A relative new kid on the block, Bar Harbor’s buzzy ice cream stand goes all in on experimental flavors and counterintuitive pairings—think nectarine Prosecco, blueberry basil, and chocolate bergamot (a bergamot being a green Italian orange). Some may say the secret is fresh ingredients and organic cream, but really it’s MDIIC’s “why not?” attitude.

After dinner, grab a cone on Exchange Street at Mount Desert Island Ice Cream.

Come mid-October, Maine's national park will become a dazzling mix of evergreen, gold, and red. Explore the forests on the historic carriage roads, or enjoy sweeping views of Mount Desert Island from Cadillac Mountain. Continue the seasonal celebration with a scoop of Maple Walnut or Pumpkin Caramel ice cream from Mount Desert Island Ice Cream.