Belfast & Points West

Belfast is a bustling coastal town, well worth a visit at any time of year – including February! Home to winter athletic opportunities like curling (at the Belfast Curling Club) and sledding or tubing (Four Seasons Recreation Area), there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had – and plenty of great food and drink to explore once you’ve worked up an appetite! 

Start your weekend with a trip to the year-round United Farmers Market of Maine, where you can find producers like Bemis Family Farm, Cold Water Seafood, Farmhouse Coffee Roasters, Just Crackers and Olde Haven Farm (amongst many others!). 

If you’re in town during late February, make your next stop the Annual Belfast Ice Festival & State of Maine Ice Carving Championship! Enjoy ice sculptures throughout the downtown area, book an “ice row” experience, and of course enjoy plenty of Maine food – this year’s lineup includes ice cold oysters, Maine maple syrup snow cones and a Pineland Farms cheese tasting! 

Heading west along Route 3, stop off at Lake St. George State Park for a crisp winter hike, before continuing along for a pint at Lake St. George Brewing Company. In the mood for more shopping? Pay a visit to the charming shop the Maine Variety for a unique selection of locally made and locally-farmed products. This hidden gem in Palermo is the epitome of “shop local!” 

Finish off your Route 3 road trip with a homemade meal and a glass of mead at one of our favorites - Aegir’s Den Meadery. Owners Mark and Carrie operate a cozy, inviting Tasting Room and put out creative and delicious meals – each weekend offers a different line-up so each visit promises a unique experience. Whether you're a seasoned mead-drinker, or a newcomer looking to explore, Aegir's Den a great place to sample a variety of styles of mead and learn more about this quickly-growing beverage category!