There aren’t any deserts to be found in New England, so the name of Maine’s “Mount Desert” Island comes as a bit of a shock to those unfamiliar with it. Today, about half of Mount Desert Island is preserved as Acadia National Park. It’s one of the smallest yet most-visited national parks in the country. When French explorer Samuel de Champlain first explored the New England coast in the early 17th century, he was struck by how barren and treeless this rocky coastline was. He dubbed it the island of monts-déserts, or “barren mountains.” He wasn’t wrong—the landscape of “Downeast Maine” along the Bay of Fundy between the “Mid-Coast” area and the Canadian border is unique to the rest of New England. Here, lush forests give way to granite mountains that rise up from the sea. It’s the highest along the eastern seaboard this side of Rio de Janeiro.
Acadia has much to offer visitors, and even locals find themselves returning time and time again to explore its riches. If you’re interested in visiting the Northeast’s only national park this side of the Shenandoah Valley, it’s absolutely worth the trip. Here, we’re breaking down how to make the most of your Acadia National Park trip.
Courtesy of Visit Maine
How to get to Acadia National Park
During the peak summer months, driving your car is convenient for everywhere except the park itself. Yes, you can get from Logan Airport in Boston to the park’s entrance in four and a half hours flat. But know that traffic and parking once you’re inside the park may kill your vibe. If you plan on seeing a few other parts of Maine on your trip (such as the restaurant scene in Portland, or the preppy beach enclave at Kennebunkport), it’s probably best to drive. If your sole focus is Acadia, there are a few other options.
Regional carrier Cape Air offers regularly scheduled flights from Boston to Mount Desert Island. From there, it’s easy to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. And so long as you’re staying in one of the main villages on the island (there are several), it’s easy to hop on and off the Island Explorer, a regularly scheduled shuttle bus that drives loops around the island and through the national park, hitting all the main spots along the way. The Island Explorer’s website also has a very handy “Car-Free Travel Guide” that lists out the various options for public transportation from nearby Bangor, Maine, as well as Boston.
What to expect
The temperature in New England, especially along the coast, can be variable. Even in the peak of summer, chillier nights can get down into the 40s, so definitely pack some layers. This time of year, everything is on the table weather-wise in New England, from dry heat to high winds and even hail. Chances are, you can expect daytime temperatures in the high 70s with lots of sun and humidity. Hikers from drier climates might be surprised by how oppressive the heat can feel. Pack layers, bring plenty of water, make a plan for where you’re going, and you’ll be fine. The National Park Service’s Acadia National Park webpage is a must-read resource for trail closures, repairs notices, and advisories about which parts of the park may or may not be open at any given time.
In terms of where to situate yourself, it’s worth noting there are several villages on the island of Mount Desert, the most notable including the charming town of Bar Harbor, and the sleepier Southwest Harbor. If it’s your first time to the island and proximity to the national park entrance is your priority, opt for something in Bar Harbor. Southwest Harbor is about 20 minutes away by car from the national park (longer in traffic), but, conversely, is much sleepier and more low key than the often crowded streets of Bar Harbor in the peak of summer.
What to Do in Acadia National Park
Drive the Park Loop Road
Acadia’s 27-mile Park Loop Road is the quintessential scenic drive, with ocean views, lakeside splendor, and dramatic cliffs in spades. It’s a worthwhile drive in and of itself, but is also the most convenient way to access many of the park’s main attractions like Sand Beach, Otter Point, and Cadillac Mountain.
Courtesy of Visit Maine
Hike, hike, and hike some more
Did we mention you should hike while you’re here? There are over 158 miles of hiking trails in Acadia National Park, with options ranging from family-friendly to downright grueling. The most classic is probably the hike up Cadillac Mountain, especially at sunrise, as it’s among the first places in the country to see the sun rise over the Atlantic.
While the crowds tend to stick to Cadillac (there’s a car road that ends at the summit), locals love to summit “The Bee-hive,” a challenging hike that includes granite steps, iron via ferrata rungs, and just enough scrambling to keep things interesting. Once you reach the top, however, you’re treated to views that are as good as anywhere else in the park. You also have only a fraction of the tourists. And remember, the National Park Service’s Acadia website is a great resource for live updates on which trails may or may not be closed for repairs.
See Acadia from the water
Hiking trails across Acadia National Park make it possible to walk across many of the park’s rugged natural features. Seeing them from the water gives a unique perspective to the park’s geography. Catch a ride with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., which offers whale watching tours, puffin tours, lighthouse tours, as well as a from-the-water tour of Acadia National Park. You’ll see things that you would never otherwise see from land-based adventures.
Kayak to an oyster farm
OK, Bar Harbor Oyster Company’s oyster farm might not technically be within the confines of Acadia National Park. But this is an activity that absolutely any visitor to Mount Desert Island—especially those who love food—should consider. Aquaculture has exploded in New England in recent years, and this small locally owned operation uses its farm tours program to give a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a modern farmer. The tour goes twice a week during July and August—note, it books up quickly! You get to kayak out to the company’s oyster farm and taste some fresh bivalves plucked straight from the water.
Courtesy Image
Where to stay
Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor
As the only full-service glamping property located on Mount Desert Island, Terramor is the kind of property that could easily rest on its laurels. Luckily, it doesn’t. This outdoor resort takes all the work out of camping, so you can focus on the fun stuff. It’s almost unfair to call the tents here “tents.” They have Frette linens, Pendleton blankets, screened-in porches, private bathrooms, and private fire rings. The property also has an outdoor pool and hut tub, and a highly trained staff can advise on hikes, canoeing, and biking in the national park. You can also brush up on your outdoorsy skills like building fires and reading trail maps. New for this summer is TerraS’Mores—a rotating menu of gourmet s’mores such as lobster and brie s’mores, summer strawberry s’mores, and candied bacon s’mores. You may just be unable to go back to regular camping ever again.
Queen Anne’s Revenge
Everyone loves a comeback story. The before-and-after pictures on Instagram of this inn’s recent renovation are nothing short of jaw dropping. Three neighboring 19th century cottages were transformed into contemporary yet historic hideaways. They’re certainly one of the most interesting places to stay on the Maine coast this summer. No two rooms are the same, and your stay includes a free continental breakfast each morning. Looking for something more substantial? The inn is conveniently located within walking distance to all that Bar Harbor has to offer.
Courtesy of West Street Hotel
West Street Hotel
A rooftop pool? In Maine? You bet—and it’s also the only pool on the whole island with views into the national park. The hotel’s restaurant Stewman’s Lobster Pound is one of the best in Bar Harbor for a classic Maine lobster bake. Meanwhile, the hotel’s pub Paddy’s is a reliably fun place for a nightcap. Keep in mind, the hotel is 18+. On an island which can be intensely family-oriented during the warmer months, this is a welcome reprieve for grownups. And if you’re trying to travel with kids, check out the hotel’s sister property, Harborside Hotel, where kids are welcome. It’s across the street.
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
Courtesy image
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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