What a fabulous time we had enjoying Bar Harbor Maine. Today is our longest time in the car driving. But on the journey we are driving through beautiful small towns and countryside of Maine and New Hampshire. The architecture of the homes is great for us, as most Southern California homes are stucco. The trees, bushes and rolling hills are really nice to see and make the drive seem to pass quickly. Our first destination was Stephen King's home in Bangor, Maine. Horror author Stephen King was born in Maine and has used the state as the setting for many of his stories. Despite his fame and wealth, he still lives in his home state, in a rather distinctive mansion just outside of downtown Bangor. The houses in his neighborhood are all large and expensive-looking, but they’re close to the street, which is wide and easily accessible, with a public sidewalk winding throughout. King’s house is old enough to look historic.
The house is also in full view of the street, not hidden behind the small wrought-iron fence that surrounds the property. The fence itself is most of what gives the house its Stephen King-esque flair. Spiders, bat-winged creatures, and a three-headed reptile all decorate the black wrought-iron.
The house is also in full view of the street, not hidden behind the small wrought-iron fence that surrounds the property. The fence itself is most of what gives the house its Stephen King-esque flair. Spiders, bat-winged creatures, and a three-headed reptile all decorate the black wrought-iron.
And I must admit, the next door neighbor's house isn't too shabby either! It was amazing to us that the driveway gate was open and we could have walked up to either house and sat on their porch!
We drove to downtown where the painted building wall welcomed all to Bangor! One of the unique signs in Bangor was above the Discover Museum … unusual signage is such a pleasure to see!
Being a small New England town, a main attraction is the Paul Bunyan statue at Bangor Civic Center in Bass Park. Bangor claims to be both the birthplace of the lumber industry and the Birthplace of Paul Bunyan (many other cities throughout the US also make this claim!). Stephen King bestowed brief pop culture celebrity on the statue, when he brought it to life in the 1986 novel, "IT." When they are both in Bangor, what else could be expected!
We drove to downtown where the painted building wall welcomed all to Bangor! One of the unique signs in Bangor was above the Discover Museum … unusual signage is such a pleasure to see!
Being a small New England town, a main attraction is the Paul Bunyan statue at Bangor Civic Center in Bass Park. Bangor claims to be both the birthplace of the lumber industry and the Birthplace of Paul Bunyan (many other cities throughout the US also make this claim!). Stephen King bestowed brief pop culture celebrity on the statue, when he brought it to life in the 1986 novel, "IT." When they are both in Bangor, what else could be expected!
On Maine Highway 219 we went through many small villages and towns. We decided that the next eating place that we saw that we would stop to have lunch. Well, that happened to be The Twin Bridge Market and Grill in Leeds, Maine. It was the only building sitting by itself on the road … a true cross-roads stop!. Two girls ran the place, one doing all of the cooking. They were somewhere in their late teens or early twenties. During our conversation with them, they said they didn't know how big the town was but didn't think it was very big. I'm guess a population of 50!!! I truly believe we were the only customers all day. The food was down-home good and the interior rooms were a hoot! It was October 18th, so only about 13 days from Halloween, but I think a lot of this décor is 365 days a year. The dining area had three (or was it four?) tables.
One of the unique pictures that from its look has been hanging here for many years, is a crazy photograph of a sulky and driver being pulled by two Moose!
There were special characters throughout this market and grill that had eyry impact just looking at them --- funny or scary they were a kick!
One of the unique pictures that from its look has been hanging here for many years, is a crazy photograph of a sulky and driver being pulled by two Moose!
There were special characters throughout this market and grill that had eyry impact just looking at them --- funny or scary they were a kick!
What a fun place and one that I'm pretty sure will never be on a map of "must stop" places. But this is just the type of place we love running across and giving business to. After lunch, we continued on the drive to our lodging in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Our reservations were at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, New Hampshire. It was founded in 1865 as a humble Inn which has grown over the years and is now a member of the Historic Hotels of America.
Views from The Mountain View Grand range from property views to panoramic White Mountain vistas. The White Mountains are a mountain range covering about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and a small portion of western Maine. They are part of the northern Appalachian Mountains and the most rugged mountains in New England. Most of the area is public land, including the White Mountain National Forest and a number of state parks.
The full photo album is a click away!
Views from The Mountain View Grand range from property views to panoramic White Mountain vistas. The White Mountains are a mountain range covering about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and a small portion of western Maine. They are part of the northern Appalachian Mountains and the most rugged mountains in New England. Most of the area is public land, including the White Mountain National Forest and a number of state parks.
The full photo album is a click away!
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