Under $100: Bar Harbor

This coastal Maine spot is so unique, charming and refreshing, it’s often a notable cruise ship stop. But if you’re not (yet) rolling in enough dough to hop on an ocean-bound cruise line, pack up your pennies and spend a few days perusing the offbeat quirks of Bar Harbor.

Start your day at the Coffee Hound coffee bar, which just started serving its delightful summer menu in May. If the massive selection of organic Italian espresso doesn’t satisfy your morning kick, a list of hot, cold or frozen gourmet lattes (like the Monkey’s Uncle, made with mocha and bananas foster) sure will. For noms, try the daily made traveling blueberry pie — a traditional Maine blueberry pie folded into a crust so you can eat it on your way to your next adventure.

Bar Harbor, Maine © George Burba | Dreamstime

With pie in hand, head oward the Bar Harbor Town Pier, the bustling epicenter of this Maine town. At this time of day, the pier is alive with boats rolling out to sea, lobster traps being set to catch tonight’s dinner and the dazzling panoramic views of the stunning coastline. While you’re nearby, go for a walk along the historic Bar Harbor Shore Path, first constructed in the town’s hey day in 1880, when it was known as Eden. For more information about the Shore Path and other scenic hikes in the area, check out BarHarborInfo.com

At lunchtime, stop by the local deli known as the Lazy Lobster. This is where you’ll get your typical Maine lobster fix in whatever form you’d like: boiled whole, piled into a roll, made into a bisque, on top of a salad and on and on. This stop might make a little bit of a dent in your wallet, but it’s so worth it.

Bar Harbor, Maine © Littleny | Dreamstime

Speaking of lobster, why not visit The Mount Desert Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery while you’re in town? They recently suffered a fire, and lost the Maine Lobster Museum facility, but replaced it with a brand new Maine Lobster Fishing Program.

Since you no doubt indulged on a lobster-laden lunch, for dinner, check out Blaze Restaurant, an ultra-modern eatery serving up sustainable local foods. While it’s difficult to eat on a strict budget in a tourist town where prices are inflated to match the pockets of cruise-goers, splitting a charcuterie for two ($16) or a few starter dishes like duck-fat-fried poutine ($12) and pork belly BLT sliders ($13) will leave you full and satisfied, with a few bucks left over to check out some nightlife highlights.

After dinner, swing by Cottage St. Pub, a laidback haunt known for it’s awesome list of local beers, artisanal cocktails and complimentary popcorn.