Blog - Opal Collection

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6 Last Chances for Summer

Summer may be winding down, but not before you make one more splash to send it out in style. Here, we list six quintessential experiences – from digging into a classic Downeast lobster dish in Bar Harbor, Maine, to a night out on the town in downtown Delray Beach, Florida – to eek into your summer bucket list before the season sneaks away. Read More

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Opal’s Most Opulent “Social Event Dining Spaces”

What is a social event zone? It’s Opal’s unique term for an intimate, semi-private dining experience that connects you to the restaurant in a one-of-a-kind way. And we’ve got just the selection of stunning spaces to serve your group. Read More

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Opal’s Newest Gems Shine Bright in Florida

The Sunshine State just got a little bit shinier with the premiere of three new boutique properties within the Opal Collection brand. Here’s a peek at the hallmarks of the new hotels ready for hosting your next Florida vacation. Read More

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How to Navigate Acadia National Park’s Vehicle Reservations System

Here’s what you need to know about how to make a vehicle reservation online and common questions about the process answered. Read More

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Chef’s Kiss: A Foodie’s Guide to Opal’s Best Bites and Sips

Opal’s culinary masterminds walk us through three of the dining concepts you’ll find at Opal Collection hotels and resorts in the Sunshine State. Read More

Whether you're planning where to go next or what to do on an already‑booked vacation, discover the travel destinations with Opal

The main entrance leading into the 20 different art spaces of Fairgrounds St. Pete.

Fairgrounds St. Pete: An Artist’s Surreal Salute to the State of Florida

When it comes to art created in the age of Instagram, the recipe for success is that it must be immersive and interactive in order to be indelible. Fairgrounds St. Pete takes that formula one step further by throwing in a heaping helping of technology to create a wander-worthy wonderland that is a hat tip to the state of Florida. Read More

The view of Frenchman Bay from Bar Harbor

A Coveted Coastal New England Road Trip

The beauty of a multi-day, 220-mile road trip up the craggy coast from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Bar Harbor, Maine isn’t just the plethora of enticing pit stops along the route – from high culture to scenic coves. It’s also the way that Opal properties serve as your easy and convenient overnight waypoints for piecing together one epic coastal cruise. Read More

Fairgrounds St. Pete, The Ringling Museum of Art, and Sea Love candle-making boutique

Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day Across Opal Destinations

As beautiful as the weather is across Opal destinations, rain ultimately happens. That said, you don’t have to let the drops that descend put a damper on your vacation. We highlight top rainy-day activities to dive into. Read More

The view of Frenchman Bay in Bar Harbor.

A Q&A With Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.’s Lead Naturalist

What sets Maine’s largest boating tour company apart? We sat down with 17-year employee and lead naturalist Julie Taylor to find out. Read More

A Gem of a Way to See Acadia National Park

The latest and greatest way to travel the top sites of Acadia National Park? Via an Acadia GEM, a lightweight electric vehicle that is not just a clean, energy-efficient way to tour the beloved park, it’s a way to take it in from a whole new, immersive vantage point. Read More

New in the Northeast Just in Time for Summer

Summer is in full swing. And our New England Coast and New York Adirondack Opal resorts are ready to make it stellar with these new activities and offerings, including a custom-designed private home rental perfect for groups in Bar Harbor, Maine to a “s’more” car in Lake George, New York. Read More

A guest of Opal Sands practices mindfulness at the resort.

Global Wellness Day: Inspiring Better Living Year-Round

In need of a day to take care of yourself – physically, mentally, spiritually? There’s no better time than June’s Global Wellness Day, a health and wellness movement being observed at participating Opal Spas. Read More

All About ‘Tom’s Blueberry Muffin,’ Opal’s Most-Loved Breakfast Staple

With a recipe that dates back to the late ‘60s, Opal Collection’s blueberry muffin has been a longtime breakfast staple, loved and devoured daily by guests. Now, this handheld treat will be that much easier to recreate at home. Read More

10 Best Swimming Holes at (and around) Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina

If you have an urge to submerge, you might be pleased to know that Bar Harbor has no shortage of water, water, everywhere. From stellar swimming pools to picturesque beaches, here’s exactly where to go to splash around. Read More

Daily Catch: 10 Can’t-Miss Seafood Dishes

Seafood lovers, rejoice! From simple-but-sublime lobster rolls in Maine to yuzu-glazed yellowtail snapper in Key West, we’ve rounded up dishes that make the most of these ocean-dwellers for a culinary-inspired vacation you won’t soon forget. Read More

Blog articles from Bar Harbor

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