Otter Creek is the ideal location to stay if you are interested in hiking, exploring and enjoying the beauty of Mt. Desert Island. This charming cottage is right next to Blackwoods Campground, which helps with logistics! We took many hikes and explored Seal Harbor, Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor, which offer places to eat that surpass Bar Harbor in every way! Do not miss going to Little Notch Bakery (pizza and sandwiches too) for the best multi-grain bread (can also get it at Hannaford's in Bar Harbor) and Beals for lobster on the harbor. If you can get in, eat on the porch at the Asticou (you can bring your dog) and enjoy the popovers that used to be served at Jordan Pond House before change of concessioner. The drive in to Bar Harbor is easy...go at low tide in the a.m., eat blueberry pancakes at Jordan's (or take out and picnic at the bottom of Bridge street) and walk across to Bar Island. Other hint...even on Sunday you can get your park pass at the Visitor's Center in the middle of Bar Harbor. If you are over 62, get your lifetime National Park Pass for $10 before the price goes up to $80!

The cottage is well-equipped, with a tank Brita in the fridge (we had brought our own pitcher). We had unusually hot weather in June and there was great ventilation everywhere except the living room, as there is no screen on that door. The large dining room had lots of windows and a door and the kitchen door provided great cross ventilation. Fans worked well upstairs to cool things down! The wifi and lovely big flat screen TV were great (big golf tournament for my husband). We had our Westie along and it was great for her; there is a gate to keep an obedient dog on the porch and a big yard to explore. We received a warm welcome and flowers later in our stay. The big issue for us was the shower...the curtain crowded the tub and the pressure was minimal...we learned how to adjust the curtain and a shorter curtain would help. We had a wonderful time nonetheless on our 3rd visit to Acadia over 40 years!