The coastal resort town of Bar Harbor tops a list of the best small towns to visit in the United States in 2023 and 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report. Kennebunkport is also on the magazine’s bucket list.
“Bar Harbor is small-town Maine at its finest,” the magazine says in its writeup. “This relaxing East Coast retreat is filled with charming bed-and-breakfast accommodations and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Boat tours, history tours and culinary tours are just a few ways travelers can get better acquainted with Bar Harbor.”
The magazine also highlights Acadia National Park for hiking, biking, kayaking and exploring tide pools, and advises travelers to come hungry for fresh lobster and seafood.
In their introduction, researchers note that small towns “are synonymous with American life.” To help travelers decide which ones to visit, the magazine evaluated places with a population of less than 50,000 people with plenty of restaurants and attractions, plus natural beauty and a unique character.”
Everal Eaton, executive director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, said it was exciting for Bar Harbor to be No. 1 on the list.
“The town has a long history of attracting visitors from around the world since its inception, and it is a tradition we are happy to see continued to this day,” he told Mainebiz. “From beautiful views to delicious food to fun activities for all to enjoy, Bar Harbor remains a top place to visit.”
He also said the chamber “remains committed to supporting our members and businesses in Bar Harbor by providing exceptional visitor services, strategic partnerships, and exciting community events to ensure Bar Harbor remains a great place to visit, live, work and play in. Go to visitbarharbor.com to see what the area has to offer and start planning your next adventure today.”
Kennebunkport’s cachet
At No. 21, Kennebunkport is the only other Maine town on the U.S. News & World Report top-25 list, beating Annapolis, Md. (No. 22); Hood River, Ore. (No. 23); Beaufort, Texas (No. 24) and Gettysburg, Pa. (No. 25).
“This famous Bush family hideaway is more than just a retreat for the rich and famous,” U.S. News & World Report says of Kennebunkport, pointing to the town’s laid-back atmosphere, beautiful coastal landscape, family-friendly beaches and lodgings from refined bed-and-breakfasts to fun family resorts.
“Kennebunkport must-do’s include soaking up some sun at Gooch’s Beach and signing up for a boat tour to enjoy everything from sunset views to lessons in how to catch lobsters,” the magazine says in its blurb. “No visit would be complete without browsing the shops and art galleries in Dock Square.”
Kennebunkport also happens to be the location of a Mainebiz On the Road event on Sept. 26, at the Nonantum Resort.