The Belfast Area is the true heart of coastal Maine. Belfast is a small city, the shire town and one of the 26 towns that along with Northport, Searsport, Stockton Springs and Winterport comprise Waldo County. We are located at the head of the Penobscot Bay, one of the finest protected cruising grounds on the East Coast.

In 2007, USA Today hailed Belfast as one of the “top ten culturally cool towns in the country” and in 2008 Budget Traveler named it a “Coolest Small Town”.

Fodor’s speaks highly of Maine…and of the prettiest little town in Maine, Belfast may be the true winner of this title. It has a full variety of charms: a beautiful waterfront; an old and interesting main street climbing up from the harbor; a delightful array of B&Bs, restaurants, and shops; and a friendly population. The downtown even has old-fashioned street lamps, which set the streets aglow at night. If you like looking at old houses, many of which go all the way back to the Revolution and are in the Federal and Colonial style, just drive up and down some of the side streets. The only thing Belfast does not have is traffic jams.

Those of us who are lucky enough to live in the Belfast Area know that we really have it all, and we don’t need the external reviews. We enjoy: miles of two-lane rural roads with scenic vistas, of streams and lakes and beachcombing along undeveloped waterfronts, farmers markets, boutique shops, antique and flea markets, a variety of art galleries and artisan’s studios, kayaking, rowing, sailing, hiking and biking trails, theater, one of the finest marine museums of the east coast, and a diverse selection of dining and entertainment. We have access to 5 regional airports (Rockland, Bangor, Augusta, Portland, Bar Harbor) and our own general aviation airstrip with 4,000 ft runway offering fixed wing and helicopter charter. Most importantly, whether you visit or relocate to the Belfast Area we will offer our best hospitality and sense of community.

Discover why we’re proud to call ourselves “The Heart of Coastal Maine!”

Our Town Belfast: https://www.ourtownbelfast.org

Photography by Thierry Bonneville - All rights reserved.