It has been quite a few years since i have been up there and we are planning to head up first week of August. We will be camping in SW Harbor and i remember the IGA accross from the camp site had a decent selection of ME beers. Any beer stores/beer bars/restaurants that i need to be hititng up.
Bar Harbor Brewing is downtown and Atlantic Brewing is also on the island. I don't really recall much in the way of stores, though. I'll actually be up there the week after you, so if you find anything good post back here.
Stop by Global Beverage Warehouse in Ellsworth along the way. I was just up there Memorial Day weekend and was impressed with their selection.
Was just up there for the week with my girl. Check out Bar Harbor Brewery downtown. But just as a warning the tasting guy we had, bigger guy with glasses was an asshole. First thing he says when he see's out ID's is just go "ugh Nastachusetts" We own property in Maine, I surf up there all year round and probably and more active in that state then that jerk ever was. Also go to Atlantic Brewing. They were great! Super nice staff, fun short tour and the tastings are fun. My advice. Go in early or just after another tour and do your own tasting before the tour people do. You get much more and then when they all go to the tasting room after the tour go get your BBQ. It was excellent! Ellsworth has some stores for beer and even the hannaford has a good selection. There is one on Main St. Forget the name but its closer to the YMCA end and it had a pretty good tap and food selection though a bit pricey. Stewmans is a fun place to get seafood and cool off in the wind on the deck for a good brew. the place next to Rt 66 was cool. Just hunt around. For the record when someone from Maine comes to my state I greet them and welcome them. Why wouldn't someone offer the same courtosey, especially when their town thrives on tourist MONEY... Have fun and make sure to hike hike hike!
I love how some people from Maine bitch about people from Mass coming to their state, but I'm sure they don't mind the money we dump in their state come summer vacation time.
My friend proposed to his future wife at the summit during sunrise, so we have brought champagne up there in subsequent years for the sunrise. I think that might have to change this year...
Just back from there meself. For bottles hit up Global Beverage in Ellsworth on your way to MDI. Best selection around and decent prices. Once on MDI the Liquor Locker is by far the best bottle store. As for beer bars, thank goodness there is finally one that is making a run at catering to craft beer lovers. "Blaze" on Main St (198 I think) has 32 taps and a cask. Wood-grilled pub fare with incredible duck-fat frites and very good pizza. Service can be painfully slow but good if you sit at the bar. 3 of the taps I requested were kicked (including the cask) but they had Allagash Prince Tuesday on tap which made up for the omissions. Plenty of other beer-bar options which are already found in the beerfly guide, which are ok-to-pretty good. I've had many a good times and brews at the Old Lompoc. I would also recommend a freshie on the down-low when you can, enjoying the beauty of MDI. Roll out the blanky in front of Jordon Pond or Otter point with a good picnic and let the stress melt away.
