38 | belfast bay & beyond 2010
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njoying the coast is a huge part of life
for those lucky enough to live in or
near Belfast Bay. The harbor, a center
of activity since the 1700s, is run today
by harbormaster Kathy Messier and has a great
reputation for operating smoothly. "A lot of boat-
ers who come in are repeat visitors," she says.
"The dock facility is so convenient because it's so
close to downtown and everything is in walking
distance. There aren't a lot of places you can do
that in a fairly protected harbor like this one."
The harbor is an enjoyable place, even if
you're not the boating type. Locals and tour-
ists alike can watch the lobstermen handle
their freshest catch from the harbor's newly
renovated wharf. By walking the footbridge,
you can still smell that salty sea air and wit-
ness the tide coming in, but without getting
wet. In addition to private boaters and the local
fishermen, the harbor is also a port for several
cruise lines, including American Cruise Lines
and American Canadian Caribbean.
Of course, there is plenty to do by land, too,
from biking trails and hiking trails to art galler-
ies to the celebrated Penobscot Marine Museum
in Searsport. Residents keep their eyes on the
calendar so they remember to pick their own
wild Maine blueberries in the fields in Stockton
Springs or pluck fresh apples at orchards in
Winterport and Lincolnville. (For those who
wish to simply eat, farmers markets abound in
warm weather.)
Waldo County is also home to the largest
granite fort in Maine, Fort Knox, and it's the
site of many important local events throughout
the year. Located in Prospect, the fort is said
to be haunted, and, annually, hosts Civil War
reenactments, medieval tournaments, even a
Making Here Home
Waldo County is one
of the fastest-growing
counties in new
England--and for good
reasons! our local
businesses, arts, health
care, and schools are
positively thriving.
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