Thuya Lodge and Garden

We had been to Asticou Gardens in the past but this was the first time we visited Thuya. This English style garden was a riot of colorful flowers on our mid-​July visit. All the flowers were beautiful, but the dahlia’s were the star of the show.

Climb the granite stairs of Asticou Terraces and you are rewarded with gorgeous views of picture-​perfect Northeast Harbor. The steepish climb to the top offers additional dividends: first the lovely Thuya Lodge – it’s hard not to covet this place; and second the Thuya Garden – step through the hand-​carved cedar entrance gates and gawk at the well-​tended beds, chock-​full of gorgeous annuals and perennials. The garden is a quiet and sedate place to wonder about, for as the sign near the entrance gate states: Please keep the following outside the garden: Food; Cell phone calls; Pets (except service animals); General tomfoolery, shenanigans, running, horseplay, games & roughhousing.
If your hiking fever persists and you still have some pep in your step, consider a hike on some of the nice trails which lurk beyond the borders of the garden. General tomfoolery and shenanigans should be avoided here as well.

Hidden treasure, not well publicized or marked on the road. If you like looking at incredible flower gardens and/​or quaint old cottages (don’t miss the kitchen) then this is a must see. Great harbor views from the lookout trail. Free with requested donation

I didn’t go into the lodge, but the garden was just spectacular (in early Aug.) Well maintained with a wide variety of blooms. There was a path through nearby woods (I didn’t have time to check out, but wish I had.) There’s also a butterfly garden, a gazebo, a pond and a couple of pavilions where you can sit and enjoy the view. I only wish there were more curving pathways here – the main gardens are laid out in straight rows. Regardless, you can’t beat it, all for the cost of a mere, $ 5 donation. Go! See! Enjoy!

Quite off the beaten path, but well worth it! Only 6 or 7 miles from Bar Harbor, follow Route 3 and the Park Loop. If you see signs for Northern Harbor, you’ve passed it. This was a gem of a place!
It’s quite small, but there are lovely photo opportunities tucked in everywhere. There are reading nooks and seating areas. It’s a lovely place to spend a lazy afternoon.
The Asticou Azalea Gardens are just further down Peabody Drive. I’m sad we missed the season for azaleas, but it was still a lovely stroll through the gardens. There were hidden benches and stone sculptures along the paths. Both gardens are well-​maintained, and meticulous. I loved the sand Zen Garden in the latter garden. Definitely happy we made these stops, even though we initially had a rough time finding them.

Beautifully maintained colorful, during September anyway, garden with quiet sitting areas to reflect on almost any aspect of life. Have a picnic lunch here, it will certainly be most memorable!

This is one of the most beautiful spots in Northeast Harbor. If you drive, parking can be a problem. If you walk, park in one of the outer lots at nearby Asticou Inn and walk clockwise around the harbor (SE) until you see steps behind large granite blocks going up the hill. This is a lovely path and features little rustic huts along the way which are a good place to rest (going uphill) and reflect (going down).
If you are up for a longer hike, consider going towards Jordan Pond from Asticou Inn — ask for directions, it’s slightly complex — and follow the signs to Eliot Mountain and then to Thuya Lodge and back down the steps described above. It is one of my favorite easy-​to-​moderate hikes on the island.

This little garden is an absolute gem off the beaten path in Northwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island. Admission is a suggested donation of $ 5/​person which is more than reasonable for all the floral splendor that you will take in once inside. The garden was once part of a private property and is meticulously maintained along with the original «lodge» on the property. Thuya is reminiscent of a traditional English herb and flower garden with lots of treats for butterflies and hummingbirds. The grounds are easy to walk and also features a well-​manicured gravel path that could probably accommodate a wheelchair. There are a few spots where you can sit and relax and a few relaxing water features. Be sure to pick up the pamphlet that will tell you what they commonly grow in the garden. It is much easier to read than hunting for all of the placards among the plants. Children may or may not enjoy this environment. Keep in mind that the staff do not appreciate and do not seem to tolerate shrieking little ones who use the property as a playground.

Really beautiful garden attached to a small lodge. Not much to say except that it is really pretty and I highly recommend it. It felt all mystical and whatnot to me.