The Mount Desert Island Hospital, in downtown Bar Harbor, offers a 24-hour emergency room. 10 Wyman Lane. Phone 207-288-8439. http://www.mdihospital.org.
Bar Harbor is very wheelchair-friendly with sidewalk ramps at all major intersections. All public restrooms in town and in Acadia National Park are fully accessible. Although some older properties may not conform with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, many restaurants, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and inns offer full accessibility.
Most of the island's information centers, museums, picnic areas and campgrounds also offer full access. At Wildwood Stables in Acadia National Park, there are two wheelchair-accessible horse-drawn carriages. Many of the carriage roads, and several walking and nature trails, have level hard-packed surfaces. A ranger versed in sign language can be scheduled for nature programs. Phone 207-288-8800 (TTY) or 207-288-3338 (voice).
Do wander the back streets of the town. It is safe and interesting, and you will quickly leave the tourists behind you. And do stay on the established trails when hiking in Acadia National Park. Taking shortcuts hastens erosion and damages vegetation.
Don't be surprised by the sound of a loud horn at noon and 9 pm: They're testing the giant air horn at the fire station near the village green. For locals, watching tourists jump at the sound is a popular spectator sport.
Do leave your car at the hotel. The Island Explorer, a free bus, runs every 15 minutes from hotels and covers the whole island. The buses, which run on propane, will pick you up or drop you off anywhere it's safe to stop.
Don't leave valuables in plain sight in an unattended vehicle while hiking or biking in Acadia National Park.
Do take warm clothing—a sweater or jacket—to layer on. It can be cold even in July and August.
Don't forget that blackfly season lasts from mid-May to late June. To keep the tiny, biting pests at bay, locals wear light-colored clothing and a hat or kerchief; some rub fabric-softener sheets on their hair and clothing.
Do try a scoop of lobster ice cream at Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium on Bar Harbor's Main Street. It tastes buttery.
Don't call it Bah Habah.
