Frommer's Maine Coast (Complete Guide) by Kevin Brian

Author:Kevin, Brian [Kevin, Brian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: FrommerMedia
Published: 2017-06-18T16:00:00+00:00

Belfast to Bucksport

Belfast is 18 miles N of Camden; Bucksport is 19 miles NE of Belfast

The northerly stretch of Penobscot Bay is rich in history, especially maritime history. In the mid–19th century, Belfast and Searsport produced more than their share of ships, along with the captains to pilot them on trading ventures around the globe. In 1856 alone, 24 ships of more than 1,000 tons were launched from Belfast. The now-sleepy village of Searsport once had 17 active shipyards, which turned out some 200 ships over the years.

When shipbuilding died out, the Belfast area was sustained by a thriving poultry industry, and after that left, credit card giant MBNA ushered in a white-collar shift and a huge economic boost. Alas, they’ve all moved on, but the legacy of each era—along with that of the crunchy back-to-the-landers who found cheap property nearby around the turn of the 1970s—combine into the funky stew that is modern-day Belfast.

These days, the town’s alive with artisans and entrepreneurs of various stripes who’ve set up shop downtown. Boatbuilding is big again, and the city has invested in its riverfront, cleaning up the mess of the poultry area (imagine a river slick with chicken grease) and putting in terrific stretch of parks and trail. Tourists tend to pass through the region quickly, en route from the tourist enclave of Camden (p. 154 ) to the tourist enclave of Bar Harbor (p. 207 ), but Mainers know it as one of Maine’s hippest little coastal towns. Well worth slowing down for.

Essentials

arriving

Route 1 connects Belfast, Searsport, and Bucksport.

Visitor Information

The Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce ( www.belfastmaine.org ; 207/338-5900 ), staffs an information booth at 15 Main Street, near the waterfront park, that’s open daily from June through September, Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.

Where to Stay in Belfast

If you’re stuck for a bed along this stretch of the coast and don’t mind the chain-hotel ambience for a night, the Fireside Inn & Suites, 159 Searsport Ave. (U.S. 1) (www.belfastmainehotel.com ; 207/338-2090 ), is a very good backup option. Some rooms have kitchenettes and/or whirlpools; there’s a pool; a small breakfast is served; and some rooms come with sublime views of the bay (if there’s no fog, that is). However, check as soon as possible—the place sometimes fills up early. High season double rooms run from $145 to $219 per night; suites are more expensive.

The Jeweled Turrett Inn A hotshot attorney built this Victorian grand dame in 1898, and it’s been hosting guests since the ’80s. Interested in history? Because this place is full of it. Like, literally, chock full of antiques and 19th-century bric-a-brac and running out of space on some walls to hang old photos and paintings. The shared den downstairs is centered on a huge, gnarly fireplace said to have been built with stone from every state in the union (there were only 45 states in 1898, but still). Guest rooms are classic B&B style: Expect four-poster beds, lots of lace and wicker, antique mahogany, the works. All have private bathrooms.

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