Heidi’s guidebook
Food scene
Beals is located on the town pier which is 3 min walk from Mimi's Cottage with fresh seafood and an amazing view.
71 locals recommend
Beal's Lobster Pier
182 Clark Point RdBeals is located on the town pier which is 3 min walk from Mimi's Cottage with fresh seafood and an amazing view.
Thurstons is a must when staying on the backside of the island. Locally owed and operated only thing better than the food is the view! 10 min drive from Mimi's Cottage.
87 locals recommend
Thurston's Lobster Pound
9 Thurston RdThurstons is a must when staying on the backside of the island. Locally owed and operated only thing better than the food is the view! 10 min drive from Mimi's Cottage.
Archie's Lobster
90 Tremont RoadTHE BEST VIEW WITH A LOBSTER ROLL ON THE WHOLE ISLAND.
If you want a local vibe and the best Fish Sandwich The Whale is a must go on your vacation.
52 locals recommend
The Thirsty Whale Tavern
40 Cottage StIf you want a local vibe and the best Fish Sandwich The Whale is a must go on your vacation.
Make a day of it and take the mail boat out to Islesford and enjoy the beautiful island and all the local vibe has to offer. Please call ahead for reservations at the Dock Resturant they have varing hours. ENJOY!
19 locals recommend
Islesford Dock Restaurant and Gallery
1 Main StMake a day of it and take the mail boat out to Islesford and enjoy the beautiful island and all the local vibe has to offer. Please call ahead for reservations at the Dock Resturant they have varing hours. ENJOY!
This locally owed pizza/sub shack is just simple and good food. 10 mins from Mimi’s Cottage.
Salt Meadow Farm Restaurant
221 Tremont RdThis locally owed pizza/sub shack is just simple and good food. 10 mins from Mimi’s Cottage.
Weather you are wanting a hipster unique breakfast or dinner vibe this is the place. Our family has been doing Sunday brunch there for 20 years!
65 locals recommend
Cafe This Way
14 Mt Desert StWeather you are wanting a hipster unique breakfast or dinner vibe this is the place. Our family has been doing Sunday brunch there for 20 years!
Bar Harbor Lobster Bakes
10 ME-3Best lobster bake experience and a view to boot!
Fun snack bar off island with great playground for the kids, from burger baskets to fried clams and don’t forget the shakes!
19 locals recommend
Jordan's Snack Bar
200 Douglas HighwayFun snack bar off island with great playground for the kids, from burger baskets to fried clams and don’t forget the shakes!
Beautiful outside seating garden with pub fare and the most amazing seafood risotto you will ever taste.
50 locals recommend
McKays Public House
231 Main StBeautiful outside seating garden with pub fare and the most amazing seafood risotto you will ever taste.
The only 24 hour cheese cake spot you will ever go to, as seen on Good Morning America.
25 locals recommend
Momo's Cheesecakes
471 Main StThe only 24 hour cheese cake spot you will ever go to, as seen on Good Morning America.
Homemade ice cream daily locally owned and operated.
6 locals recommend
Udder Heaven Ice Cream Retreat
369 ME-3Homemade ice cream daily locally owned and operated.
Want a break from lobster and seafood then head to Mainly Meat for outstanding BBQ.
Mainely Meat BBQ on Dreamwood Hill
369 ME-3Want a break from lobster and seafood then head to Mainly Meat for outstanding BBQ.
Our friends own this road side lobster shack and everything is made daily her husband and son are lobsterman and they also work at the shack too.
16 locals recommend
The Travelin Lobster, LLC
1569 ME-102Our friends own this road side lobster shack and everything is made daily her husband and son are lobsterman and they also work at the shack too.
Step back in time where not much has changed on the backside of the island. About 10 mins from Mimi’s Cottage and sightseeing to boot lots of local Maine flare on the ride over.
16 locals recommend
Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound
465 Seawall RdStep back in time where not much has changed on the backside of the island. About 10 mins from Mimi’s Cottage and sightseeing to boot lots of local Maine flare on the ride over.
One of our families favorite spots the view and laid back vibe is just what’s needed on vacation not forget to try the burnt ends they are out of this world.
MDI Lobster & BBQ
126 Clark Point RoadOne of our families favorite spots the view and laid back vibe is just what’s needed on vacation not forget to try the burnt ends they are out of this world.
City/town information
Bar Harbor is the largest town on the island and has shopping and LOTS of resturants. Go to Jordans for Blueberry pancakes or Cafe this way for the best Monte Cristo you will ever have, plus they have Bloody Mary's and Mimisosa's. Stop by Shermans book store for the creaky floors that will bring you back in time. Go on a Whale Watch, Lulu's Lobster boat or our families favorite Diver Ed's Dive in Theater Boat he will never disappoint.
284 locals recommend
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is the largest town on the island and has shopping and LOTS of resturants. Go to Jordans for Blueberry pancakes or Cafe this way for the best Monte Cristo you will ever have, plus they have Bloody Mary's and Mimisosa's. Stop by Shermans book store for the creaky floors that will bring you back in time. Go on a Whale Watch, Lulu's Lobster boat or our families favorite Diver Ed's Dive in Theater Boat he will never disappoint.
This little village is picked out of a Norman Rockwell painting, it’s has it all. Shopping, town dock food trucks, MARTHA STEWARTS HOUSE and don’t forget to stop by The Colonel’s Deli for fresh Blueberry donuts.
24 locals recommend
Northeast Harbor
This little village is picked out of a Norman Rockwell painting, it’s has it all. Shopping, town dock food trucks, MARTHA STEWARTS HOUSE and don’t forget to stop by The Colonel’s Deli for fresh Blueberry donuts.
Fit right in with the locals at Seal Harbor Beach, avoid all the crowds at Sand Beach and go to Seal Harbor Beach you will not regret it.
12 locals recommend
Seal Harbor Beach
Fit right in with the locals at Seal Harbor Beach, avoid all the crowds at Sand Beach and go to Seal Harbor Beach you will not regret it.
Sightseeing
Make a reservation for sunset before you come they sell out fast but if you are a procrastinator like me they open more up daily.
128 locals recommend
Cadillac Mountain
707 Cadillac Summit RdMake a reservation for sunset before you come they sell out fast but if you are a procrastinator like me they open more up daily.
Quick 1 hour drive from Mimi’s Cottage, completely worth the excursion. Kids and adults will have fun.
140 locals recommend
Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory
740 Ft Knox RdQuick 1 hour drive from Mimi’s Cottage, completely worth the excursion. Kids and adults will have fun.
The hidden secret of Acadia National Park totally worth the drive over to winter harbor or take the ferry if you would prefer.
77 locals recommend
Schoodic Peninsula
The hidden secret of Acadia National Park totally worth the drive over to winter harbor or take the ferry if you would prefer.
Shopping
Local flare
One of my personal favorites of what the island has to offer for shopping. It’s a must and bonus it’s right next to Thurston’s.
Slack Tide Shop
129 Bernard RdOne of my personal favorites of what the island has to offer for shopping. It’s a must and bonus it’s right next to Thurston’s.
Spruce & Gussy
12 Mt Desert StAll around unique store with something for everyone.
Many of the wooden sculptures around the house can be found here. From table cloths to metal lawn art there is something for everyone’s taste.
16 locals recommend
Window Panes
166 Main StMany of the wooden sculptures around the house can be found here. From table cloths to metal lawn art there is something for everyone’s taste.
Patrick's By The Sea
21 Main StUnique gift shop with T-shirt’s and sweatshirts for the more refined customer.
The taste of Maine in one spot! Tacky T-shirt’s to lobster trinkets. Renys is a one stop shop. Plus it’s in the same town as the only Walmart in a hour radius of Mimi’s Cottage.
36 locals recommend
Reny's Department Store
175 High StThe taste of Maine in one spot! Tacky T-shirt’s to lobster trinkets. Renys is a one stop shop. Plus it’s in the same town as the only Walmart in a hour radius of Mimi’s Cottage.
Traveler advice
What to pack
"If you don't like the weather wait 15 mins"
That being said pack for sunny days and cool nights. Bring sandles and actual shoes if you plan on hiking. #1 injury on MDI in the summer is tourist hiking in flip flops! Always pack a swimsuit many beach and lake spots all over the island. The house is fully stocked with beach towels, toys and chairs.
Don't miss
Farmers Market Fridays
Downtown Southwest Harbor has a farmers market every Friday 8-12 fresh veggies, fruit, bread and Korean Food!