Maine has no shortage of unique small towns. In fact, we could write books about them! But, today we’re just focused on one of the most unique. Belfast, located in the midcoast is worth a visit during any season. If you love the offbeat things that make Maine…well, Maine…make sure to visit Belfast. Read on for the reasons why, along with where you should go!
If you’re a lover of all things Maine, you’ve likely heard of Belfast, located in the beautiful midcoast.
smilla4 / Flickr
It’s located at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River where it flows into Penobscot Bay.
ugardener / Flickr
But, the town’s hippy vibe and wonderful eccentric arts and shops that really sets it apart from others in the area.
dougtone / Flickr
To those in the know, the town is referred to as “Moonbat Kingdom,” a reference to the progressive vibe that can be found among its residents.
sa9ah / Flickr
But, this eccentric Maine beauty has so much more to enjoy than just its creative vibe.
dougtone / Flickr
It’s a beautiful town to explore and we recommend these next few things in particular!
David Brossard / Flickr
Maine’s largest farmer’s market can be found in Belfast!
United Farmers Market of Maine / Facebook It runs all year long and offers so much more than just produce. Stop in for local made pottery, art and baked goods. The space is beautiful and large, with room for enjoying the things you buy right on the spot. They’re open every Saturday from 9am to 2pm at 18 Spring Street in Belfast.
Put town your e-reader and enjoy the real thing at Left Bank Books.
Lindsay M / TripAdvisor This shop gets high reviews for having items in stock that the big guys don’t tend to have. Visit them at: Church Street, Belfast / 207-338-9009
Miss the old days?
Chocolate Drop Candy Shop / Facebook Then visit Chocolate Drop Candy Shop & Dave’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain for a just-like-the-real-thing soda fountain! The place is stocked with lots of fun candy and the folks working the counter will make sure you have a reason to stick around a while. Visit them at: 35 Lower Main Street, Belfast / 207-338-0566
Chocolate Drop Candy Shop / Facebook
You’ve surely heard of this piece of Maine history!
James H / TripAdvisor In fact, there’s not much we can say about Perry’s that hasn’t already been said. And certainly nothing that will do it justice. One part museum of relics and oddities and one part gift shop, this mainstay is worth a stop if you’re driving through the area. Visit them at: 45 Searsport Avenue in Belfast on the south side of Route 1 / 207-338-1630
If you like your historic building with elephants on top, the Colonial Theater is a must-see!
dougtone / Flickr If you visited Perry’s Nut House when you were younger, you might notice that today it’s missing its elephant resident. He’s not there anymore because he’s actually on the roof of the Colonial Theater now. He was sold in 1997 and subsequent attempts to buy him back to return him to his former home at Perry’s Nut House have failed. So, you’ll have to visit him here. On this roof. For now. Visit him at 63 High Street, Belfast / 207-338-5087
And, when the weather’s nice check out a piece of Maine’s rail history.
Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad / Facebook Take a ride on one of the excursion trains along the beautiful Penobscot Bay and coastal woodlands. Check out the events schedule for the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad by calling them on 207-722-3899 or by clicking here.
If you’ve got a hankering for some more of small town Maine, consider making a road trip of it. Check out this article which tells you about some of our favorite small towns, along with driving directions and what to do when you’re there.
smilla4 / Flickr
ugardener / Flickr
dougtone / Flickr
sa9ah / Flickr
David Brossard / Flickr
United Farmers Market of Maine / Facebook
It runs all year long and offers so much more than just produce. Stop in for local made pottery, art and baked goods. The space is beautiful and large, with room for enjoying the things you buy right on the spot. They’re open every Saturday from 9am to 2pm at 18 Spring Street in Belfast.
Lindsay M / TripAdvisor
This shop gets high reviews for having items in stock that the big guys don’t tend to have. Visit them at: Church Street, Belfast / 207-338-9009
Chocolate Drop Candy Shop / Facebook
Then visit Chocolate Drop Candy Shop & Dave’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain for a just-like-the-real-thing soda fountain! The place is stocked with lots of fun candy and the folks working the counter will make sure you have a reason to stick around a while. Visit them at: 35 Lower Main Street, Belfast / 207-338-0566
James H / TripAdvisor
In fact, there’s not much we can say about Perry’s that hasn’t already been said. And certainly nothing that will do it justice. One part museum of relics and oddities and one part gift shop, this mainstay is worth a stop if you’re driving through the area. Visit them at: 45 Searsport Avenue in Belfast on the south side of Route 1 / 207-338-1630
If you visited Perry’s Nut House when you were younger, you might notice that today it’s missing its elephant resident. He’s not there anymore because he’s actually on the roof of the Colonial Theater now. He was sold in 1997 and subsequent attempts to buy him back to return him to his former home at Perry’s Nut House have failed. So, you’ll have to visit him here. On this roof. For now. Visit him at 63 High Street, Belfast / 207-338-5087
Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad / Facebook
Take a ride on one of the excursion trains along the beautiful Penobscot Bay and coastal woodlands. Check out the events schedule for the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad by calling them on 207-722-3899 or by clicking here.
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