The Acadia Magic Story, Reviews, Feedback and Awards
Acadia Magic was born in 2001 after Maine native Greg Hartford returned to Maine after living several years in Florida where he worked with several tourism related businesses. When he returned, he saw a need for a different web presentation for the Acadia Region. At that time, each chamber and business seemed to be focused on themselves or their towns. Greg asked the pivotal question of what would the visitor want to view or learn about. He realized that the visitor wanted to know what was here; what was to see and to do that was not restricted to a specific town.
For the potential visitor, Acadia or Bar Harbor, represented a much larger experience. Greg began gathering current and historical information about each town and geographical area, plus the many parts of Acadia National Park. He also began documenting locations by taking thousands of photographs. Since Greg was visually oriented, he realized how beneficial it would be to have an interactive map where people could just click to get information and view locations. He created a map of the area, then learned about html "image-mapping." What he created became very popular very fast. As he assembled the many parts, it emerged as Acadia Magic. Within a short period of time, it became a favorite website covering Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and the surrounding towns and villages in Maine.
He soon received an unexpected call from someone at Google. They observed the greatly increased search engine traffic and had several questions as to why he chose to do and name things certain ways. Greg explained a variety of things such as a photo should not just be associated with a keyword about what it was of, but also from where it was taken from. This is an important distinction for anyone needing to know what the view is like from a potential rental property or home purchase. This was before Google had fully developed their own interactive map that people know today.
Business organizations as far away as the U.S. Virgin Islands contacted him about his concept. Today, many have adopted his original approach and Acadia Magic is still evolving. The most treasured moments are when he receives communications from people whose lives have been touched by his creation. One of note was an elderly man who had lived in Northeast Harbor in his youth. After exploring Acadia Magic online, he called Greg to thank him for the most wonderful half-hour that he had spent in many years. We hope that you will continue to enjoy it as well.
Words of Inspiration
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Regina (from Rochester, NY) wrote:
After spending hours with your writings on the surroundings of Bahaba, Maine, you brought to life my total infatuation on why I am utterly drawn to Maine.In comes your challenge to learn not just about BaHaba, Maine but Acadia Mountains and many surrounding hidden GEMS. I cannot stop thinking of the scenic, picturesque, quaint, sunrise and sunset views of Bald Porcupine, Sheep Porcupine, Long Porcupine just to name a few.
The most intricate part of the challenge and learning, was that all the things I love doing are right in Maine. I love, love, love, seafood! Right out of the ocean lobster and beautifully placed on my plate. Next up, I recently obtained my boating license. I came across your photos of cruise ships and boats in the area. I love taking out a pontoon all alone to be at peace with the almighty creator, God! If I'm being truthful, I am a helpless and hopeless romantic, who will never find someone willing to go on a pontoon ride, but I have God so, it's more than enough for me.
Lastly, the challenge educated me on so many things. This email could quickly turn into a book. To sum it all up in short, your challenge helped me to see why I am so drawn to Maine, not just Bar Harbor but all the healthiness of the surrounding areas of Maine or the Acadia Mountains. From the plush and quaint B&B's to the heart shapes everywhere, to hiking trails and kayaking, which explains in-depth why I love the people, too. The calm, the view, the quaintness the activities the seafood... feels like I am at home doing what I love... Enjoying Life!
Greg, words are not enough to express the joy in my heart for your challenge, writings and endlessness of beautiful pictures and all the things I can see and do in my next life if I ever make it to Maine.
Thank you for everything, I can place myself in Maine, through your eyes!
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Vicki from Washington State wrote:
I had a chance to view the rest of your wonderful photos. It really awakened something in me that had been sleeping, put away on a shelf while the common or so called normal way of life was buzzing on by.You see,
What I see,
But you see,
What I cannot see,
So, I see, what I can,
With what I have...I grew up in New England, in a family with a cottage on a Maine island and lived a good number of years in beautiful Vermont. Came to Wa state in 1990 and rather lost the creative side of myself. It was actually a culture shock for me when I moved out here. I live in a small town, out in the country and the people I know do not really understand or appreciate the artist, photographer, musician or creative writer part of me... I began to let it slip away deep inside me because I was busy working, raising a family, training horses, and living.... I see things the way you capture it in your photos. Your photos reminded me of some things that have been held deep within, that with several days of pondering have surfaced and reminded me of the free artist I used to be and that I can once again become. That part of me that was left behind in Northern New England, partly in Maine. It has been a freeing experience and also an eye opener to see that there are other people who “see” things as I do... I so appreciate your talent and that part of you that you have shared... through your photos.
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Vicki from British Columbia wrote:
Hi. This is one of the best experiences I have had so far gathering info on a place I am coming to visit. I travel all over the world and spend tons of time researching things to do and by far the AcadiaMagic.com web site for this area had the most info and was easily accessed. Wow! Thanks a lot - can't wait to be in this area. I am arriving on a cruise ship out of New York. I am from the west coast of British Columbia on Vancouver Island so can't wait for my east coast adventure. Thanks for making it exciting to anticipate and I will let you know how things went when I get back. -
Edward from Kansas wrote:
When I married back in October 2008, I had decided to have our honeymoon in Bar Harbor after seeing your website. The photos that you have taken swelled up a deep excitement for my Wife and me. I based our entire itinerary off of your map and photos. I told my Wife that I wanted to stand and see in person every location you photographed, and I can say that I think I may have gotten close to all of them.When I was looking for the Old Stone Barn, I asked the locals where I had heard of this place due to the fact that most tourists never ask about it. I told them that I had found it on your website. After we returned home (in Kansas) I felt that I was missing a piece of me back in Mt. Desert Island. Even now I bring it up to my family and friends. When I am in my office I find myself still going to your website and reliving my experience through your art. In fact I can without a doubt say that I have visited your site everyday since I left the island. I just wanted to say thank you for your beautiful art and your dedication to this magnificent and magical place.
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Marilyn from San Fransisco, California wrote:
Tonight (July 9th) I leave San Francisco for my first visit to Maine. I'll be staying in Southwest Harbor and discovered your fabulous website when searching online for information about Acadia. What a beautiful website, what fabulous photography, what an enticement to visit Acadia and Maine. Many thanks! By tomorrow afternoon, I'll be there in person to see it all for myself! -
Denice wrote:
This is the most awesome and well designed website I have ever seen!!! We were planning a trip to Maine for a vacation next week and I came across this website. The pictures are unbelievable. They say pictures do not do justice to the real thing. If the real thing is better than this photography I will think I died and went to heaven! Your website decided the journey we would take. We are looking so forward to going to Acadia National Park. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent of photography. -
Neil wrote:
Your site layout, design and information was priceless for our families Maine vacation to Acadia. It is one of the best websites I have ever visited. Congratulations and thank you for making this possible so that our family could have an enjoyable vacation. -
Karol from Iowa said:
I happened on your website by searching "Mount Desert Island." It is absolutely one of the most informative, intuitive and helpful sites for an area like this that I've ever come upon. Thanks so much for your attention to detail. Really, the intuitiveness that you have built into it is exactly the way my brain thinks. Well done! -
Steve in Pennsylvania wrote:
I just wanted to say that I was looking at your pictures on the website and they are really spectacular. I've never been to Maine, but it certainly looks like a place I'm going to have to visit. The scenery in your photos is absolutely fantastic. It gives me the feeling that I'm there without having left my office. I can almost smell the scents of the forests and streams and hear the sounds of the lobster boats chugging along the shore. -
Marlena said:
I have been researching the Acadia area off and on now for about a year. I just ran across your incredible website during a Google image search. Amazing photos! I wish I could afford to put together a montage! But the best part is your map because I love how one can click on a portion of the map and view photos of the area.. and get more information. Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into the site and all of the info and photos. I can't wait to visit Maine again. I vacationed as a child on Vinalhaven. Know any lobsterman looking for a wife...? (smile.) -
Cathy from Rhode island wrote:
Your photography and presentation of Acadia National Park are awesome .... so awesome, in fact, that a friend and I have decided to spend a 4-day vacation in July getting acquainted with that beautiful area. I live in Rhode Island, so I'm not that far. For me, it's probably a 6-hour drive to Acadia. -
Allison from away said:
I've been going to MDI since I was a baby - almost 50 years. My mother was from Bernard. This is by far the best website I have ever seen!!!!!! The pics are truly spectacular!!!! Keep up the great job. By the way the website is put together, I bet you enjoy every minute of your work. It probably doesn't feel like work either!!!!!!!! Thanks :)
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Stacy from away said:
Can I just say that I have been just blown away by your work! What beautiful, awe-inspiring work you have presented on this site... I am visiting the Bar Harbor area over Labor Day weekend and cannot wait to see these beautiful locations in person! Thank you for sharing your work and giving others inspiration... -
Kelly in Louisiana wrote:
I have really enjoyed your photos of the Bar Harbor area and your website. Over the past few months I have reviewed dozens of New England photo sites and yours is my favorite -
Ed in Massachusetts said:
Your sight is amazing! It is a real labor of love and the pictures are phenomenal. I will continue to direct folks to your amazing site. -
Bob in Australia wrote:
I am amazed at your website on Acadia. What magnificent photos and a professional website you have put together. Fantastic!! -
Kevin (Photo Editor) in Greensboro, North Carolina wrote:
Your work is very impressive to say the least. Maine is already on my bucket list, but I think it just moved up a few places after seeing these images. -
Vicki in Washington said:
I briefly had a chance to view some of the your MOST WONDERFUL photos on the website for the Acadia Park. I put it on my favorites for when I can sit down with time and just go thru them slowly, absorbing the incredible and beautiful way you have presented the scenery. I am a photographer of sorts who has a great appreciation for the person who has the time, resources and right equipment to do such a wonderful job of capturing spectacular shots such as yours. -
Allison in Bar Harbor said:
Thank you for all you do, you have a beautiful site and we are thankful we can be a part of it. -
Connie from West Virginia wrote:
You have an amazing site. Your links and the information on each along with photos of the areas are so very helpful. A person really knows how to find the sites they want to see. Even if they don't know it. When they see your photos, they know they really want to go. The added benefit of your knowledge on how to get to these beautiful sites, trails, etc. is so very helpful. Thank you for making this available. I wish other states and areas could do even half of what you do to help visitors. -
Jason from Solon, Ohio said:
I came across your website a few years ago and the photography is breathtaking. Great job in capturing the beautiful scenes throughout Maine. -
Russ from Oceanside, California said:
First, may I say how fabulous your Website on Acadia and MDI is? It is beautifully presented with grand photographs of my most favorite place on the planet! -
Bruce from Maine said:
I plan on referencing your (awesome) website in some blog posts in future as I get a great deal of enjoyment from it and have pointed quite a few other people to it and they seem to like it very much as well. I'm trying to promote Maine and I think your website is perhaps the best-of-breed about Maine. -
Arnie from New Jersey said:
I know we never met but I just had to drop you a note. I came across your photos In flickr and I had to tell how nice your photos are. I am heading up to Maine this week to Boothbay, Scarbough and Portland and by looking at your photos you have really inspired me. Your work is really beautiful and this was just a note to say thanks for the inspiration. I only hope some of my work comes somewhat close to yours. Thanks again and yes I am a fan. -
Courtney, a marketing Professional said:
I love your Acadia Magic website! I work in the marketing industry and would like to link your website on one of my websites, as it is one of the best sites that I have found for info on Acadia and the MDI area. -
Helen from Bar Harbor said:
I just happened upon your web site by accident. Wanted to tell you that I think it is great and also the same for your photos of the Island. Why haven't I heard of this before? -
Bob from Sarasota, Florida shared:
Greg, your photos in this site are incredible. What an absolute pleasure to happen upon this site! Thanks for your beautiful work. -
Ayaz in New Hampshire said:
Thanks for putting this great site together. I moved to New Hampshire a couple of years ago and have started to visit Maine and specifically Acadia as my closest National Park. Your site and interactive maps have been very helpful in discovering this region. As a fellow photographer I really appreciate it. -
G. Soriano wrote:
I just want to tell you that my friends and I enjoyed Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park when we visited during the last Labor Day weekend (we live in the Midwest). We had such wonderful memories and we miss the ocean so much! This website at least gives us a little slice of the wonderful time we had there! PS. We also used your website a lot prior to our trip. Your photos are exactly how we remember Acadia. -
Lisa from Battleboro, Vermont said:
We are planning to visit the Acadia area for the first time, and a Google search led me to your beautiful website. Thank you so much for putting together such an incredible resource! It has been incalculably helpful in planning our trip! -
Chen wrote:
Thank you so much for generating this really helpful website: acadiamagic.com This is one of the most comprehensive, informative, and beautiful website I have ever seen. I think that every tourist will appreciate so much about the great job you have done..... -
www.NewEnglandWOW.com says:
Acadia Magic is a site by Greg Hartford of Maine. It is a stunning visual and written celebration of the Acadia National Park - a genuine Wonder of the World - and the park's surrounding communities. The site has hundreds of pages that can be easily navigated with a unique map to bring up information and photographs. Well worth a visit, ..... -
www.Islands.com says:
“The best collection of high-quality color photography for Acadia/Mount Desert we've found on the web. In addition to the photo gallery, an interactive map will take you to pages that provide background as well as photos of landmarks and attractions. Also descriptions (and links) to the island, lodging and dining possibilties. Very, very handy.” -
Netsurfer's Digest said:
“The Magic of Acadia National Park - This place is well named. The focus here is on Acadia National Park, in Maine, and the photography is breathtaking. The site delivers links to the usual - dining and lodging spots in and around the Bar Harbor area - but also provides a map of the park. The main feature here, the photography, offers dozens of photos that are striking in their intensity, clarity, and composition. Treat yourself to some great scenes from this gem of a national park. If you like nature or photography in general, you'll want to pay a visit.” -
Twenty Years and Counting
Though, I was born and raised in Maine, I moved to Florida in the early 1980's. I moved back for a few years during the early nineties, then to stay in 1999. During the times in Florida, I worked for a company that had an affiliation with Disney and others in various creative ways. Tourism is an important industry in Florida in general. It is in the State's DNA. During this time, I missed the Maine landscape, especially the coastal region in Acadia. There were times when I lived in Florida that I would fly to Maine for a weekend so I could get recharged and take some photographs. I often told people I met in Florida about Maine, especially Acadia National Park. People seemed to appreciate the images that I showed them to the extent that I taught photography at a museum in Melbourne and gave several lectures at other locations. But it was not enough. In 1999, I made some life changes and returned. I immersed myself in the landscape. It simply was a passion that I needed to pay attention to. Out of this passion, and my desire to share the beauty with others, AcadiaMagic.com was born.