Bangor. “And it’s always fantastic for business, not only here at Hollywood Casino Bangor, but also for the whole city of Bangor.”

Tournament continues through next week

Guastella said staff enjoy seeing returning families each year while also welcoming new visitors to the area.

“The excitement is definitely there. And, you know, seeing families come down, check out of their rooms, seeing their excitement, it’s truly amazing,” Guastella said. “And really just showing those people visiting the Bangor region how wonderful it is. Not only here at our hotel and casino, but also all the offerings that the wonderful city of Bangor has to offer.”

Tournament games at the Cross Insurance Center continue through next week.

Copyright 2026 WABI. All rights reserved.

Our Communities. Our Teams. Our Future.
We’re proud to make high school sports coverage free for everyone—because these moments matter. At Maine State Credit Union, we’re here for the people and places that make Maine strong. Let’s Go! Learn more at mainestatecu.org.