For foodies and local food enthusiasts, Maine sits in the top three states (behind Vermont and ahead of Hawaii) for local food prowess.
Farmers’ Markets are a great way to connect with a town or area you’re traveling to. Maine has no shortage of those. In this article, we will give you a walkthrough of the iconic Belfast Farmers Market in Maine.
Highlights of the Maine’s Farmer Market
Maine has been putting on farmers’ markets for decades so folks can access local food and buy wares directly from the growers and producers. Farmers’ Markets cut out the middleman, allowing shoppers to buy directly and for producers and farmers.
Since then, farmers’ markets have grown and evolved in Maine, and the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets serves as a resource for many markets, farmers, and shoppers, connecting folks with resources and providing education.
The United Farmers’ Market of Maine in Belfast is a truly special offering for locals and visitors of Belfast, Maine. The indoor market runs every Saturday from 9-2, where dozens of vendors gather inside a community hall for a stunning market that features local produce growers, seafood, coffee, crafts, maple syrup, grab-and-go foods, yarn, soap, and so much more.
Things to Do in Belfast
This Belfast farmers market in Maine has something for everyone. Plus, there’s a gorgeous seaside park to take pastries, quiche, tamales, and other goodies from the market to enjoy with a view. You can also dine at the market in their dining hall with bay views and enjoy live piano music.
The kiddos (and adults!) can enjoy the game room with ping pong tables, foosball, and other games. The market’s mission was to create a gathering place for producers, farmers, and community members to gather and offer local goods.
A popular vendor, Ararat Farms offers certified organic produce, fruit, and value-added products like infused honey, flavorful and creative hot sauces, vinegar, and grab-and-go foods and drinks like blueberry kombucha.
What to Eat at Belfast Farmers Market in Maine
Laan Xang, a popular Laotian and Thai food restaurant in Belfast serves delicious curry and noodles. Graze offers fresh pressed juices and wellness shots. The market offers shopping baskets so you can fill your basket with sweet local honey, baked goods, smoked mussels, and fresh veggies
Many vendors have offerings that will easily travel with you on your road trip. From homemade crackers and chips to homemade soaps and small arts and crafts.
Exploring Belfast, Maine
The United Farmers’ Market of Maine is an excellent way to get in touch with the coastal Maine culture. Vendors are often happy to chat about their growing and/or producing practices.
After spending the morning stocking up on Maine-made goods and treats, Belfast offers much to do for the afternoon. Right outside of the farmers’ market is one end of the Belfast Harbor Walk. It is a nearly one-mile (one-way) paved walking trail that allows visitors to get an idea of the coastline town of Belfast.
Walk from the harbor view park through the town of Belfast, passing restaurants, thrift shops, and dockside bars. Walk a little further and catch a glimpse of roadside flower beds from the Belfast Garden Club.
At the other end of the path, walkers can get an intimate view of a working shipyard. The trail ends with The Armistice Bridge footbridge that gives great views of seabirds like loons, ducks, ospreys, gulls, and eagles.
Belfast offers a rustic seaside charm focusing on delicious food, the arts, and community. Waterfall Arts, an art center in downtown Belfast, offers classes, events, and a beautiful gallery.
Between June and September, visitors can enjoy the Summer Art Market on the front lawn of Waterfall Arts, which features a local array of clothing, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and more.
Chase’s Daily and the Wild Cow Creamery: Belfast’s Finest Delights
If you’ve caught the local food bug at the Farmers’ Market or find yourself in Belfast on a different day than Saturday, head to Chase’s Daily, a farm-to-table restaurant and small market in downtown Belfast. Their farm outside of town supplies fresh produce from which they create delicious and creative vegetarian dishes.
Daughters Phoebe and Meg, whose parents purchased farmland in Maine in 1969, pooled resources with their family and friends to open a bakery and extension of their farm in downtown Belfast in the historic Oddfellows Hall.
Since opening in 2000, they have grown modestly, offering a more extensive and varied menu, but always with sustainability and their humble roots in mind. Don’t forget to try their homemade hot sauces, which you can purchase from their market and take with you. Douse any foods to kick them up a notch.
If you’re craving something sweet, try Wild Cow Creamery. It is conveniently located on the Belfast Harbor Walk. Mindfully made ice cream using all-natural ingredients that don’t skimp out on flavor.
With homemade add-ins like walnut brownies, almond butter toffee, and cookies, there’s an option for all ice cream lovers. Popular flavors include Maine Wild Blueberry, Raspberry Bar (be sure to get a hand-rolled waffle cone), and Chocolate Chip Cookie. Check out their Instagram for mouthwatering photos of ice creams at the harbor.
Conclusion
Belfast is full of surprises. Give yourself plenty of time to peruse the bookshops. We recommend Left Bank Books, Grump & Sunshine Bookshop, and Old Professor’s Bookshop. You can also explore the harbor and working marina.
The newly renovated Belfast Harbor Inn is a great place to park for a night. It is located just five minutes from downtown Belfast. Relax in the indoor pool and hot tub. Enjoy a healthy breakfast of fruits, yogurt, eggs, wild Maine blueberry muffins, and hot coffee.
You’ll leave Belfast with a greater sense of the Maine food scene and, hopefully, some delicious goodies for the trail. Next up: Ellsworth’s craft beer scene!
