For a Fun Weekend Away Try Belfast (Maine, That Is)
There are a plethora of coastal towns in Maine and Belfast stands out as the perfect choice for a short weekend getaway.
If you live in the Northeast chances are you’ve taken a trip to Maine or know someone who has this summer. My husband and I were faced with some last minute business in Bangor one weekend and decided to make a quick holiday out of it. I pulled up a map and searched for some of the closest coastal towns- “Belfast! Let’s try that.”
A town of approximately 7000 inhabitants, Belfast is located on the Passagassawakeag River estuary on Belfast Bay and Penobscot Bay. The city is filled with Pre-Civil War architecture. Former ship’s captain’s homes sit on tree lined streets and the historic Main Street slopes downhill to the waterfront and still-active shipyard. No visit is complete without a walk on the Harbor Walk and over the footbridge with it’s supreme views of the sailboats at anchor in the harbor. If you visit in the summer, chances are you’ll find some sort of festival happening. From the Celtic Celebration to the annual Harbor Fest, there will certainly be something going on. On our visit the local rowing club was soliciting passers-by to join in on rowing (unfortunately we had head to the airport); if something active isn’t your thing you can always sit on the swinging benches and just enjoy the views. Picturesque and friendly, you can easily spend a day exploring downtown Belfast’s shops, restaurants and coffee shops.
Just outside of Belfast there are a multitude of options for exploring. We started at Moose Point State Park for a walk on the shore, exploring tide pools and enjoying the sounds of the water lapping on the shore. Perhaps overlooked, we practically had the small state park all to ourselves.
Further along the highway we stopped at Fort Point State Park to visit the lighthouse, have a picnic amongst the trees and sit on the small beach looking towards the mouth of the Penoboscot River.
Another great place to stop for some nature is Sears Island, the largest undeveloped, causeway-accessible island on the east coast of the United States. Park your car on the causeway and explore the 940 acre island on foot either through the trails amongst the trees or by scrambling over the rocks on the beach.
There are an abundance of places to stay near Belfast and we chose Seascape Motel and Cottages just outside of town. Budget friendly, and thoughtfully renovated and impeccably decorated, Seascape Motel and Cottages brings the roadside motels of the 50s and 60s into the Instagram era. The owners provided us with many fantastic recommendations on activities and dining.
For our one dinner in the area we drove to Aster & Rose in Lincolnville. With a focus on local sourcing and seasonality you can be assured that whatever is on the menu will be exquisite. Elegant, yet casual, it’s a wonderful spot for a date night and a testament to the creative, high-quality cuisine you can find in the area.
In Belfast you cannot miss Young’s Lobster Pound, it’s an absolute must for Maine seafood. With an extensive menu and the ability to select your own lobster, it doesn’t get more fresh than this. Check out the seafood in the tanks, place your order, find your perfect picnic bench on the large pier overlooking the harbor, and then once your number is called taste lobster as it’s meant to be served! Pro tip: You can bring your own beer and wine to complete your meal.
Our time was short in Belfast and the surrounding area but sometimes a sampling of a place is enough to make you want to come back again soon. If you’re looking for a perfect coastal Maine getaway weekend, try Belfast (Maine that is).
How to Get There
Belfast is about 35 miles from Bangor, Maine. We flew into Bangor International Airport and rented a car.
Stay
Seascape Motel & Cottages- https://seascapemotel.com/
Eat
Aster & Rose- https://www.asterrosemaine.com/
Young’s Lobster Pound- https://www.youngslobsters.com/
