Love food? Maine has a town for that. Love being outside? Yep, we’ve got entire regions for that! Love shopping, small Main Streets and friendly people? That’s basically the definition of Maine. While we have tons of small and large towns that offer everything you might want in a day trip, we think the focus town of this article offers something a little bit special. If you already love the midcoast, you’ve probably been here. If not, you’ll want to plan your visit starting with the information included here!
We assume that Belfast’s population of about 7,000 people live here for a number of reasons. It’s history dates back to be one of the oldest in Maine — it was found in 1773 and named after the city in Ireland of the same name. After World War II, this community was primarily working class, focused on poultry.
dougtone / Flickr After the poultry industry collapsed in the 1970s due to a recession, a number of residents left looking for jobs in other areas of the state.
Eventually, as often happens in life, things turned around. The town’s beauty, as well as the affordable lifestyle, brought a new influx of people. But this time around they were different. Instead of poultry workers, residents were artists, recent college grads and city folks looking for a better quality of life.
familyhodgson / Flickr
The arts remain a big part of life in Belfast. You’ll find art galleries dotting the streets…
althewebmaster / Flickr
…but you’ll also find art out ON the streets.
dougtone / Flickr
dougtone / Flickr
The town takes the arts seriously, hosting a weekly art market on Fridays.
blueberrylemon / Flickr
While Belfast has no shortage of the charming architecture typical of the area…
qnr / Flickr
…the town isn’t afraid to get whimsical, either.
dougtone / Flickr
Part of what makes this town so great is the food scene! Chase’s Daily has been nominated for multiple James Beard Awards. The community staple is committed to its farm-to-table philosophy, selling fresh produce at its own market.
MaineGuy777 / TripAdvisor Find them at 96 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915 / (207) 338-0555.
And for those who love music, you’ll love the annual Belfast Ukulele Fest.
Belfast Guitar and Ukulele Workshop / Facebook
Ukulele not your thing? Belfast hosts a number of other festivals, including the All Roads Music Festival, Belfast Harbor Fest, a peace festival and the Maine Celtic Celebration.
All Roads Music Festival / Facebook
Belfast’s free-spiritedness long ago earned it the self-deprecating nickname “Moonbat Kingdom.” Whether or not you think that’s a good thing has a lot to do with whether or not you’ll love Belfast.
Daniel M / TripAdvisor
What we love most is that this town is dripping with realness and they’re not afraid to be who they are.
string_bass_dave / Flickr That’s what we think you’ll love about it. With so much awesome in such a small town, it’s little wonder that DownEast Magazine has named it one of the best places to live in Maine.
Ready to visit? Click here to check out a map of Belfast along with driving directions from your location.
dougtone / Flickr
After the poultry industry collapsed in the 1970s due to a recession, a number of residents left looking for jobs in other areas of the state.
familyhodgson / Flickr
althewebmaster / Flickr
blueberrylemon / Flickr
qnr / Flickr
MaineGuy777 / TripAdvisor
Find them at 96 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915 / (207) 338-0555.
Belfast Guitar and Ukulele Workshop / Facebook
All Roads Music Festival / Facebook
Daniel M / TripAdvisor
string_bass_dave / Flickr
That’s what we think you’ll love about it. With so much awesome in such a small town, it’s little wonder that DownEast Magazine has named it one of the best places to live in Maine.
There are quite a few wonderful little towns in Maine, including this one! It’s got shops, restaurants, and the most perfect riverside location.
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