Belfast, Maine is one of my favorite communities in Maine. I just returned from a week long visit to the mid coast region of Maine and the day we spent in Belfast is one of my fondest memories (as it is every time I return to Maine). This community has so much to offer and is an easy drive from anywhere in mid coast Maine. The food, the sites, the novelty and the shopping are all tremendous. The best lobster in the world, I believe, is found at Young's Lobster Pound where you get delicious lobster, a great value and the experience of the lobster pound. The staff is very nice and has given me a lobsta' education over the years. The soft shell lobster this year was so sweet that I barely used butter and we went back for a second visit on another day! It's BYOB so bring your own or stop at the Mobil station just up the road.

There is a wonderful little tourist shop called Perry's Nut House that is not to be missed. Although touristy, it is such a fun visit that we never want to miss it and they have fabulous homemade fudge you can sample until you decide which flavor you want! Connected to Perry's is Bennett's Gems & Jewelry which is one of my favorite shopping spots in Maine. They have a beautiful collection of Maine Tourmaline as well as many other gemstones. The prices are very reasonable and the workmanship is great.

Shopping is great, too. Mainely Pottery, just down the road from Young's and Perry's, is one of the finest collections of local handmade pottery in Maine. If you like pottery and stoneware, you won't want to miss this stop. The onsite potter, Jamie Oates, is very talented and a delightful gentleman. On the day we were there, he was taking some gorgeous raku out of the kiln. It was wonderful to be the first to see these incredible pieces.

Downtown Belfast has wonderful shops. Coyote Moon is one of my favorites with beautiful clothing, jewelry, home and garden accessories and many other delightful items to purchase. The harbor is beautiful from the downtown side and across the way sitting on the deck at Young's Lobster Pound. Finally, a great way to end the day is with drink at Three Tides, a rustic bar downtown with great martinis and beers. Belfast is a don't miss stop. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

This last August, we spent 3-nights and 3-days sailing Maine's Penobscot Bay. The boat was the ViVA and the owner/crew offered us gourmet lunches and dinner with beverages and snacks that hit the spot. In the evenings we stopped the first night at Castine and spent the evening in a romantic B&B, had a fantastic dinner, The room had a fireplace and private bath and breakfast was served overlooking the bay. We then boarded ViVA for another day of great sailing. In the evening we visited Camden. Spent some time shopping and then had dinner aboard the ViVA. Martha, ViVA's cook, whipped up a dinner that was unbelivable. Fresh garden salad, fresh seafood medlody, homemade dessert and wine from a local vinyard topped off the evening. We took the option of staying aboard the boat for the evening. So romantic! Next morning we were off sailing and arrived back at the Belfast dock right at sundown. We spent that evening exploring Belfast. What a find! The best part of the entire adventure was the fact we were the only couple aboard. So we basically had a boat with a professional crew and the price was all inclusive. We spent less than $2000 for everything including tax. = We recommend this sailing adventure to anyone who really loves to sail and see Maine's beautiful coast.

We just returned from a very laid back vacation in Belfast, ME. The hotspot favorite for the week was definitely Scoops Ice Cream Parlor right on the Main Street of Belfast. Order the Frutus II and you will be in for some of the best crepes you'll ever experience. Some of the other great buys while there was a simple harbor tour on the Good Return, with its very knowledgeable crew we saw harbor seals, porpoises and various water fowl. We learned of the lobstering industry, mussel and scallop farming and also of the area around the bay with it's tidal changes and how it affects the area. The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport was interesting and on the day we were there also enjoyed a cooking demonstration in which you ate the demonstration. Young's Lobster Pound is great for fresh lobster and an experience in itself, but you need to love the pier atmosphere to appreciate it's appeal. Great trip, with happy memories!

My boyfriend and i set up this great sail with two of the best people we have ever had the opportunity of meeting. Don and Martha were teriffic. From the wine and cheese to a gourmet meal our sunset cruise was simply the best ever.