Gilded Age Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Tour Code: bhb-005
Step back in time to the turn of the last century, when Bar Harbor was one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. As painters, poets and authors began to speak their tales of the island's natural beauty, America's elite - including the Astors, Fords, Morgans, Rockefellers, Carnegies, and Vanderbilts, were drawn to this idyllic location where they then built their elegant estates, often referred to as "cottages".
Setting off from the pier, your guided walking tour of Bar Harbor's bygone days begins with a stroll along the beautiful Shore Path where you will enjoy stunning vistas of Frenchman Bay on one side, and elegant summer cottages on the other. Passing the Village Green, you will see the town clock and the village bandstand. It was here where many townspeople often gathered on summer evenings to hear the marches of John Philip Sousa and other popular music that often ended with a rousing rendition of "Goodnight, Ladies". As you make your way through the beautiful downtown area, you will pass a number of Victorian Mansions that survived the Great Fire of 1947. During your pleasant trek through this utterly charming town, your guide will be happy to share the intimate secrets and tales of a magnificent era when fabulously wealthy residents tried to outdo each other with their lavish parties and opulent lifestyles.
Your exploration of Bar Harbor will eventually lead you back to the pier where your tour concludes.
Please Note: This tour includes 1 1/2 to 2 hours of slow walking that covers approximately 1 1/2 miles over both even and gravel surfaces. Some pathways are narrow with a few steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and not considered suitable for those guests with mobility concerns. Weather appropriate, layered clothing that should include a water/wind-proof jacket and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.