Visiting Belfast, Maine

Belfast’s Arts in the Park is an annual July celebration of arts and crafts in the downtown waterfront park. We visit on yet another perfect sunny day. There’s a nice relaxed atmosphere here as families are strolling about the many booths of the fine painters, sculptors, potters, photographers, jewelry and fiber artists that were displaying their works.

We took in the sounds of a 5 man brass combo in the performance tent while enjoying lunch. Among the food vendors, the Waldo YMCA had a food concession with watermelon slices only 25 cents and the red-hot dogs at a buck was also a deal. I purchase a photo of Belfast from a local photographer which shows 5 corners in the town. Belfast historically has been a major Maine shipping port, now it’s home to shops and galleries which are very enjoyable to visit. Plan on a side trip here.

Later in the afternoon, we head over to the Belfast City Park which is also along the waterfront. Here the city maintains a public swimming pool which is very clean and at a comfortable temperature while not being overly chlorinated. People who use YMCA pools will know the chlorine burn of which I speak. It’s a joy to swim outdoors and I spend some time here swimming laps.

The Colonial Theatre located in downtown Belfast has 3 screens. The art deco style theatre has been “showing the latest movies since 1912” but has recently been renovated and is now clean and comfortable with good sight lines. The third screen, really a separate theatre, which was underneath the main screens was forgotten and “lost” since the 1950s but has recently come back and been restored with balconies. Monday is movie bargain night with all tickets $4.50 during my visit we took in “Hancock” which was a good, not great, summer movie. Afterwards, be sure to head over to Rollie’s for some of the best hand cut French fries in the state of Maine.