About Discover Bar Harbor
Local Stays. The Local Way.
You Are Not a Number. You're a Person, a Family, a Story.
At Discover Bar Harbor, we don’t use algorithms or generic templates. We customize every experience—every itinerary, every stay—for the individual. For you.Because this isn’t just another vacation. It’s your vacation.
Whether you're here to hike, relax, explore, eat, or reconnect, we design your time in Bar Harbor to reflect your pace, your priorities, and your personality.
Our Story
From Rugosa to Discover Bar Harbor
What began as Rugosa Rentals, a trusted in-town rental company, has evolved into Discover Bar Harbor—a full-service travel planning brand built with heart and rooted in community.
Founded in 2020 by locals who love this place deeply, we’ve grown by listening to what travelers really want: comfort, connection, and care.We now offer:
Custom travel planning with insider insight
A curated portfolio of fully stocked vacation rentals
Property management with heart for local homeowners
Meet Desiree & Jeremiah
Locals. Hosts. Adventurers. Neighbors.
Desiree and Jeremiah are the heart behind Discover Bar Harbor.
Born and raised in Maine, they are true locals with a lifelong love for the coast and the community that surrounds it. Together, they’ve spent over 6 years managing and hosting vacation rentals—welcoming travelers from around the world and helping them experience Bar Harbor like a local.
Desiree holds a graduate degree in Adventure Travel & Tourism, and brings her love of learning, teaching, and planning to every custom itinerary. She’s also a dedicated teacher who knows how to craft thoughtful experiences that matter. Jeremiah is a skilled property manager, hands-on host, and the kind of person who knows just the right trail or lobster roll spot to recommend. He takes care of the details so guests can fully enjoy their stay, worry-free.
Together, they’ve built Discover Bar Harbor as a reflection of everything they love most: hospitality, home, and heartfelt connections.
"We built Discover Bar Harbor for trips we’d plan for our own family."
True Mainers for life
6+ years of vacation rental hosting & management
Graduate degree in Adventure Travel & Tourism
Passionate about sustainable, local-first travel
Proud parents and community supporters
Acadia adventurers, lobster lovers, Bar Harbor storytellers
Our Promise to You: Real, Local, One-of-a-Kind
We don’t follow the guidebooks. We write your own.With real local insight and personal care, we go beyond the expected:
We recommend places we eat at.
We map out trails we hike with our own families.
We send you to sunset spots that most tourists never find.
We help you make the most of your time. We help you have fun. We help you discover what’s authentically Bar Harbor.
Because you’re not just booking a trip—you’re stepping into an experience that’s been built for you, not for the masses.
Built on Three Local Pillars
Bar Harbor Stays
In-town rentals with charm, comfort, and convenience. Always stocked. Always supported.
Travel Planning
Custom itineraries based on your style. Think: private chefs, sailing, whale watching, sunset hikes, and more.
Property Management
Local homeowners trust us to care for their homes and their guests—with full-service support and a personal touch.
For Locals, By Locals
We live here. We love it here. And we want you to really see it—beyond the brochures. You’ll never be passed off to a call center or left wondering who to contact. We’re a small team of real people who care deeply about your experience.
And we can’t wait to help you create a stay that’s memorable, meaningful, and completely your own.
Make It Yours
This is your vacation. Let’s make it unforgettable. Let’s make it one of a kind. Let’s make it feel like home—even if you’re just here for the week.
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Local Stays. Local Ways.
All Rights Reserved | Discover Bar Harbor | Bar Harbor Stays | 2025
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