We do like to hike, but Trip didn’t bring proper footwear on the boat for the cruise. We did the walk that everyone does from Sand Beach down to Otter Cliffs and it was congested with people, which was to be expected. Thunder Hole (IMG_4341) was pretty cool, given the high seas that were still in effect from the passing hurricane.

Northeast Harbor

Next on our list for exploring was Northeast Harbor. The town is much quainter than Southwest Harbor with better shopping, but I noticed that all the good restaurants and funkier shops are down in Southwest Harbor.

But Northeast Harbor is home to the Asticou and Thuya Gardens. A short walk out of town, the Asticou Azalea Gardens were the first stop. Founded by the Rockefellers in 1970 (get used to hearing about the Rockefellers, they are one of the primary reasons this island is as special as it is), the garden is designed to look like a Japanese garden for strolling.

Thuya Garden Gate

 

Just up the road and even more spectacular is the Thuya Gardens. The dock that looks out over Northeast Harbor is nice because it allows visitors to dinghy over, but the best views are 200+ steps up the terrace. The initial climb on granite steps gives pause every once in a while to offer better and better views of the harbor. At the top are formal English gardens that make for a lovely quiet afternoon stroll.

 

English Gardens at Thuya

Monarch