Trees dressed in red, yellow, and orange leaves lined the road connecting Acadia National Park to downtown Bar Harbor, Maine, where I vacationed last fall.

As I gear up for my summer trip to a destination with all sunshine and no shade, I have been reflecting on my cozy stay in Maine where I drank blueberry cobbler coffee, dressed in four layers of clothing, and embarked on chilly sunrise hikes.

For the trip, I had a tentative itinerary—which included a laundry list of hikes, along with a few local restaurants and coffee shops.

Below are the highlights.

Dr. John B. Ells Pier

Wild white-capped waves rocked the ships at Dr. John B. Ells Pier. The fierce wind tangled my hair as I watched seagulls dance around the ships. When I turned around, I saw more seagulls perched peacefully on a bright green hill overlooking the pier.

Sand Beach

Rather than wearing a swimsuit and walking barefoot on the beach, I wore a coat and beanie and left hiking boot prints in the sand.

Sand Beach is a special place where the evergreens and mountains of Maine meet the sparkling waters and seashells of the Atlantic Ocean. This was my favorite spot.

Beehive Loop Trail

Beehive Loop was the most difficult and exhilarating hike of my life.

I navigated narrow pathways, climbed up iron rungs and ladders mounted on cliffs, and “scrambled.”

Writer Alissa Bell said that scrambling is like “4-wheel drive” hiking; you use both your hands and feet, according to the online article “Scrambling: A Hiker’s Guide."

I certainly felt like a Jeep.

My adrenaline spiked when I saw the edge of the cliff, and the views became more magnificent as I ascended.

I eventually reached the top of Beehive Trail and stared out at the colorful trees and endless blue waters.

I descended by way of The Bowl trail, which took me through a dreamy forest.

Sherman’s

After a long day on the trails, I moseyed into Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop.

The quaint bookstore was bright with life from my view on the street. I was welcomed into the world of books, a haven from the cold.

This bookstore featured a rolling library ladder, which made it feel like a Disney movie.

I ended up buying a book titled “Best Friends: The Adventures of Squirrel and Chipmunk in Maine” by Ethan Snyder for my nephew, Fisher.

Fun fact: squirrels in Acadia National Park have gray fur.

Cadillac Mountain

Before sunrise, I was layered up with my coffee in hand and ready for a hike up Cadillac Mountain.

At dawn, the sky was colored with pastel pinks, yellows, and blues. As I hiked up the mountain, the golden sunlight began to peek through the trees—seeming to ignite the red leaves.

I finally made it to Cadillac Summit Road, the popular route that drivers take.

By 7:15 a.m., I was standing at the top. The sun was trying to break through the clouds as I took it all in—the bright blue sea, the boulders below, and the trees all around.

After I climbed down the mountain, it was nearly 9 a.m. I had 16,910 steps.

It was time to eat a giant breakfast, complete with pumpkin spice coffee, orange juice, breakfast pizza, bacon, French toast, cantaloupe, yogurt with blueberries, and cheese.

Wonderland Trail

I looked forward to this trail for its name: Wonderland.

As I alternated between skipping and leisurely walking, I was surprised by the adorable chipmunks along the trail.

Geddy’s

I had my favorite meal of the trip here.

Cozy and seated inside the local restaurant, I took off my coat and sat down to have authentic clam chowder, lobster rolls, oyster crackers, and blueberry tart, followed by homemade blueberry cobbler and ice cream.

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

On my way to the airport, I stopped by Bass Harbor Head Light Station, which was built in 1858 and towers over 30 feet.

My late sister, Kristy, loved lighthouses, and I think of her every time I see one. She would be turning 47 years old this Friday, May 29.

I still remember seeing her lighthouse decorations, ranging from wall calendars to glass figurines.

As I stood at the base of the tower, I was not quite ready to go home.

Visiting Maine was like entering a storybook where the world is forever autumn—characterized by cozy coffee shops; oceanside mountains; trails winding through deep forests; brightly lit bookstores; carefree chipmunks; homemade clam chowder; and trees colored red, yellow, and orange by God, the Creator of all.

Of course, Maine has other seasons, but it’ll only ever be autumn to me. It was the perfect collage of fall.

“I wandered with dear Autumn as far as I could go, and in the end, I didn’t leave. I kept her in my soul.” - Angie Weiland-Crosby