This venerable Penobscot Bay port has gained a steady following among recreational boaters looking for an alternative to Maine’s busier, touristy harbors.
NEW ENGLAND BOATING & FISHING TELEVISION
BOATING LOCAL SPOTLIGHT VIDEOS
BELFAST AT A GLANCE
GETTING TO BELFAST:
NOAA Charts: 13309
The Belfast Story
READ THE STORY
With plenty of deep-water transient moorings available, even megayacht owners are charting a course to this 243-year-old city whose roots include a long tradition of blue-collar industry and commercial fishing.
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Belfast City Landing (207) 338-1142: Transient slips and guest moorings, as well as short-term dockage. Pump-out available, as well as gas and diesel, water, showers, shore power, and ice. Dinghies can be left at the landing for those who moor or anchor.
Front Street Shipyard (207) 930-3740: Large, full-service marina and yard offering transient slips and moorings for boats up to 150 feet. Also offers water, shore power, showers, ice, pump-out, and one of the largest TraveLifts on the East Coast.
Launch Ramp: A good, all-tide ramp with floats is available near the City Landing, at the foot of Main Street in downtown Belfast, with limited parking. Additional parking is available in an overflow lot.
Anchorages: Anchoring is allowed along either shore of Belfast Bay, outside the mooring fields. Many cruisers also choose to anchor in nearby Searsport, which offers better protection from southerly winds.
DESTINATION BELFAST
Dining: Darby’s Restaurant & Pub (207) 338-2339: One of Belfast’s more upscale restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients and specializing in “enhanced comfort food.”
Young’s Lobster Pound (207) 338-1160: Arrive by boat and dine on fresh lobster, clams, fish and more at this working lobster pound and bustling restaurant on the east side of the harbor. You can also get live lobsters to go.
Traci’s Diner(207) 338-6626: A family-owned and operated restaurant serving up delicious diner food in one of the oldest buildings in Belfast.
Provisions: Belfast Farmers Market(207) 218-7005: You’ll find everything from fresh produce, meats, and cheeses to baked goods, prepared foods, crafts, and more at this large outdoor market near the waterfront. Saturdays, 9:00-2:00.
Things To Do: Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad(207) 315-9410: Departing daily from the Belfast waterfront, this historic train takes visitors on a 14-mile, round-trip ride to Waldo, passing through beautiful Maine countryside along the way.
Museum In the Streets (no phone number avail): Follow this series of 30 informative panels around the city to learn intriguing details about Belfast’s rich and varied past.
Belfast Maskers (no phone number avail): Live theater performances on a funky old stage one block from the City Landing.
Cool Shops: Coyote Moon(207) 338-5659: Eclectic Maine Street boutique carrying a wide variety of clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gift items.
All About Games (207) 338-9984: “Non-electronic” game store. Carries familiar board-game classics, new games from small manufacturers, and mind-challenging strategy games for hobbyists.
Left Bank Books (207) 338-9009: Independent bookstore stocked with loads of interesting books, vintage cards, imported gift wraps, and beautiful globes.
Where to Stay: Alden House Inn(207) 218-1110: Comfortable inn built in 1840. Features classic Greek Revival architecture, a Victorian-era porch, and manicured gardens. Short walk to downtown. Open July to September.
Jeweled Turret Inn(207) 338-2304: Features seven beautifully restored guest rooms with private baths, wide verandas next to quiet gardens, and relaxing common areas for socializing.