Destinations: Belfast, Maine
We are very pleased that the beautiful & historic small city of
Belfast, Maine has welcomed us to make this our home port.
Belfast is located just off U.S. Route 1, across the Bridge from
Searsport. This is where we greet our guests, spend our first night aboard, and then set sail on our many Maine Cruises.
Directions to Belfast and Cruise Arrival Information
About Belfast:
Belfast is located on Penobscot Bay and at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River. The Belfast Area has rich in history dating back more than 200 years. The community was an early fishing village, and was named for the City in Ireland in 1765. The harbour and waterfront were the hub of commercial activity. The Belfast area had many active shipyards. Searsport alone, just to the north of Belfast, was home to eleven yards and to more shipmasters than any other town in America. Between 1810 and 1890, more than 200 ships slid down the ways in Searsport and in 1887 alone, more than 1,200 vessels arrived in local ports. During this time of great prosperity, shipbuilders and merchants built beautiful Greek Revival, Colonial, and Victorian mansions throughout the area. Captains decorated spectacular mansions with treasures carried home from exotic ports. Many of these homes are now B&Bs or Inns. The Penobscot Marine Museum of Searsport, a village of eleven vintage buildings preserves the local maritime history and the Belfast Museum is located in the heart of Downtown Belfast.
Belfast carried the spirit of enterprise into the 20th and 21st centuries. During the 1940's the area embraced the shoe business and became major center for the poultry business. Belfast is currently known for its art galleries, shopping, and dining, its well-preserved architecture and its New England coastal town charm. Lobstermen here continue work the same waters as their ancestors.
Belfast Resources:
Chamber of Commerce
207-338-5900 www.belfastmaine.org
PO Box 58, Belfast, Maine 04915
Accommodations:
Alden House (B&B in Belfast Historic District)
Innkeepers: Ted and Deborah
Hensley
207-338-2151 or 1-877-337-8151 www.thealdenhouse.com
63 Church Street, Belfast, ME 04915
(Our Wanderbirders/Guests Recommended this B&B)
The Penobscot Inn
Hosts & Innkeepers: Val & Kris Kurapka
1-800-335-2370 or 207-338-5715 baymeadowsinn.com
192 Northport Avenue (Rt.1), Belfast, Maine 04915
Wealthy Poor House (B&B in Belfast Historic District)
Hosts & Innkeepers: Captain Malcolm & Carol Gater
1-207-338-4578 Email: wealthypoorhouse@gmail.com
70 Church Street, Belfast Maine 04915
Restaurants:
The Penobscot Inn
Hosts & Innkeepers: Val & Kris Kurapka
1-800-335-2370 or 207-338-5715 baymeadowsinn.com
192 Northport Avenue (Rt.1), Belfast, Maine 04915
This is our favourite cosy winter place to dine.
Three Tides
Proprietors: David, Sarah & Baby Luna
207-338-1707 3tides.com
2 Pinchy Lane, Belfast, Maine 04915 (Marshall Wharf/Next to the Tugboats)
Fun, Hip Tapas Bar - Great Food & Cocktails
Darby's Restaurant & Pub
Proprietors: Gail and Jerry Savitz
207-338-2339 www.darbysrestaurant.com
155 High Street Belfast, Maine 04915 (two doors from movie theater)
Classic Building, Local Art & Delicious Eclectic Cuisine
Taxi:
Marty's Old Town Taxi
207-827-8800
(Wanderbirders traveling from Bangor have used this service. Marty will pre-arrange a time for your 'pick up' at the docks in Belfast as well)
Where to Go & Other Local Information:
Penobscot Marine Museum
207-548-2529 www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org
5 Church Street, Searsport, ME 04974
A fantastic Museum... Definitely worth a visit for a look back at our abundant Maritime History
Northern Lights Gallery
Proprietors: Karen & Rick Miles/Vessel Wanderbird
207-338-3088 www.northernlightsgallery.org
33 Main Street
Inuit Art, First Nations Art, Fine Northern Handicrafts, Scrimshaw & Jewelry
Parent Gallery
207-338-1553 www.nealparent.com
92 Main Street, Belfast, Maine 04915
(Much of the local photography featured aboard Wanderbird, is that of our good friend Neal Parent! Check out his Photography, Classes & Gallery!)
