 When exploring the treasure of Mid-Coast Maine, be
sure to spend some time in Belfast. It’s the perfect opportunity to see an authentic
Maine coast town, rebuilt after fire in the mid-1800’s in beautiful brick Gothic
style. After the hustle and bustle of Camden and Bar Harbor (within easy access of
Belfast), relax and take a stroll through the neighborhoods of Belfast. Enjoy the simple
charm of this quiet town, first incorporated in 1773. Beautiful homes and churches built
from the 1790’s through the Victorian period grace the streets and provide a
"Norman Rockwell" backdrop for your walk. Downtown Belfast offers year-round
theatre, several restaurants and cafes, art galleries, bay cruises, and
a beautiful park on the "the village common" with access to a nearby sand beach.
Watch the activity of this working harbor, as lobster boats join sailboats on Penobscot
Bay.All links below open a
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About Belfast and Waldo County, Maine
Activities in the Area
- Belfast is within easy access for day trips to beautiful Acadia National Park – not
to be missed!
- Golfing in nearby Bangor, Rockland, and Rockport.
- Pool and tennis courts at Belfast City Park.
- Lighthouse
touring and picnicking at Fort Point Light, Curtis
Island Light at Camden, and Owls Head Light at Rockland. Take the ferry to Isleboro and
visit Grindle Point
light
or walk out to the Rockland
Breakwater Light (then enjoy the Shore Village lighthouse museum). All are
within easy access of Belfast.
- Visit the Owls
Head Transportation Museum and enjoy exhibits featuring a collection of early air
and ground vehicles. Trace the history of the bicycle and the horsedrawn carriage.
- Penobscot
Marine Museum in nearby Searsport is a treat for the mariners in your group.
Explore the exhibits on historic ships and view the many beautiful models on display.
- Enjoy the celebration of fine music at the Rockport Bay Chamber Concerts
- Visit the lovely Farnsworth Museum and Olson House in nearby Rockland, home of the
works of the Wyeths – N.C., Andrew, and Jamie. Then enjoy the local
bounty by visiting Sweetgrass
Winery and Distillery, specializing in fruit-based wines, vanilla
and award-winning gin.
- Enjoy stage productions at the local Belfast
Maskers Theater
or Penobscot
Theater in nearby Bangor, home of the annual Maine Shakespeare Festival in July.
- Maine is a great place to bring your kids
to summer camps. One of the best in the area is Hidden
Valley Camp in Freedom, Maine.
- Take a dip in Swan Lake - "where the sane people
swim"!
- Enjoy kayaking or fishing in Belfast Harbor (a nice place to
learn!).
- Cycling trips around town or around the county will provide
beautiful scenes of Maine countryside. Ask the innkeepers to recommend routes.
- Hiking at local parks - Camden State Park/ Mount Battie,
Moose
Point
Park – provide more opportunities to see Maine up close and personal.
- Feel the wind in your hair on a Windjammer
or refurbished fishing boat cruise on
Penobscot Bay – cruises available from
Belfast or nearby Camden, Rockland, and Thomaston.
Special cruises can be arranged out of Belfast Harbor on the Chimera with Penobscot
Bay Cruises.
- Take time to enjoy and sample the bounty
of Maine - start at our own Farmer's Market, held downtown every Friday
morning. Fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables, organic and range-fed
meats and chicken, farm fresh eggs vie with handmade baked goods for
your gustatory attention! Then browse the lovely handmade goods at the
market - beautiful baskets are a specialty here.
- While in Belfast, take time to sample
other Maine-made treats sold at the Coop, the Good Table, or Chase's
Daily. Raye's Stone ground mustards, Baxter
Tea Company, Appleton
Creamery, and Stonewall Kitchen Spices and Condiments
provide high quality, flavorful products, handmade in Maine.
For more information, be sure to visit the web site of the Maine Office of Tourism |
