(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 09, 2009 ) BAR HARBOR, Maine—Nestled on the east side of Mount Desert Island, encircled by Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor occupies a special spot on earth. Starting in June through the final days of summer, the village comes to life with rollicking festivals and special events. Live music, displays of fine art from every genre, events inspired by the town’s colorful heritage and history, and of course events focused on nature and the environment entertain thousands of visitors each season.
Music of every flavor is heard throughout Mount Desert Island during the 43rd season of the Bar Harbor Music Festival marches into town. Incredible variety is the key to one of New EnglandÂ’s great music festivals. Live performances take place from July 1-26. From string orchestras to smoky jazz, even classical opera there are tunes for every musical taste. The stages are as varied as the music with Bar Harbor Congregational Church, and the Blackwoods Campground Amphitheatre in Acadia National Park just a couple of venues. Audience members can add a dash of culinary arts to the experience by attending any of the three pre-concert dinners for an additional charge. Adult tickets are $25.00. Students pay $15.00. Season passes are also available. A local office can assist with securing tickets and reserving seats by phoning 207-288-5744. The full schedule is available online.
Bring a cleansed palette to The Bar Harbor Food and Wine Classic September 11-18, when noted chefs and vintners apply culinary magic to Mount Desert Island. Partake in sparkling vintner dinners, themed flight tasting nights, and chef demonstrations. The seven day salute to culinary adventure takes place at several stately inns and seaside resorts along Frenchman’s Bay. Special overnight rates are available at participating hotels. For more information, contact the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 207-288-5103. The final days of “The Classic” overlap with Bar Harbor’s newest festival- The Acadia Night Sky Festival makes its shining debut on the evening of September 17th, continuing through sunrise on the 21st. The festival celebrates the unparalleled beauty of Acadia’s night sky through education, science, and the arts. From stargazing in Acadia National Park to a special performance of night sky themed works by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, the public is invited to participate in festival activities involving astral themed music, science, poetry and art. Maine’s Mount Desert Island was recently heralded by National Geographic magazine as one of the few places left where one can view a naturally dark sky.
Bar Harbor grew to fame as the premier resort destination for prominent American families during AmericaÂ’s Victorian period. It remains a popular destination along with adjacent Acadia National Park the second most visited park in the U.S. Visitors to the village can park their car for the duration of the trip. A free shuttle service takes passengers to festival stages and all the popular spots in the park, village, and surrounding towns.
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