Northeast Harbor, Maine on Mount Desert Island

Northeast Harbor is a village on Mount Desert Island located on the east side of Somes Sound across from Southwest Harbor. It contains a small shopping district and is a popular area for the rich and famous in the summer. A popular visitor attraction within the village is the Asticou Azalea Garden, which is a 2.3 acre garden and pond open to the public during daylight hours from May 1st to October 31st, located at the intersection of Route 198 and Route 3. The Great Harbor Maritime Museum, which collects, preserves and celebrates the maritime history of the region, is also located there.

(the Northeast Harbor Marina)

We traveled through Northeast Harbor on our way from Blackwoods Campground to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. On the way back, we stopped and enjoyed a whoopie pie while we strolled the Main Street here.

Local Attractions and Things to Do

Asticou Azalea Garden: This garden was planted in 1957 by Charles K. Savage after he purchased plants at Beatrix Farrand’s Reef Point garden closing. Originally purchased for Thuya Garden, Savage decied the large azalea collection would be better here. It is hard to miss the beautiful garden and pond heading south on Route 3 from Seal Harbor. The spring bloom is sepctacular from roughly mid-May to mid-June.

Christopher Smith Galleries: The gallery showcases the artwork created to increase awareness of wildlife and reveal nature’s inherent beauty.

Great Harbor Maritime Museum: A former fire station on Main Street that is now a monument to local maritime.

Sea Princess Cruises: Professionally narrated scenic nature boat trips daily out of Northeast Harbor to tour Somes Sound and the Cranberry Islands

Lodging

There are several local accommodations in the area including the Harbourside Inn, the Asticou Inn and the Colonel’s Suites.

Restaurants

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the area, including Colonel’s Restaurant and Bakery, the Docksider, the Fork & Table, Tan Turtle Tavern, 123 Main Street, Milk and Honey, and the Asticou Restaurant Lounge.