In Praise of the Schmaltz That Holds a Community Together. A conversation about sustainability this weekend became a reminder that places are shaped as much by kindness as by policy.

In Praise of the Schmaltz That Holds a Community Together.

A conversation about sustainability this weekend became a reminder that places are shaped as much by kindness as by policy. Carrie Jones Jul 23, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Restaurant Barn. BAR HARBOR—One of the lowest points in my writing career was after I wrote a blog post about a fire that burnt down the Portside Grill in Bar Harbor. It was … Continue reading In Praise of the Schmaltz That Holds a Community Together.

Cool Old Barn Gets Cool New Life Hidden Barn Books Transforms a Downtown Barn into a Community Hub Where Story Embraces History

Cool Old Barn Gets Cool New Life

Hidden Barn Books Transforms a Downtown Barn into a Community Hub Where Story Embraces History Carrie Jones Jul 05, 2025 Share BAR HARBOR—Sometimes being a little bit lonely when you don’t want to be can create something magical and community focused for an entire town. That’s what happened with Genie Thorndike, whose bit of loneliness inspired a transformation—not just in her life, but in an … Continue reading Cool Old Barn Gets Cool New Life

New Bar Harbor Bookstore to Open in Renovated Barn

New Bar Harbor Bookstore to Open in Renovated Barn

May 12, 2025 Share by Bill Trotter/Bangor Daily News BAR HARBOR—Hoping to address what she sees as a community need, a Bar Harbor resident has renovated a 19th-century barn in the downtown village and is planning to open a bookstore inside. Hidden Barn Books, located on Kennebec Place directly behind Reel Pizza Cinerama, is expected to open on June 14, according to owner Genie Thorndike. The … Continue reading New Bar Harbor Bookstore to Open in Renovated Barn