28 | belfast bay & beyond 2010
BELFAST
· www.belfastmaine.org
Intersection of Rtes. 1 & 3, between Northport &
Searsport
Named one of the coolest small towns in
America by USA Today, Belfast sits on a hill
overlooking the breathtaking tidal waters of
Penobscot Bay. Settled in 1765, Belfast's past
and present speak of its creativity, innovation,
tradition, community, and independence. It is
the economic hub and county seat of Waldo
County with a dynamic working waterfront,
picturesque sea captains' mansions, the coun-
try's oldest shoe store, and more art galleries
than any city its size in the state. Within minutes
of leaving Route 1, you enter a landscape that
melds the natural world of woods and waters
with the vibrant rhythm of art and commerce.
See & Do Sampler: Museum in the Streets,
a self-guided walking tour through downtown
Belfast, is a great way to introduce yourself to
this city of many stories. Want to know more?
The Belfast Historical Society and Museum are
footsteps away. Year-round, you can explore
more than 19 galleries within walking distance
of the docks; see the finest sea captains' man-
sions in America; find unique gifts at the many
shops and boutiques; and dine on the best veg-
etarian food, seafood, gourmet food, or just a
great burger and fries, all on foot. Catch a show
at the Art Deco-style Colonial Theatre, the only
building in town with a giant elephant on the
roof. Have a picnic in one of the many parks or
take your four-legged friend for a romp in the
leash-free Dog Park. You'll adore the many fes-
tivals like the Maritime Heritage Festival, Arts
in the Park, the Celtic Celebration, and New
Year's by the Bay.
BELMONT
· www.maine.gov/local/waldo/belmont
7 miles west of Belfast on Rte. 3
Soon to celebrate its centennial, Belmont
is a quiet community with a low tax rate and
easy commuting to Belfast. One of the town's
largest employers, Creative Apparel Associates,
manufactures chemical-protection garments
and other specialty clothing for military and
commercial customers. The Belmont Historical
Society holds meetings in its recently restored
1908 one-room schoolhouse, which is on the
National Register of Historic Places.
See & Do Sampler: The Ducktrap River,
which rises in Tilden Pond, can be fly-fished,
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1 cool city, 25 great towns
the coast is a huge part of
waldo County's magic. But
so, too, are our close-knit
inland communities, beautiful
lakes and rivers, scenic
roads, and a very special
uninhabited island. You can't
really know waldo County
until you've tasted it all.
Belfast
Harbor
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