The Alden House Inn

Summer is, of course, the classic time to visit Maine. Belfast is the perfect place to put in a kayak, ride a bike, take a tour of the bay or just sit on a porch (ours, for example), enjoy a cool drink and watch the sun set. USA Today has rated Belfast as one of the country's top five "culturally cool" small towns. Because Route 1 does not run through the center of town, travelers can enjoy a quiet stroll through our streets any time of year. Belfast's historic brick buildings are hosts to art galleries, antique shops, bookstores, and restaurants.

• The Alden House is located in the city's historic district, along with many homes which were built before the Civil War. The Belfast Historic Walking Tour is an excellent way to get to know these splendid period homes.
• The Belfast Maskers Waterfront Theater offers live theater throughout the year.
• Art galleries in town include: The Working Art Gallery, The Belfast Framer, High Street Studio and Gallery, The Aarhus Gallery, The Indigo Gallery, and the Parent Gallery.
• Remember the small movie theaters that used to be located in the center of small towns? Belfast still has one! The Colonial Theater offers first-run movies in their elegant art deco theater.
• When the weather warms, one of the activities we love to recommend is to book a cruise on the friendship sloop Amity, which leaves daily (weather permitting) from the town dock in Belfast. It is a great way to get out on the water in an absolutely beautiful boat.
• The M/V Good Return is another fun way to get out on the bay.
• If you're feeling more adventurous, Water Walker Sea Kayaks offers kayak tours, instruction and rentals.
• One can always enjoy a pleasant walk through any of our lovely neighborhoods, but for water views Heritage Park and Belfast City Park are recommended.
• Fishing opportunities are almost endless, from coastal waters to inland lakes, rivers, and streams. Fishing rod rentals are available at nearby tackle shops. We can also help to make arrangements with local charter services.
• We also offer safe storage for your bicycle. The mid-coast area is a great place to bring your bike, spring, summer & fall. There are routes suitable for everyone from beginners to enthusiasts. Our guests have found the folks at Belfast Bicycles to be enthusiastic and helpful.

• Camden Hills State Park, Camden: The entrance to the park closed on October 15, but hikers can still take the trails to the top of Mount Battie for a spectacular, panoramic view of Penobscot Bay and Camden Harbor.
• The scenic Moose Point State Park, in Searsport, is one of our guests' favorites and is also popular with locals. It's right on the water, with picnic facilities and a hiking trail that runs along the shore.
• The Isleboro Ferry between Lincolnville and Isleboro runs year round (it's about a 20 minute crossing) on a regular schedule. Isleboro is known for its well appointed summer homes and secluded beaches with beautiful views of the bay.
• It's a short drive to the Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor area. There's more to see and experience than we can list here. We'll just say this: it's worth a visit. The view from Cadillac Mountain is stunning.
• On the way to Acadia, stop by the Observatory at the Narrows Bridge, which spans the Penobscot River at Verona Island. There is absolutely nothing like it in Northern New England. Highly recommended to all except those with an extreme fear of heights! Also worth visiting is Fort Knox, which is directly adjacent to the Observatory.
• There are several museums nearby. The Farnsworth Museum, in Rockland, is home to a world renown collection of American art, much of it created by artists with Maine Connections. Also worth a visit are the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport, and The Owl's Head Transportation Museum in Owl's Head and the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport..
• Cellardoor Vineyard, makers of excellent traditional varietal and hybrid style wines, recently opened a snazzy new retail location called the Cellardoor Villa at the junction of Rte. 90 & Rte. 1 in Rockport.
• There are several golf courses near Belfast, including the Northport Golf Club, in Northport, The Goose River Golf Club, in Rockport, The Searsport Pines Golf Course, in Searsport, and the aptly named Country View Golf Club, in Brooks.

• Each year, the Belfast Maskers take to the great outdoors, performing at the Steamboat Landing Park on the water. This year, it's Broadway's take on Dickens' Oliver. Shows run from July 24 through August 2.
• If it's Labor Day, it must be time for the Blue Hill Fair. This classic country fair features top-rank entertainment, agricultural exhibits, arts, crafts, draft horse & oxen pulling among it's many events.
• Another Labor Day tradition is the Camden Windjammer Festival. Some of the most beautiful sailing vessels in Maine will be on display.

Ongoing:

• Belfast Summer Nights. On Thursday nights, between 5 pm & 7 pm, weather permitting, local musical entertainment can be found in the streets of Belfast.
• On Friday nights, from June through the Christmas season, many of Belfast's art galleries host the Friday Night Gallery Walks. Meet artists, gallery owners, maybe encounter a snack or two. Highly recommended.
• The Bay Chamber Concerts Summer Series kicks off it's 49th season on July 1st with a concert headlined by renowned Prairie Home Companion star, Butch Thompson. From pops to classical, this summer's line-up is really impressive.
• The Coastal Mountain Land Trust is hosting a number of activities this summer, from bird watching to guided walks through their preserves. The CMLT has preserved thousands of acres of local habitat for public access in the manner of the Nature Conservancy. In addition to their activities, their reserves are excellent places for off-the-beaten-path experiences. Of particular interest this year, is the Contours Benefit Art Show running from August 14 through September 9 at the Carver Hill Gallery in Rockport.

In Belfast:

• Darby's Restaurant and Pub offers an eclectic menu of standard and not-so-standard pub food. Recommended.
• The Weathervane. Specializing in seafood, located right on the town wharf. Both Darby's and the Weathervane are an easy walk from the Alden House Inn.
• Three Tides is a waterfront bar which specializes in martinis and their own freshly brewed draft beer (which Larry recommends). They also offer a tapas menu for light dining. In warmer weather, their outdoor patio is a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxed meal.
• Thai Bhurapar: We're wondering how much longer this place is going to remain an undiscovered gem. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys Thai food.
• The Lunch Wagon is exactly what it sounds like.

In Other Towns:

• Primo, Rockland. One of the top restaurants in Northern New England. The place to go for a memorable meal in mid-coast Maine. They specialize in locally produced ingredients, including many grown right on the premises. Primo is open Thursday through Sunday through December.
• Cleonice, Ellsworth. Another restaurant celebrating local food. Much of the food they serve is grown on their own farm, Cleonice Artisana.
• Francine Bistro, Camden. To be honest, we haven't eaten here yet, but they sure have a nice web site. Chef Brian Hill certainly has a solid resume.
• Cappy's Chowder House, Camden. If you're in the mood for an exemplary New England clam or seafood chowder, Cappy's should be high on your list.

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