Belfast, Maine Part 2

Sunday, October 15, was a mostly cloudy, chilly day but we went into Belfast to look around.  Belfast is a small coastal town with a population of just under 7,000.  It is located at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River (Passy) on Penobscot Bay.  Sailing draws tourists to Belfast in the summer. Downtown Belfast is two blocks of three story brick buildings which house restaurants, shops, a restored 1912 movie theater, art galleries, and a food co-op.  Main Street runs right into Belfast Harbor.  There is a Harborwalk which is 1 1/2 miles long and runs from Belfast Boathouse at one end along the length of the downtown waterfront to Armistice Bridge.  Armistice Bridge is a pedestrian footbridge across the river that serves as a memorial to local men who lost their lives in World War I.  It is used by locals and tourists alike.

Downtown Belfast...

Harborwalk and Armistice Bridge...

We got to see these travel lifts in action moving boats from the water to the dry docks...

We were fortunate to have been on the waterfront during the Pie and Story Festival.  There was music, storytelling and pies! Anyone could enter a pie--fruit or savory, pizza, or whoopee (a Maine tradition), as long as they were homemade.  Halfway through the fest, attendees could buy slices of pie for $1 each then vote for Best Pie, Most Beautiful Pie, Most Unusual Pie and Yummy Mess.  There was also a pie auction.  The auctioneer was very entertaining and got the price up to $90 for one pie.  I joined in the fun by bidding on a salted caramel cheesecake.  My last bid was $50 (!) but fortunately someone else saved me from myself and bid $55.  It was such a fun event.  It really had a small town feel. In fact, I'm ready to move to Belfast just for the pie contest!

Pie auction

Next to the Armistice Bridge is a 5 mile round trip rail trail walking/biking path that runs along the Passy, in the bed of the old Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad.  The leaves are still colorful which made for a scenic ride.

On the bike path...

Belfast is a lovely small coastal town that is wonderful for walking and biking.  Next up we spend a day driving to other coastal towns south of Belfast.