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 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.”
Biking in Acadia
Resident Testimonial: “Biking in Acadia National Park is magical,” shares Bich Bay resident Kathy. “There are some fifty miles of gravel carriage roads built for horse-drawn carriages. These are now also used by bicyclists as well as walkers and skiers in winter. The roads take the traveler past stunning scenery: lakes, ponds, waterfalls, and magnificent mountain views. The carriage road bridges are famous for their architectural beauty. A few of the roads are flat; mainly, the terrain varies from gently rolling hills to more challenging ascents. I’m grateful to live so near such a wonderful way to exercise.”
Fitness Classes at Birch Bay
Birch Bay is pleased to offer fitness classes. Classes are taught by a local certified fitness instructor. The classes may be performed seated or standing, using resistance bands, weights and exercise balls. The focus of the classes is to work on strength training, balance and light cardio exercise.
Hiking Trail at Birch Bay
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.
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.”
Walking Path at Birch Bay
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.
Adaptive Biking in Acadia
MDI Wheelers is a new non-profit that seeks to increase accessibility of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads through the use of its special electric-assist tricycles that enable a safe and comfortable ride for people who would like to have a ride on the carriage roads but need a little help.
The nonprofit has provided weekly rides for Birch Bay residents all Summer. These rides will take residents on a 1/2- to 1-hour bike ride on Acadia’s Carriage Roads around Eagle Lake.
Learn more by visiting their website
Golf in Bar Harbor
Since 2014, Birch Bay has held their annual Golf for Alzheimer’s at America’s 5th oldest golf course.
Kebo Valley Golf Club is one of the most beautiful courses in the country with it’s mountain backed course. Residents can enjoy 18-hole golf or lunch at the Links Pub.
Learn more by visiting their website