Connect with us

Maine

The gorgeous Maine coastal enclave named America’s best small town

Published

on

The gorgeous Maine coastal enclave named America’s best small town


A charming coastal community in Maine has been named America’s best small town.

Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor was listed number one on US News & World Report’s Best Small Towns to Visit for 2025 list.

The New England town with a population of just over 5,200 people is known for its scenic views, crystal blue waters, fresh seafood and rich history.

Bar Harbor’s main attraction has always been the Acadia National Park – the 47,000 acres of woodlands, beaches and mountains neighboring the area.

Advertisement

Notably, the park’s Cadillac mountain offers enchanting trails and a clear view of the town and the Cranberry Islands.  

There are various tide pools to explore and the park is the perfect place to hike, kayak or bike, as highlighted in US News & World Report’s review. 

Visitors to the popular site may spot moose, bears, whales and seabirds. It is one of the top 10 most frequented national parks in the country, according to National Park Maine (NPS).

The coveted site was first established in 1916 as the Sieur de Monts monument. Three years later, its name was changed to Lafayette National Park. It landed on its current name in 1929. 

Advertisement

Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island, has a population of just over 5,200 people 

The charming town has a main strip full of stores, galleries and bars that are sure to wow tourists

The charming town has a main strip full of stores, galleries and bars that are sure to wow tourists

Bar Harbor is known for is known for its scenic views, crystal blue waters, fresh seafood and rich history

Bar Harbor is known for is known for its scenic views, crystal blue waters, fresh seafood and rich history

Sand Beach, Bar Harbor’s most popular beach, is located just outside of the Acadia National Park.  

The beach town’s main strip is lined with quaint shops, bars, restaurants and art galleries. 

Advertisement

After spending the day exploring the breathtaking landscapes and beaches, visitors have plenty of nightlife options to keep the good times going.  

Trip Advisor ranked traveler’s favorite places to spend their evenings in Bar Harbor. The best nighttime establishment, according to the travel website, is comedy club ImprovAcadia. 

The Thirsty Whale Tavern – known for its wide selection of beers, its clam chowder and lobster roll – and Leary’s Landing Irish Pub, praised for its seafood and service, are other must-visit locations.

US News & World Report recommended that tourists stay in one of the small town’s adorable boutique hotels – all of which have a comforting and homey feel to them.

The travel ranking magazine listed the Balance Rock Inn as the best Bed & Breakfast in Bar Harbor. 

Advertisement

Its description reads: ‘The Balance Rock Inn previously served as a family summer cottage back in the early 1900s. And when you take a look at your room, you may feel as though you’ve traveled back in time.’ 

The second and third best places to stay are Bass Cottage & Ullikana Inn and Coach Stop Inn. 

Bar Harbor was founded during the 18th century and quickly became a popular summer get-away spot

Bar Harbor was founded during the 18th century and quickly became a popular summer get-away spot 

Arcadia National Park offers stunning views of the town and the clear waters

Arcadia National Park offers stunning views of the town and the clear waters

Sand Beach, located outside of Arcadia National Park, is the town's most popular beach

Sand Beach, located outside of Arcadia National Park, is the town’s most popular beach 

Advertisement

Bar Harbor was established by Samuel Adams in 1796 as the Town of Eden, according to the area’s historical society. Its name was change to its current one in 1918.

Before it became a popular summer resort, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Native American tribes lived on the island year-round. 

Bar Harbor started receiving more attention after 1850s painters including Frederic E. Church, Thomas Cole and William Hart started depicting the gorgeous town in their artwork. 

The ‘land boom’ caused by increased interest from tourists resulted in hotels and ‘grand’ cottages popping up throughout the town through the 1880s, according to the Bar Harbor Historical Society. 

Joseph Pulitzer, the politician and publisher the Pulitzer Prize is named after, and prominent businessman George Vanderbilt were among those who visited during that time.

Advertisement

In 1947, a devastating fire ravaged the town, burning more than 10,000 acres of the Acadia National Park and causing about $23 million in damage. 

Most of the permanent residents rebuilt their homes, but most of the cottages were not repaired. 

Today, the areas economy is based in tourism, boating and fishing – allowing for easy access to fresh seafood, especially lobster, for people to enjoy. 

Telluride, Colorado was ranked the second-best small town to visit for its beautiful mountain views

Telluride, Colorado was ranked the second-best small town to visit for its beautiful mountain views

Jackson Hole, Wyoming was ranked the third-best place to visit and is known for skiing

Jackson Hole, Wyoming was ranked the third-best place to visit and is known for skiing 

Advertisement

In 2022, Acadia National Park contributed $479 million to the local economy, according to the NPS. 

Other stand-out locations on US News & World Report’s small town list include two tucked-away treasures in Colorado and Wyoming. 

Telluride, Colorado, was ranked the second-best small town to visit for its ‘captivating scenery and delightful Mountain Village.’

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the third best place to visit, according to the list of 25 towns. 

Best known for its skiing and ‘cozy lodging’ options, Jackson Hole receives more than 400 inches of annual snowfall. 

Advertisement



Source link

Maine

Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition

Published

on

Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition


For a lot of people throughout Maine, there’s some built up frustration that they’ve just been keeping inside.

That frustration can come in a lot of different forms. From finances to relationships to the world around you.

So it makes plenty of sense that a rage room opened in Portland, Maine, where people can let some of that frustration out.

It’s called Mayhem and people have been piling in to smash, crush and do dastardly things to inanimate objects that had no idea what was coming.

Advertisement

But Mayhem has realized not everyone is down with swinging a sledgehammer. So they’ve decided to cook up something new.

Mayhem Creating ‘Scream Room’ at Their Space in Portland, Maine

Perhaps the thought of swinging a baseball bat and destroying a glass vase brings you joy. The thought of how sore your body will be after that moment makes you less excited.

Mayhem Portland has heard you loud and clear and is developing a new way to get the rage out. By just screaming.

Mayhem is working on opening their very first scream room. It’s exactly what you think it is, a safe place to spend some time just screaming all of the frustration out.

There isn’t an official opening date set yet but it’s coming soon along with pricing.

Advertisement

Mayhem in Portland, Maine, Will Still Offer Rage Rooms and Paint Splatter

While a scream room is on the way, you can still experience a good time at Mayhem with one of their rage rooms or a paint splatter room.

Both can be experienced in either 20-minute or 30-minute sessions.

All the details including some age and attire requirements can be found here.

TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Things to do in Portland, Maine

Looking for fun things to do in Portland, ME? Here is what the reviewers on TripAdvisor say are the 10 best attractions.

This list was updated in March of 2026

Advertisement

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Top 15 of The Most Powerful People in Maine

Ever wonder who the most powerful players are in Maine? I’ve got a list!

Gallery Credit: Getty Images





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

on

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money


BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

Advertisement

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

on

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak


Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

Advertisement

Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

Advertisement

Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

Advertisement

And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending