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Layover Ideas Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport BHB

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport

Whether you're transiting through Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) or have some time to spare before your flight, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here are our top five layover ideas that you can fit into a 12-hour window.

1. Sightseeing Flights

At the top of our list is the Maine Coastal Flight Center, which operates sightseeing flights from the airport. These flights offer outstanding views of Mount Desert Island, the town of Bar Harbor, numerous lighthouses, Cadillac Mountain, Somes Sound, and other mountains and harbors. Prices start at $46 per person, and flights operate from 9 am to 6 pm, seven days a week from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, weather permitting. Custom flights are also available, particularly popular with those wanting aerial photos of their property.

2. Visit Acadia National Park

While in Maine, a visit to the Acadia National Park is a must. The park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, woodlands, lakes, and the rugged Atlantic coastline. If you have the time, you can also visit the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Acadia Development Corporation (CADC).

3. Scenic Biplane and Glider Rides

For a different kind of aerial adventure, consider taking a scenic biplane or glider ride. You can view Acadia National Park, area lighthouses, and the rugged rock-bound shores of Mount Desert Island from the open cockpit of a two-passenger biplane. Alternatively, experience the sheer exhilaration of silent, effortless flight in a two-passenger glider. You can bring a companion or fly with a licensed commercial instructor pilot.

4. Explore Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town with a lot to offer. Visit the local shops, enjoy some fresh seafood at a local restaurant, or simply take a walk along the picturesque harbor. The town is also home to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, which can provide further information on local attractions.

5. Learn More About Maine

Use your layover as an opportunity to learn more about Maine. The airport provides easy access to a wealth of information on the state, including the Maine Office of Tourism, the Maine State Ferry Service, and the Hancock County Planning Commission. You can also visit the Hancock County website or check out the Downeast Guide for more information.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you have a longer layover of 12 to 48 hours, there are several attractions within reasonable proximity to Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport that are worth exploring.

1. Explore the Town of Ellsworth

Just a 30-minute drive from the airport, Ellsworth is a small city offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Visit the Telephone Museum, Woodlawn Museum, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Union River.

2. Visit the Abbe Museum

For history and culture enthusiasts, the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor provides an in-depth look into the history and culture of Maine's Native people, the Wabanaki. The museum is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport.

3. Whale Watching Tours

If you're visiting between April and October, consider a whale watching tour. These tours depart from Bar Harbor and offer an exciting opportunity to see humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, and several species of dolphins in their natural habitat.

4. Visit the Maine Maritime Academy

About an hour's drive from the airport, the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine offers a unique insight into the state's maritime history. The academy's museum features exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, and marine engineering.

5. Explore Bangor

Just over an hour's drive from the airport, Bangor is one of Maine's largest cities. Visit the Maine Discovery Museum, explore the historic downtown area, or take a stroll along the Kenduskeag Stream Heritage Trail.

Updated on: November 22, 2023

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