Headed to Acadia National Park and don’t want to waste a day figuring it out on the fly? This episode distills our third trip to Mount Desert Island into a practical Top 10—exactly what’s worth doing, when to go, and how to avoid the classic pain points (parking at Sand Beach/Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain reservations, crowded Bar Harbor afternoons). We cover: the best first-timer flow for the Park Loop Road (and the audio guide trick that makes it way better), when to switch to the free Island Explorer buses, boat tour options from chill sunset sails to choppy puffin runs, how to experience the Carriage Roads (bike vs. carriage tour), the Jordan Pond House popover ritual (with a real-talk bee warning), choosing a ladder trail that matches your comfort with heights, easy hikes that punch above their weight, where we loved lobster (and blueberry pie), quieter alternatives like the Schoodic Peninsula, and the timing you actually need for Cadillac sunrise/sunset. Plus: quick notes on paddling Echo Lake vs. Jordan Pond, camping options (NPS vs. private), and a bite-size “Wine Break” on Tuscan IGT reds. Listen in, copy the plan, and spend your trip soaking up ocean views instead of circling for a parking spot.