This Tiny Town In Maine Has A Little Bit Of Everything
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
