Ellsworth is the commercial hub of Hancock County and the last town with major services before Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Most visitors pass through on their way to the coast, but the town has a pleasant downtown along the Union River and is worth more than a gas stop.
The historic downtown along Main Street has a cluster of independent shops, restaurants, and the beautifully restored Grand Auditorium, a 1930s theater that hosts films and live performances. The Woodlawn Museum, just south of town, is a handsome 1820s estate with period rooms, formal gardens, and walking trails through its 180-acre grounds -- a good rainy-day alternative to the outdoor pursuits of Acadia.
Ellsworth is also a practical base if you want to visit Acadia but prefer lower prices and less crowding than Bar Harbor. The Union River has good spots for fishing and the surrounding countryside is classic Downeast Maine -- blueberry barrens, spruce forests, and tidal coves. The town sits at the junction of Routes 1 and 3, making it a natural hub for exploring the entire Hancock County coast.