Thanksgiving week itinerary critique

Question

Good morning all..

On a whim, my wife and I decided out of the blue to visit Bar Harbor over Thanksgiving week, arriving on Tuesday and departing on Friday. We are staying at The Bar Harbor Inn. We understand not a lot of tours or things will be open, trees will be bare of foliage and it's gonna be bitter cold (we're from Miami FL, so anything under 50F is frigid for us). Since we've never been to this part of the country before, I wanted to get the experts opinion on how "doable" this rough itinerary I put together is.

Keep in mind, all the hotels mentioned below have already been booked, as is our flights, so they are locked in and I cannot change. The only things that I can move around are the restaurants and activities… LMK what y'all think:

Tuesday Nov 26

Arrive at Logan around noon

Drive to Portsmouth NH for lunch at The River House

After lunch, drive to Bar Harbor and check into the Bar Harbor Inn

Grab dinner that night at The Reading Room or The Terrace Grill at Bar Harbor Inn

Wednesday Nov 27

Have breakfast at Jennie's Great Maine Breakfast

Immediately after breakfast, head over to Hulls Cove Visitor Center and drive the entirety of Park Loop Rd in Acadia National Park, at our own pace

After ANP, have lunch in Bar Harbor (recommendations welcome)

Later that evening, dinner somewhere within walking distance of Bar Harbor Inn (recommendations welcome)

Thursday Nov 28 (Thanksgiving Day)

I realize not much around town is open today, so we may just walk around downtown, taking in the architecture and surrounding nature until dinner

I have already contacted La Bella Vita at the Harborside Hotel as well as Galyn's and both will be open and will be taking reservations for Thanksgiving dinner in mid-October, so one of those two options is where we will have Thanksgiving dinner.

After dinner watch NFL football somewhere? (Any bars/pubs in town that may be open that will be showing the games?)

Friday Nov 29

Leave Bar Harbor after breakfast and start heading south back towards MA.

On the way back, stop and have lunch in Camden, ME at the Waterfront Restaurant

After lunch, drive to Salem and stay the night at The Hawthorne Hotel

Have dinner at the hotel that night and a night cap, possibly at a local nearby bar/pub

Saturday Nov 30

Have breakfast at Nathaniel's in the Hawthorne Hotel

Head back to Logan to return the rental car and make our 1pm flight back to Miami

How doable is this itinerary? Anything here you would recommend against? Thank you all in advance for any and all recommendations!!

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

Your itinerary looks like a solid plan, though there are a few adjustments and tips that could make it even smoother, especially considering the cold and the fact that many places might have limited hours around Thanksgiving. Here’s a breakdown of your trip:

Tuesday, Nov 26

Your plan to drive from Logan Airport to Portsmouth for lunch and then head to Bar Harbor sounds great, but keep in mind that the drive from Logan to Portsmouth and then to Bar Harbor will take you several hours. Depending on traffic, this could take about 3-4 hours (Logan to Portsmouth ~1 hour, Portsmouth to Bar Harbor ~3 hours). This means you’ll arrive in Bar Harbor in the early evening, so your dinner options may be limited.

Suggestions for Tuesday:

If you’re planning on driving for a long stretch, consider stopping for a quick walk or a snack in Portland, ME, to break up the trip.
For your dinner, both The Reading Room and The Terrace Grill are good choices, but check their hours ahead of time, as some places close early during the off-season.

Wednesday, Nov 27

Your plan to drive the Park Loop Road in Acadia is fantastic, but keep in mind that some roads in Acadia may be closed or have limited access during late November, especially if the weather is cold. It’s worth checking in advance with the Visitor Center for any road closures or trail conditions. Also, since you’re visiting off-season, expect fewer crowds, but it may also be chilly and windy, so be sure to dress warmly.

Suggestions for Wednesday:

For lunch in Bar Harbor, I recommend The Thirsty Whale for a casual meal with a great local vibe.
For your evening dinner, Side Street Cafe is a cozy spot within walking distance from your hotel and has good local fare, or you could try Red Sky for something more upscale.

Thursday, Nov 28 (Thanksgiving Day)

Thanksgiving Day is likely to be quiet, as many businesses in Bar Harbor close or have limited hours. Your idea of walking around the town is perfect for soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoying the beautiful coastal views. Both La Bella Vita and Galyn’s are excellent choices for Thanksgiving dinner, but it’s always a good idea to make sure you have confirmed reservations well in advance since the holiday can be busy.

Suggestions for Thursday:

If you want to watch NFL football after dinner, check out Thurston’s Lobster Pound (in Bernard, about 20 minutes from Bar Harbor) as a more casual option for a drink. You could also inquire at your hotel about the possibility of watching games in their lounge area.
Be mindful that bars and pubs might not stay open late on Thanksgiving, so it’s best to confirm ahead of time.

Friday, Nov 29

Your plan to drive from Bar Harbor to Camden for lunch sounds good, though keep in mind that wintery weather could make some roads slick, especially along the coast. It might be better to get an earlier start to give yourself more time for both lunch and the drive. Camden has great charm, so you’ll enjoy your stop there!

Suggestions for Friday:

In Camden, Waterfront Restaurant is a great choice for a waterfront meal, though some restaurants may be limited during the off-season, so confirm ahead of time.
Given that you’re heading toward Salem, consider stopping by the Peabody Essex Museum if you have time, as it’s one of the most notable museums in the area.

Saturday, Nov 30

Your plans for the final day sound solid with breakfast at Nathaniel’s in the Hawthorne Hotel, followed by a quick drive to Logan. Keep in mind the drive can take about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic, so you should leave around 10:00 a.m. to make your 1:00 p.m. flight, just to be safe.

General Tips for Your Trip:

Since you’re visiting in late November, be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snow. Layers, warm coats, and boots are a must.
Check the weather forecast leading up to your trip, as temperatures could dip below freezing, especially on the coast. Roads may also be icy, so drive carefully.
Consider calling ahead to confirm restaurant hours and availability, as some businesses may be operating on holiday schedules.
Since your trip falls during the off-season, be sure to confirm that accommodations and key sites are open and accessible. Some businesses and attractions may close for the season around Thanksgiving.

Overall, your itinerary is definitely doable and well-planned! Just be ready for some potential weather-related delays, and take full advantage of the peaceful, beautiful scenery of Acadia and Bar Harbor during this quiet time of year. Enjoy your trip!

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