Travel Planner: Bar Harbor, ME

This 230-acre, all-encompassing, ocean-side resort on the Rockland-Rockport town line offers luxurious rooms and suites, all with a private balcony or patio, and an ocean or garden view. The spacious rooms are decorated in deep green and burgundy tones. The resort has three dining options: Marcel's, the Breakwater Cafe, and the Clubhouse Grille. The flagship restaurant Marcel's ($$-$$$$) features French and American cuisine, as well as seafood specials. It also has an extensive and impressive wine list. Reservations are essential here, and men must wear a jacket. For a less-formal affair, try the Breakwater Cafe, featuring basic New England fare, such as homemade chowder and lobster rolls; there's outdoor seating when the weather is nice. The Clubhouse Grille, catering to the golf crowd, serves casual food, which you can enjoy inside or on the porch. Golf Digest

called the resort's 18-hole championship golf course the "Top Ranked Resort Course in New England," and the "Seventh Most Beautiful Course in America."

This is a resort property that seems to meet every need.

Not within walking distance of Rockland or Camden shops. www.samoset.com. 156 rooms, 22 suites. In-room: Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf course, pools, tennis courts, gym, children's programs, business center. Credit cards accepted. Rate includes: Breakfast.

This is one of the most famous and respected inns in New England. Nestled in the mountains, the Lucerne overlooks beautiful Phillips Lake. The inn was established in 1814, and in keeping with that history, every room is furnished with antiques. The rooms all have a view of the lake, gas-burning fireplaces, and a whirlpool tub; some have wet bars, refrigerators, and balconies as well. There's a golf course directly across the street. The inn's restaurant ($$-$$$$) is nearly as famous as the inn and draws many of the local people for its lavish Sunday brunch buffet. The traditional dinner among guests is the boiled Maine lobster. The inn is about 15 mi from Bangor. Several rooms are available for smokers; two rooms are handicapped accessible. No pets are allowed. Pros:

Some of the rooms have lovely views of Phillips Lake (you can request one), and the Sunday brunch is famous—but be sure to make a reservation for it.

The inn, while famous, has been around for awhile, and some of the rooms are a little on the shabby side. www.lucerneinn.com. 31 rooms, 4 suites. In-room: Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pool. Credit cards accepted. Rate includes: Breakfast.