Welcome to Belfast...
The county seat and mid-coast Maine's historic city on Penobscot Bay.
Belfast carries the spirit of enterprise and commitment to civic improvements right into the present century by refurbishing its downtown and harbor to attract new industries to the city. At the same time, there is an emphasis on how to enhance the historic community without sacrificing its enduring charm for residents and visitors.
Let's go exploring Belfast & the surrounding area...
The historic city of Belfast has all the charm of yesteryear; quaint shopkeepers plying their trades, intimate restaurants, coffee shops boasting the freshest local baked goods, interspersed with a multitude of art studios and galleries. We pridefully boast the Waterfall Art School, the Belfast Music Academy, as well as the University of Maine Business School, all dedicated to furthering education here in Maine. And any visitor would be remiss if they didn't stroll along our easily accessible waterfront and parks.
Seashores, Ships and more...
- Take a narrated boat ride and enjoy scenes of Maine's magnificent coast.
- Swim in the ocean at Bayside or Lincolnville Beach, the warmer waters of Lake St. George or Swan Lake, or try the pool at the Belfast City Park.
Nature and Recreation...
- Visit the area's six state parks for hiking along shorelines or wooded trails, and swimming. Warren Island is accessible only by boat and Ft. Knox is the second largest fort in the United States.
- Hike up Bald Rock Mountain in Lincolnville, Frye Mountain in Montville, footpaths along Penobscot Bay, or Mount Waldo.
- Tee off at one of the four fine golf-courses--one of Maine's most beautiful courses is at Brooks.
- Miles of relatively untraveled roads make for excellent bicycling. A popular trip is loading your bike on the ferry at Lincolnville to Islesboro for a day of cycling around the island.
- Go horseback riding, play tennis, even after dark at the lighted courts at Belfast City Park.
Special Stops and Side Trips...
- Enjoy wonderful antique shops with everything from inexpensive collectibles to true treasures.
- Explore or take a self-guided tour of historic architecture.
- Visit galleries of fine arts.
- Pick berries and apples in nearby orchards or rake blueberries in Stockton Springs.
- Shop at authentic country stores and intimate shops offering fine clothing to special mementos and one of the kind crafts.
- Lose yourself in a local bookstore or library.
Festivals and Fun...
During the summer and autumn, festivals are scheduled almost every weekend and sometimes during the week. Here's a sampling of those held in Belfast.
- Belfast Bay Festival takes place the third weekend of July. Fun, food, excitement on the shores of beautiful Penobscot Bay.
- A celebration of fine arts, crafts, music, children's activities, band concert, and food at Belfast City Park during Arts in the Park.
- Rhythm and exotic flavor of the Sankofa Festival with dancing and music in the streets.
- Mary Weaver's Church Street Festival is a celebration of harvest time with arts, crafts, and food booths galore.
Cultural Treasures...
Belfast Maskers, the community's own theatrical group housed in its Railroad Waterfront Theater offers productions on an ongoing basis.
Maritime Tradition...
Explore the Penobscot Marine Museum as Searsport, a village of eight historic buildings with special exhibitions, lectures, children's workshops, and an excellent collection of marine paintings.
Take to the Air...
Scenic tour in an Ace Aviation private plane to get a bird's eye view of one of the most beautiful bays on the East Coast.
In the Autumn...
Enjoy brilliant foliage changes as you drive Maine's quiet country roads. Ride a horsedrawn wagon at Schartner's Fruit Farm and smell the fresh cider. Gaze on fields rich for the harvest.Wintertime Wonder...
Come snuggle in for a quiet winter weekend on the Mid-Coast and catch up on your rest and reading. Take walks on country roads and stroll a deserted shore as the waves turn to crystal. Dine by the fire and browse in the shops. Enjoy downhill skiing at the Camden Snow Bowl, which is also an exciting toboggan chute. You'll find extensive groomed cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails. Take to the ice and lace up your skates or grab a rod and go ice fishing.
New Years By The Bay...
An annual chemical/alcohol-free festival for the entire family with varied venues -- topping off the entry of the New Year with a display of fireworks over the harbor. Accommodations fill early.
Come Visit Us
When you visit us, you'll quickly discover why our area was selected to receive a Gemmy Award, presented by Midwestern travel writers to America's premier travel-destination finds. No other place in New England has ever been so honored!