Bar Harbor - The slightly less crowded sidewalks in Bar Harbor are really just making room for what's to come.

"We're going to have like a slam bam thank you ma'am with all the cruise ships in at once," said Adrienne Buckley, assistant manager at ice cream and candy shop, Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium.

The transition from summer to September gives local businesses, like Buckley's employer, a break from the rush of summer tourists and time to prepare for fall's.

She said, "Business this season was awesome. I think it was one of our busiest seasons and you know, we'll keep going."

Early estimates from the city's Chamber of Commerce show tourism is up about 10% from last year, and with leaf-peeping season on its way, it could be more.

Neil Bommarito, a sales representative at Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. said, "Whale watch boats have been packed. We've been selling out almost all our trips."

Even in what's considered the lull in tourism, business is still coming in from all over the country.

"It's beautiful. We're getting ready to do a trolley tour through the park today, and just really enjoying the scenery, relaxing," said Linda and Steve Cowan of West Virginia.

The bigger crowds are expected to begin filtering into the state around Columbus Day Weekend, which is when the leaves are typically in their prime.

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