02/17/2010

Up in the Air at Acadia

Whether flying in or about Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor Airport is a key place to know about. Don’t forget that much larger Bangor International Airport is just an hour away from Mount Desert Island too. Both of these airports serve our visitors to Downeast Maine in a good way.
At Bar Harbor Airport, visitors can also view Mount Desert Island from the air and glide about without the benefit of a motor as they soar like an eagle, snapping some super photos. Either glider or biplane rides are available from Acadia Air Tours and start at around $150.
If you are visiting from beyond driving distance, flying to Bar Harbor is a good choice. Though tiny, the airport offers car rental and taxi service. Also, the Island Explorer free bus service stops every half hour during the warmer months. Bar Harbor Airport is a short hop from Boston’s Logan Airport on Colgan Air’s 34 passenger Saab turboprop aircraft. Alternately, you can fly into Boston and then drive up. I would reserve 6 hours for the drive, so you have time to drive the coastal route at some point. Freeport, home of L. L. Bean is typical stop. For people in a hurry, you can make it in 5 hours by taking the interstate to Bangor, Maine and taking Route 1A to Bar Harbor. Of course, be sure to plan to avoid the worst of Boston traffic. Ask us for times to avoid Boston drivers. An alternative airport which is the same distance away is Manchester, New Hampshire. This smaller airport may not have all the airlines, but if you can connect through Manchester, you can still drive here in 5 hours, and without the Boston traffic.

About five years ago a group of WW2 veterans flew up here with their restored B17 bomber. They offered flights at the airport for more than I could afford, but just seeing the bird start up and fly over our house was a thrill I’ll never forget. The sound of B17s overhead must have evoked the extreme of fear or pride at one time, depending on which side you were on. The thought of 100 or more in formation flying over the French countryside is enough to weaken the knees!