Belfast has a lot of the same great things to offer as nearby Rockland and Camden: delicious food, lots of art, and opportunities to get outside and enjoy the view. However, Belfast has its own distinct vibe.
Where to Eat in Belfast
Walk down the Main Street towards the harbor and you'll find some unique and delicious restaurants. In a small town like Belfast, mediocre restaurants don't last long, so any establishment is sure to be well-loved by locals. Don't miss Chase's Daily. The majority of produce served is grown on the Chase Family's local farm. The restaurant is entirely vegetarian, and but is loved by everyone in the local community. Check it out for breakfast or lunch and Friday dinner.
Darby's Restaurant and Pub is a local mainstay for dinner and drinks with a wide variety of menu options. For Italian, eat at Delvino's Grill and Pasta House. You won't be disappointed with the rib eye.
For before or after dinner drinks, check out Three Tides. A truly unique experience, this local favorite is a thriving microbrewery with growlers for sale and features a sand bocce ball court, a deck overlooking the water, and a chiminea to enjoy after the sun goes down. Try the raw oysters with your beer. If you want to really experience life as a Maine local, duck into Rollies Bar and Grill. This is the kind of place where you won't find a table during a Patriots game and you wouldn't be surprised to see a pastor, a school principle, and the local pick up softball league here on any given Friday. Definitely a slice of life in Belfast.
If you're looking for a picnic lunch or even to fill your car with local and organic food, check out the Belfast Coop. Maine's oldest and largest coop, this is a community cornerstone. Check out the deli for lunch, find a large wine and beer selection and stock up on all natural skin and body care. Much of the food you'll find comes right from local farms, bakeries, and mills. Check out Fiddler's Green Farm baking mixes and Good Bread sourdough.
Where to Stay in Belfast
Belfast has a number of beautiful bed and breakfasts within walking distance of downtown. If you want to be steps away from restaurants and bars, stay at the Belfast Bay Inn. This boutique hotel is right on Main Street. For a large garden and stunning architecture that is still within walking distance to downtown, stay at the Alden House Inn. For over-the-top ornate decor and an enjoyable stay, check out the White House Inn. It's a few more blocks from the downtown but still within walking distance.
Arts, Music, and Festivals to Check Out in Belfast
Downtown Belfast is filled with art galleries. On the first Friday of the month during the winter and every Friday during the summer, enjoy the downtown Art Walk from 5 to 8 in the evening. The annual Arts in the Park fair takes place every July overlooking the harbor.
Especially during the summer, there is a lot going on downtown in the evenings. Ask around for information on Music in the Streets, a weekly concert series that takes place on one of the main streets in town on Thursday evenings. Check out the Free Range Music Festival in April.
If you feel like taking an afternoon off from strolling downtown, catch a movie at the Colonial Theater in down town. Reminiscent of old Hollywood, get a ticket for anything showing in Dreamland Theater and make sure to grab a seat in the balcony.
Belfast Harborfest, featuring the National Boat Building Challenge, takes place every August. Two people have four hours to build a twelve foot skiff followed immediately by a rowing contest. This unique festival is a blast for all involved and is worth a trip to Belfast if only for this event. If the boat-building contest gets you inspired to get out on the water, take a guided tour of the harbor on sea kayaks!
Enjoy your stay in Belfast!
Emily Goodridge - Hello everyone! I'm a young professional living in the Northeast with my boyfriend and our two dogs. I've always enjoyed writing and honed ...
