We knew FamilyFun readers were a loyal bunch, but when we asked them to reveal their favorite vacation spots, we wondered if we'd gone too far. After all, who'd want to share their special island hideaway, mountain retreat or seaside camping spot? We shouldn't have worried. "This place is so good, I almost don't want to tell you about it," began many of the letters, "but I will." In fact, more than 250 of you responded, praising destinations that, in some cases, have been family secrets for years.

How on earth did we choose the 20 winners? We looked for travel ideas with a spark, the kind that made us want to pack up the car and hit the open road. We looked for letters that described new ways to enjoy classic spots or those that tipped us off to places rarely celebrated in guidebooks, such as the old-fashioned resort that hosts family reunions, or the little-known state park where the river and natural pools are just right for floating. In the process, we discovered Mt. Desert Island, Maine where your family will enjoy the rustic outdoors and exquisite scenery.

MT. DESERT ISLAND, MAINE

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
"I could go on for pages about Acadia," says Cathi Putnam, of Ashfield, Massachusetts. "We stayed there for a week, and we just scratched the surface." Last summer, the Putnams—including Brandon, 13, Kevin, 12, and Trisha, 10—drove to this national park on Mt. Desert Island to explore its 35,000 acres of rocky islands, hardwood forests and surf-battered cliffs. From Smuggler's Den Campground, the family hiked up Cadillac Mountain to watch a sunset, cycled along Eagle Lake, went deep-sea fishing and whale watching (they spotted 13 whales), took free photography walks and visited lobster villages. "We cut costs by eating meals at the campground," writes Cathi. "We even steamed lobster at our picnic table." For Acadia National Park information, call 207-288-3338 or click here.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.