Inside the Library
The Birch Bay Library is a cozy place to curl up to a great book as well as a meeting place to socialize with neighbors.
Thanks to a generosity of residents, board members, future residents and local foundations, Birch Bay was able to renovate their twenty-one-year-old library in 2023.
Generous support included donations from the Hattie A. & Fred C. Lynam Trust, managed by Bar Harbor Banking and Trust, as well as the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation. The renovated library was thoughtfully designed with colors of the forest and the ocean, pale blues, and greens, as well as prints from local artists on the walls, and walnuts finishes. Caregiver Support Groups and Acadia Senior College lectures are also hosted in this space.
The Fox Fitness Center
Renovated in 2019, thanks to a generous donation by former residents Dr. Mary Alice and Dr. Samuel Fox III, the Fox Fitness Center at Birch Bay Retirement Village offers a variety of exercise equipment for resident use.
Equipment includes: a weight machine, a recumbent bicycle, a treadmill, and a rowing machine. It is important to our residents to stay active, especially during the coldest days of winter, and we are pleased to be able to offer a community gym.
Resident Testimonial
“I live in one of the cottages at Birch Bay and try every day to work-out in the exercise room at the Inn. It is certainly a pleasant place to be, and I take advantage of three of the exercise machines there, getting some robotic work and using various muscles that otherwise would probably atrophy as I am 83 years old. I might note that I am not the only person who uses and enjoys this room, although it is never crowded and when I meet another resident there, we always have pleasant conversation.”
The Bay Vista Room
Scenic Trail & Path
Hike the Trail
When Bob moved into a cottage at Birch Bay, he had a long relationship with Friends of Acadia. We are pleased he has used his expertise to help us build a moderate hiking trail at Birch Bay for residents to enjoy.
Resident Testimonial
“Located adjacent to Acadia National Park with it’s miles of hiking trails it seemed only natural that Birch Bay Village should have it’s own walking path in the woods,” shares Birch Bay resident Bob. “In the spring of 2022 I discussed the idea with our Director of Facilities, Wayne Sinclair who enthusiastically scouted out the route with me. Having volunteered as a Trail Crew Leader for years with Friends of Acadia, I was able to recruit a handful of experienced friends from the Park and Ann, my neighbor here at Birch Bay. Within weeks we had cleared the route and created a one-mile path around Birch Bay Village which now provides a chance to experience the remoteness of the Park while staying close to Birch Bay. The trail also has an overlook with chairs providing a scenic view of Frenchman Bay and the mountains beyond. While not wheelchair accessible, the trail is appropriate for dog walkers and anyone who would be comfortable on the trails of Acadia National Park.”
Walk the Path
A ¼ mile paved walking path is located around the Birch Bay Inn. During all months of the year, residents are walking the path, often walking with neighbors or family members and exchanging friendly greetings. Benches are set up strategically to offer residents a spot to rest and take in the beautiful views of Frenchman Bay and the Schoodic Mountains. There are also three pet waste stations placed around campus as our campus is dog friendly for resident pets and visitors. The Birch Bay Walking Path is beautiful in all seasons from the greens of spring and summer, reds and oranges during fall foliage and winter white capped mountains.
