Your Guide to an Excellent Fall Day on MDI

How to have an excellent fall day on the island.

**First, where to stay. I recommend Kimball Terrance Inn in Northeast Harbor. It’s clean, not fancy, not fussy, pet-friendly, and has been family-owned since 1969. It’s also affordable and, most importantly, NOT IN BAR HARBOR (iykyk). Oh, and the ocean is a 1-minute walk from the reception desk. OH, AND it’s a three-minute walk to The Salt Market.

Let’s lay out your day—

1. 6 AM— I’m getting you up early and sending you to Jordan Pond. The Jordan Pond trail is about 3.5-4 miles long. It’s not strenuous. This trail is usually PACKED in the summer, but early morning in the fall you’re almost guaranteed to have the place to yourself. Enjoy the empty trails as the sun rises; if you’re quiet, you will definitely see wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the beavers.

2. Once you finish your hike, it’s time for coffee and pastries at The Salt Market (ask about our housemade seasonal simple syrups to make your coffee extra autumnal). On your way, I want you to stop and see the boats in the harbor at Seal Harbor Beach. I film the harbor every morning. I love watching the Marina empty out as summer turns to fall.

3. Enjoy your coffee and breakfast on our benches outside, get your newspaper from McGraths, and watch Northeast Harbor wake up. Stay until the shops open, and wander around Main Street.

4. Next, you’re headed to the Quietside. For lunch, I recommend Thurston’s for lobster, Quietside Snacks for burgers. Meander through Southwest Harbor, stop at any and all farmstands, flower stands, and follow any signs that say “PIE.” If you get burgers, take them to go and sit at Seawall.

5. It should be around 1 PM by now. Head home to change and grab a jacket because I am sending you out on a boat.

6. Check Beal and Bunker’s Mailboat schedule. The mailboat ferries passengers and mail from Northeast Harbor to the surrounding islands— Bear, Sutton, Great Cranberry, and Little Cranberry, aka Isleford. Buy a ticket and be sure to get off at Little Cranberry//Isleford. There are no cars on Isleford, and a very small year-round community. Wander around, sit on the beach, go to the Ashley Bryan Center, and wait for the Isleford Dock Restaurant to open (be sure to check their fall hours).

7. Order a cocktail and a dozen Little Cranberry oysters (they’re THE BEST), and catch the last mailboat back to Northeast Harbor. On the ride back, sit outside and watch the stars. Being on the water at night is the best.

8. Next up it’s hotel and bedtime.

I hope you enjoy!