Plan now for an
escape with your horse and carriage to Mt. Desert Island, Maine, home
of Acadia National Park.
Your carriage driving vacation will take you
through some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Winding
through Acadia National Park's 41,000 acres are 120 miles of hiking
trails and 57 miles of magnificent carriage roads. These roads
were built over a 27-year period by John D. Rockefeller, specifically
for the enjoyment of riding and driving horses. The roads are
closed to motor vehicles, the terrain is truly spectacular, and you
will be there at the peak of New England's fall foliage season.
No previous driving experience is necessary,
and daily instruction will be provided -- but if you prefer, you are
welcome to simply enjoy this unique experience as a passenger.
Lodging
Overnight lodging will be provided in Southwest Harbor,
about 20 minutes from the stables. Here you can relax on the deck or explore the quaint village of Manset, which
is home to the renowned Hinckley Company boat-builders.
There will be ample time for exploration of the island, boat cruises and antiquing, as well as hiking, biking,
flat walks, beachcombing and other activities.
Driving
Vacationers may bring their own horses and carriages
or drive ours. The Carriage Barn will be providing both two- and four-wheeled
vehicles, and we will be able to drive both singles and pairs. Individual
driving instruction will be available every day. One of the activities
we plan to explore is the new 3-phase driving event that is becoming
so popular in Europe, in which antique vehicles are used in competition
that sets limits on driving speed.
The horses we'll be bringing are the same Haflingers
we use in our lesson program at the Carriage Barn. Stabling
will be provided at Acadia National Park's Wildwood Stables and overseen
by our staff.
Travel
Acadia National Park is located on Mt. Desert
Island, on the coast of Maine. Traveling by car, it is 5 1/2
hours from Boston.
Air Service
The closest major airport is Bangor International
Airport, 45 miles away. The smaller but closer Bar Harbor/Hancock
County Airport is in Trenton and is served by Continental through
Boston's Logan Airport. Shuttle service can be arranged and rental
cars are available at either airport.
Weather
Mt. Desert Island's coastal location offers
a wide variety of weather, from brilliant, sunny days to chilly, rainy
days (referred to as RFD: rain, fog and drizzle) and cool evenings.
September can be as warm as the 60s or as cool as the 40s. Plan accordingly
-- dress with layers, so that you can adjust for changes. Bring rain
gear (jacket, pants and rubber boots) to be safe.
Horse and carriage
are not a requirement.
- Instructional
guidance through casual evening roundtable discussions.
- Private driving
lessons available.
- Afternoon
tea at Jordan Pond House, lobster dinner and other local entertainment.
If you are interested
in more information for the current vacation package, please call
at 603-378-0140 or send us an e-mail.
