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| Conference Housing | ||||
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Mount Desert Island Bar Harbor Hostel An alternate place to stay while in Bar Harbor is the Mount Desert Island Housing Forum: Check the Housing Forum to communicate about places to stay! Housing by Ruth Snell MacDonald Although the exact number and configuration of dormitory units had not been established when the January 2005 Newsletter went to press, the College of the Atlantic has since confirmed a total capacity of 113 beds (49 doubles, 9 singles, and 2 triples). Blair/Tyson, the newest facility, accounts for 82 beds, Peach Cottage 7, and Seafox, the oldest, 24. Compared to 2001, this figure represents a reduction in the number of units available, due in part to the scheduled demolition of Ryles Cottage, one of the older facilities on this small but beautiful campus. Given the potential for this year's "back-to-basics" emphasis, the demand for on-campus housing may actually exceed the number of units available. If you want to be sure of staying on campus, within easy reach of meals, meeting rooms and (best of all) your fellow members, early registration is important. It is not too soon to begin thinking about a roommate. We are also able to report that room and board for a full week has been confirmed at $425 (only $10 more than in 2001!), and a full weeks meal plan for those living off campus is still -- hard to believe, but true -- only $190. Look for additional details, such as half-week or one-day pricing, in the registration form, due for release the first of April. If you were intimidated by the sticker price on nearby hotel/motel accommodations (listed in the January Newsletter), perhaps the cost savings represented by on-campus housing will serve as another carrot to encourage you to begin planning now and be ready to register as soon as the registration form is published on this web site and in the April issue of the newsletter. This once-upon-a-time camper (way back in the 60s) was even shocked by the cost of daily campground rates--assuming initially they were weekly rates! In any event, whether you plan to stay on or off campus, you will want to read the Summer 2005 Visitor Information fact-sheet prepared by the College. For on-campus housing wannabes, here are their very practical comments on accommodations:
For those of you thinking about bringing your family to Bar Harbor, or who prefer the privacy or creature comforts of hotel/motel accommodations, here are some options—all within walking distance of the College of the Atlantic (105 Eden Street). Except as noted, these are peak season rates for 2005 and are based on single or double occupancy. Acadia Inn Atlantic Eyrie Lodge Atlantic Oakes By-the-Sea Bar Harbor Motel Bayview Hotel aka The Bayview Bayview Estate Bluenose Inn aka Bar Harbor Hotel Cleftstone Manor Edenbrook Motel Highbrook Motel Wonder View Inn & Suites Still another option to consider ( not within walking distance) are campgrounds, as follows: Bar Harbor Campground Bar Harbor KOA (former Barcadia) Hadley's Point Campground Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Please note : Feedback from inquiries about off-campus housing indicates that the best/cheapest rooms are booked very early (Jan-Mar, or even before). And since the “back to basics” emphasis of the 2005 conference has the potential for drawing even more than in 2001 (about 160 registrants), and there are only 111 beds available in COA dormitories, we all need to plan early and register ASAP—whether off-campus or on-campus. And, finally, if anyone is interested in either the Atlantic Eyrie Lodge or Bar Harbor Motel but not ready to make a reservation, I can reserve a block of rooms based on the level of interest, but I would need to hear from you, Ruth Snell MacDonald
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| Copyright © 2005 GNSI - Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. All rights reserved. Images by Dick Rauh, Gretchen Halpert, and Lana Johnson. |