An easy 20-min drive south from the house lies world famous Acadia National Park. Filled with incredible hiking trails, spectacular views, sandy beaches, lighthouses, fishing, whale watching, and much more. Absolutely a must-see while staying at the Jarvis Homestead. More in-depth info available in guide.

You’re likely planning your trip around seeing Acadia National Park, so Bar Harbor is worth a visit. Amazing harbor views, a quaint downtown, seafood, restaurants, museums, shopping, and tours, Bar Harbor has it all. It is truly one of the most beautiful towns in America.

Note: Bar Harbor can be extremely busy and congested during high season, with long waits and high prices.

Maine’s best kept secret, Baxter State Park is 1.5 hours north of Ellsworth and is filled with sheer, undeveloped wilderness and stunning views in every direction. 50 different hiking trails, fishing, and amazing wildlife makes it one of the best and underrated outdoor destinations in the Northeast. More detailed info in guide provided.

Located a 1 hour drive south from the house, Camden is consistently ranked as one of the best small towns in America. It is the quintessential Maine coastal town, offering gorgeous ocean views, sandy beaches, scenic hiking, an adorable downtown, and fall colors. Exploring Camden is absolutely worth the day trip from Ellsworth.

Also located 1 hour south near Camden, Rockland is another quaint, can't miss coastal town for seafood lovers. Filled with museums. lighthouses, and coastal walks. check out downtown Rockland, the Breakwater Lighthouse, and Sandy Beach for a picturesque Maine day.

Located 30 mins east of the house, in the more untouched and secluded area of Acadia National Park, Schoodic Point and the fishing village of Winter Harbor provide acres of stunning coastline cliffs, and is the perfect place to get lost while hiking, biking, and kayaking. Also check out downtown Winter Harbor for shopping, art, and seafood.

The quick 40-min drive southwest to Castine will allow you to explore one of the oldest and prettiest communities in Maine. Hundreds of historic houses line the streets of Castine, along with beautiful views of the harbor in every direction. Check out Dyce Head Lighthouse, Backshore Beach, and Fort George State Park.

Located 30 mins west of the house along the Penobscot River, and once named USA Today’s #1 Seaside Small Town, is Bucksport, Maine. Known for its beautiful Waterfront Walkway and gorgeous views of the Penobscot River. Check out the impressive Penobscot Narrows Bridge from Verona Island, visit the history of Fort Knox, go antiquing downtown, and check out one of the breweries in the area.

Located 45 mins west, Belfast is another picturesque and popular coastal town steeped in historical buildings and homes, theatre and arts, and of course delicious seafood. Take a stroll downtown and visit one of its many quaint shops, enjoy ocean views from the Belfast City Park and Harborwalk, and try the sport of curling at the Belfast Curling Club. Also check out Moose Point State Park for more rocky ocean views.

The heart of famous Deer Isle, the town of Stonington is 50 mins from Ellsworth and is absolutely worth the trip. It is best described as a town linked by bridges and built with stones and lobsters due to its rich fishing and stoning industries. Stonington is famous for its massive lobster fleet of more than 300 boats, outdoorsy activities, and quaint small-town Maine feel.

30 mins north of the Jarvis Homestead lies Bangor, the third largest city in the state. Located on the Penobscot River and once a large lumber hub, Bangor has the biggest airport in the region and is full of museums, food, parks and iconic landmarks. Take a tour of the famous horror author Stephen King’s 1858 house, see Paul Bunyan’s statue, and visit the University of Maine’s beautiful campus and watch a D-1 sports game (Go Black Bears).

Downeast Maine offers hikers an array of breathtaking trails, from the granite peaks and ocean vistas of Acadia National Park to the wild paths along the Bold Coast. Beyond Acadia, adventurers can explore lesser-known gems like Cutler Coast and Great Wass Island Preserve, showcasing Maine's untamed beauty from rocky shores to blueberry barrens.

This area of Maine has a plethora of pristine and beautiful lakes and ponds in every direction. Rent a kayak, go swimming, and walk along one of the many uncrowded lake trails in the area. There are a few recreational lakes in the area to take the boat out, and there is also great lake fishing in Green Lake and Branch Lake near the house.

Although most don’t think of skiing when they think of Maine, Vacationland’s slopes may surprise you. Experience the charm of Downeast Maine's winter wonderland, where panoramic views of snow-dusted landscapes await. For a truly magical adventure, glide through silent, snow-covered forests on cross-country skis, discovering hidden coastal vistas and experiencing the raw beauty of Maine's winter wilderness.

Downeast Maine surprises visitors with its abundance of stunning beaches, from Acadia's iconic Sand Beach to hidden gems like Jasper Beach and Roque Bluffs. With countless sandy coves, pebble shores, and dramatic rocky coastlines, beach enthusiasts can explore these diverse seaside treasures, each offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and Maine's rugged coastal character.

Discover Downeast Maine's iconic lighthouses, from the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Light to Acadia's cliff-perched Bass Harbor Head Light, each offering breathtaking ocean views and rich maritime history. These majestic beacons invite you to step back in time while marveling at the raw beauty of the Atlantic coastline.

Downeast Maine surprises with its small but charming collection of wineries, where coastal air and unique terroir create distinctive local flavors. From Bartlett's fruit wines in Gouldsboro to Cellardoor's scenic vineyard in Lincolnville, visitors can savor Maine's burgeoning wine scene amid picturesque landscapes.

Experience the thrill of whale watching in Downeast Maine, where majestic humpbacks, finbacks, and playful minke whales breach the Atlantic's surface against a backdrop of rugged coastlines. From Bar Harbor to Lubec, expert-guided tours offer unforgettable encounters with these gentle giants, along with the chance to spot seals, puffins, and other marine life in their natural habitat.

Experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing in the waters off Acadia National Park, where anglers can reel in cod, haddock, and even massive bluefin tuna. Departing from Bar Harbor's picturesque marina, experienced captains guide you to productive fishing grounds, offering a perfect blend of scenic coastal views and heart-pounding action on the Atlantic.

Discover the serene art of fly fishing in this area of Maine's pristine rivers and streams, home to wild Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and landlocked salmon. From the legendary Dennys River to Grand Lake Stream's hidden gems, anglers can cast their lines in unspoiled wilderness, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and guided by local experts.

Immerse yourself in Maine's legendary lobstering tradition aboard a genuine Downeast lobster boat, hauling traps alongside weathered captains in mist-shrouded waters. This insider's experience from Bar Harbor to Stonington offers a unique glimpse into a time-honored craft amid the raw beauty of Maine's rugged coast.

Explore rich heritage through its diverse museums, from the Abbe Museum's Native American exhibits to the Maine Lighthouse Museum's maritime treasures. From seafaring history at the Penobscot Marine Museum to local artistry at the Farnsworth Art Museum, these institutions bring the region's unique character to life.