Belfast is the Maine event on New England's coast
Perched on the Passagassawakeag River, this charming New England seaport is a small town with a big heart. Famed for its railroad history and attractive redbrick architecture, Belfast vacation rentals make a favorable base from which to explore the beautiful New England coastline. Learn about its history as a shipbuilding and seafood processing community at the Belfast Historical Society and Museum, stop off at the legendary Perry's Nut House on Route 1, or take a ride on the vintage train on the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railway and see New England's coastline from a different angle.
For attractions, New England is (Bel) fast and furious
Open Tuesday through Saturday, a visit to the Belfast Historical Society Museum is like stepping back in time. It houses a vast collection of ancient exhibits and old town memorabilia, and hosts various workshops and expert talks. For modern art enthusiasts, head to Waterfall Arts, a contemporary arts center which also hosts the Maine Outdoor Film Festival each fall. And don't miss the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, a 30-minute drive north on Route 1. This 42-story bridge tower has panoramic 360-degree views and is one of only 3 bridge observatories in the world.
Belfast's bustling waterfront is all about festival fun – just don't forget the beers
Originally founded by the Scottish-Irish community in 1765, Belfast is named after the Northern Irish city. Life in this charming New England seaport revolves around the waterfront. In the summer, it hosts various festivals and events, including the Belfast Art Gallery Walk, while a year-round farmers' markets has dozens of local produce and food stalls. Get your New England trip off to a good start by booking a Belfast vacation rental overlooking the waterfront. Go kayaking in Penobscot Bay, or shopping on Main Streett, then after dark kick back in one of the harbor bars with some Maine craft brews.
Belfast's weather is pretty Maine-stream
Long, warm and humid summers, colorful falls, and very cold winters with more than its fair share of the white stuff, Maine's coastal climate is typical weather for America's northeastern shores. While the summer season in Belfast is the busiest time to visit, the seaport is also a popular spot in fall, when New England's famed fall foliage draws in the crowds. Spring and early winter are the quietest times. The days are usually bright, clear and mostly dry, although late spring often sees the odd shower.
Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Belfast
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to appreciate the scenery, Belfast is a great place to get outside. Here are a few of the area's most stunning natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Moose Point State Park (3.1 mi / 5 km)
- Camden Hills State Park (13.7 mi / 22 km)
- Fort Knox State Park (13.9 mi / 22.4 km)
- Mount Battie (15 mi / 24.1 km)
- Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre (15.1 mi / 24.4 km)
- Megunticook Lake (15.2 mi / 24.5 km)
Traveling to and around Belfast
The nearest airport is in Bangor Intl. Airport (BGR), located 28 mi (45.1 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional), which is 25.5 mi (41 km) away.
If you'd prefer to travel by train, the main station is Belfast Station.
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