Top 7 Outdoor Adventures In Pigeon Forge You Can’t-Miss

BY  Shahnawaz Oct 26, 2022

I agree that a trip to Belfast is an irresistible one. The seaports in several historic districts are full of antique architecture, and styles of the 19th century are a sight to see. It is a place set up by scots-Irish families from New Hampshire. Belfast, Maine, is a shipbuilding city with history, located at the mouth of Passagassawakeag River on Penobscot Bay. The place calls to you to have barbeques and a drink. A tour of the Cathedral Quarter, or spending the nightlife there, is a dream vacation. If you want to go on a trip to Belfast, Maine, the second thing you'll ask after a place to stay are restaurants. Which are the best restaurants in Belfast Maine? Don't worry; I have the best Belfast Maine restaurants that you can check out. 1. Lobster Pound Restaurant 📉Location2521 Atlantic Hwy, Lincolnville, ME 04849-5327📞Phone +1 207-789-5550💻Websitelobsterpoundmaine.com⌚Open & closedMon-Sat (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM) Source: i0.wp.com How’s The Food! Lobster Pound started in 1926, and they have been serving great food to their customers ever since. Most importantly,  you will love how they treat their customers. You will love the gluten-free options of food available here. The local cuisines and the seafood are top of the charts. You can come here for lunch or book a reservation for dinner. If you want a drink, then the bar will be happy to welcome you. 2. Anglers Restaurant 📉Location215 E. Main Street Searsport Maine 04974📞Phone207-548-2405💻Websitewww.anglersrestaurant.net⌚Open & closed11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Every Day How’s The Food! Fresh and high-quality food is what you can expect at Anglers. They provide you with the best-class dining experience. If you are looking for family-friendly restaurants in Belfast Maine, then I will suggest you book your reservation here. The fresh seafood here is the best.  3. Delvino's Grill & Pasta House 📉Location52 Main St, Belfast, ME 04915-6825📞Phone+1 207-338-4565💻Websiteww.delvinos.com⌚Open & closed11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Every Day How’s The Food! Are you looking for vegan-friendly restaurants in Belfast Maine? You should check Delvino’s in that case. Gluten-free food is also available here if you need it. You should try out the Italian cuisine here. The food is fresh, high quality, and worth the money you spend. 4. Chase Daily 📉Location96 Main St, Belfast, ME 04915-6533📞Phone+1 207-338-0555💻Websitewww.chasesdaily.me⌚Open & closed07:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Tue, wed, Thu)08:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Sunday(07:00 AM - 5:00 PM5:30 PM - 8:30 PM on Friday)07:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday How’s The Food! Be it breakfast, lunch, or brunch; you can fill your heart and your guts with the delicious cuisines and salad here at Chase’s. Especially if you want to munch on American dishes, you can make time and have lunch here. Their words are gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly as well. So you will have no problem despite your preferences. It is one of the best restaurants in Belfast Maine. 5. Bay Wrap Inc. 📉Location20 Beaver Street Belfast Maine 04915📞Phone207-338-9757💻Websitethebaywrap.com⌚Open & closed8:00 am - 6:00 pm (Monday to Friday) How’s The Food! If you are looking for restaurants in Belfast Maine, with outside seating, then you should consider Bay Wrap. You should have the best gourmet wraps and vegan wraps here. They also have pickup windows and outdoor seating. So, if you are planning on a fine evening with your partner, this can be your option.  6. Belfast Dairy Queen 📉Location23 Belmont Ave. Belfast Maine 04915📞Phone207 338-2352💻Websitefacebook.com/belfastmainedq⌚Open & closed(Monday - Thursday)10:30am- 8:00pmFriday/Saturday- 10:30am-9:00pmSunday -11:00am-8:00pm How’s The Food! Most Belfast Maine restaurants offer great cuisine. Unlike Belfast Dairy Queen – she is the queen of cakes and desserts. If you are planning a birthday celebration upon your arrival in Belfast, then Belfast Dairy Queen can arrange for the cakes. Shakes, drinks, blizzards, you can order in all you want. You can also eat and take food from the drive-thru! 7. Moonbat City Baking 📉Location137 Main St, Belfast, ME 04915-6538📞Phone+1 207-218-1039💻WebsiteFacebook⌚Open & closed07:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Sun, Thu, Fri, Sat) How’s The Food! Breakfast is unimaginable without bakeries. At Moonbat City Bakery you can have the best breakfast in Belfast Maine. If you want to grab a bite and a cup of coffee in the morning, then you should visit Moonbat once. 8. Nautilus Seafood & Grill 📉Location3 Main St, Belfast, ME 04915-6820📞Phone+1 207-218-4218💻Websitewww.nautilusseafoodandgrill.com⌚Open & closed11:00 AM - 8:00 PM ( Everyday) How’s The Food! Most restaurants in Belfast Maine offer the best food. Only a few entertain you through food, drinks, and quality time. At Nautilus, you can eat the best baked, boiled, or fried seafood. They are so popular that you might have to fight for a table. But the lobster rolls and the drink are worth it. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are there to comfort you. 9. Dockside Family Restaurant 📉Location30 Main Street  Belfast Maine 04915📞Phone(207) 218-167💻WebsiteFacebook⌚Open & closedWednesday and Thursday 11-3Friday and Saturday 11-7Sunday 11-3 cdn12.com How’s The Food! Dockside family restaurant is all about offering you a great atmosphere. The food is great, and the atmosphere is great for a family-friendly fun time. It is not like you have to come to the restaurant to enjoy their food. You can order whatever you want to eat over the phone. 10. Rollie's Bar And Grill 📉Location37 Main St, Belfast, ME 04915-6821📞Phone+1 207-338-4502💻Websitehttp://rolliesmaine.com/⌚Open & closed11:00 AM - 01:00 AM ( Every Day) gannett-cdn.com How’s The Food! Whether it is lunch you want to have or dinner, you have many options to select from. You can eat onion rings, fries, potato fries, and Mozzarella Sticks. You must try Rolliean's Mushrooms and Rolliean's Chicken Strips. There are wide varieties of soups and salads. Drinks are also available if you are up for it. Among all the great restaurants in Belfast Maine, you must check out Rollie's Place. 11. Bell the Cat 📉Location15 Belmont Ave Belfast Marketplace, Belfast, ME 04915-6864📞Phone+1 207-338-2084💻Websitehttp://bellthecatinc.com/⌚Open & closed07:30 AM - 3:00 PM ( Except Monday) tripadvisor.com How’s The Food! What are the best restaurants in Belfast Maine, that offer great smoothies? Have you checked Bell the Cat? You can grab lunch, stop by for brunch, or take your pals for dinner and some drinks at Bell the Cat. They make wheelchair accessible. Also, free-off street parking is available there. They serve alcohol. The varied types of dishes here include desserts, drinks, lunch, brunch, etc. 12. Fon's Kitchen 📉Location160 Searsport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915-7109📞Phone(207) 218-1007💻Websitehttp://fonskitchen.com/⌚Open & closedTuesday - SaturdayLunch 11:30am - 3pmDinner 5pm - 8pm Who says that you cannot have Thai food in Belfast? You probably have not heard of Fon's Kitchen, then. You can eat in the restaurant. They also have an outside seating option. If you want gluten-free or vegan dishes, they also have options for that too. If you are looking for good restaurants in Belfast Maine, then you must check out this one. 13. Young's Lobster Pound 📉LocationMitchell Ave., Belfast, ME 04915📞Phone+1 207-338-1160💻Websitehttp://youngslobsterpound.webs.com/⌚Open & closed08:00 AM - 7:30 PM ( Everyday) tripsavvy.com You can Enjoy great views and eat seafood,especially lobsters. You can have lunch or dinner. 14. Rice & Noodle Thai Restaurant 📉Location160 Searsport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915-7109📞Phone+1 207-218-1525💻Websitehttp://www.riceandnoodle2018.com/⌚Open & closed11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (everyday) tripadvisor.com Looking for Asian and Thai restaurants in Belfast Maine? You should come to the Rice & Noodles Restaurants. They have vegan options, so you will have plenty of vegetarian food to eat. Read Also: How To Choose The Perfect Hotel For A Relaxing Weekend In Bournemouth? 15. Front Street Pub 📉Location37B Front Street Belfast Maine 04915📞Phone207-338-8900💻Websitehttp://www.frontstreetpub.com/⌚Open & closedSun - Thur 11am - 9pmFri - Sat 11am - 10pm mainstreetmaine.org I figured one of us would look for a great place to have a drink besides lunch or dinner. Front Street Pub is one of the best places to drink in the Belfast area. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): You can check all of these restaurants that I have listed. However, here are some questions and answers that you can check. 1. What Are People Saying About Restaurants Near Belfast, Me 04915? When it comes to food in restaurants in the Belfast area, most people recommend Young’s. You can have great seating positions and similar opportunities. You can have lots of fun and eat great food. Plenty of seafood and vegetarian options are there to please your mind and body. 2. What Are The Best Cuisines To Try At Belfast, Maine? You must try out some of the best local cuisines here in Belfast. Here are some dishes that I recommend:1. Ulster Fry2. Boxty3. Belfast Bap4. Irish Coffee 3. What Are The Best Places For Drinks In Belfast? If you want to grab a drink, then I know just the places you can go to in Belfast. Here are some great places for a good drink:1. The deer’s head2. Boundary Brewing 3. Hercules Brewing Company4. Bootleggers5. The Woodworkers. Bottom’s UP Do you want to finish a good glass of beer and savor some delicious seafood? No matter what the case is, you can check out the list of recommendations that I have put here. Restaurants in Belfast Maine, offer the best seafood and local cuisines. Besides, there are great vegetarian options and also gluten-free food. Did you like the names that I suggested? Please let us know if you visit any of these places. You can share your feedback and experience with us. Read Also: Things Boutique Hotels Do That Makes Them Unique Exploring Downtown Cleveland With An Extended Hotel Stay The Many Reasons Hotel Stays Become Extended In New York City

BY  Sibashree Sep 10, 2024

Connemara National Park has been an important Irish national park, having won the Green Flag Award in 2018. This international benchmark shows its worth as a green space and park. Further, in 2021, it also sought the New Heritage Site Accreditation, which shows the quality of the national park and how it is maintained in a sustainable way.   Moreover, this park is even rich in geology and houses many historical and archaeological sites. In addition, as an outdoor enthusiast, you can explore its various hiking and walking trails.   So, want to tour this Irish national park, which has a dash of history, culture, natural abundance, and more? Here is a complete guide for you.   Important Information About Connemara National Park  Visiting Time: 9 am to 5:30 pm  Entry Fee: Free  Closed On Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, and Red and Orange Weather Alert Days  Amenities: Education Center, Visitor Center, Playground, Cafe, Toilets and Picnic Areas  How to Reach: You can reach this national park by train, car, or bus. You have to reach Galway City first and then take a bus (or private car) to reach the park.  Main Access Point: Near Letterfrack along the N59  Pet Friendliness: Dogs are Welcome to Walk the Trails   Fascinating Geology Of Connemara National Park  The national park is a part of the Twelve Ben area. So, the park also has underlying metamorphic rocks. The sediments forming these rocks are aged between 700 to 550 million years.   Further, you will find schists and gray marbles around the edges of the rocks. Moreover, at the top, you will see quartzite. In addition, it is astonishing to know that the final shaping of the park took place around 10000 years ago or during the last ice age.  The park has a rocky formation with boulder clay and a deposit of sand and gravel. The distinct geological features have contributed to the type of vegetation found in this area.   What Animals Are In Connemara National Park? Which Plants Does This Park Have?  The International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, has marked Connemara National Park as a Category II Protected Area. So, there is a constant endeavour to safeguard the landscape, wildlife, and ecology of the park unadulterated.   The park has many heritage breeds along with a wide range of protected flora and fauna. In addition, there are some conservation projects to protect the flora and fauna. The table below shows the details.  Birds* Stonechats Wrens Robins Peregrine Falcon Merlin Sparrowhawk Kestrel Mammals Nocturnal Animals  Pine Marten Bats Foxes Badgers  Diurnal Animals   Pygmy Shrews Red Deer Wood Mice Otters Hares Stoats Connemara Ponies Other Fauna Freshwater Pearl Mussel Salmon Trout Smooth Newt Common Frog Rare and Protected Plants and Other Flora Sundews Butterwort Purple Moor Grass Roseroot Purple Saxifrage Starry Saxifrage Pale Butterwort Lesser Twayblade Mountain Sorrel St. Patrick’s Cabbage St. Daboec’s Heath Heritage Breeds Connemara Ponies Cladoir Sheep Moiled Cattle Old Irish Goats Galway Sheep Conservation Projects** Control of Rhododendron Mweelin Exclosure New Found Wood Connemara Pony Cladoir Sheep Preservation Committee Irish Moiled Cattle & Conservation Grazing  *The national park has a large number of birds in the winter. Many native birds of Ireland, such as woodcock, song thrush, mistle thrush, snipe, and starling, increased in numbers in this season.   Moreover, fieldfare, redwing, and many other birds from Northern Europe flock to this park in great numbers during winter.   **The conservation projects in the park are designed to maintain biodiversity. These also try to eradicate the negative impacts on the rare and protected flora and fauna of the park.   Habitats Of Connemara National Park  Connemara National Park has wet boglands and uplands as its habitats. Further, the extremely wet boglands are the hubs of various vegetation. However, the uplands have drier mountain bog communities.  Boglands   Boglands are found in the low-lying areas of the park. Further, in these wet boglands, you will find the western blanket bog. In addition, purple moor grass surrounds this western blanket bog, and thus, it has a grass-like appearance.   In the national park, you will find these boglands near the pool surface, slope inclines, flat lands, and flushes. However, these boglands can appear on your route if you're hiking off trails, and there can be swallow pools. So, be careful!  Uplands   The mountainous and rocky uplands also house a wide variety of vegetation. The grasslands and heather here are also home to some rare and endangered animals, such as red deer and Old Irish Goats.  Moreover, the heathlands here are drier due to a higher altitude.  Hiking And Walking At Connemara National Park  For hikers, all roads in the Connemara National Park lead to the Diamond Hill summit. , panoramic views of Letter Hill or Tully Mountain. Twelve Bens and Kylemore Abbey are also visible from the mountain summit. However, the national park has three more major hiking trails. Check out the table below.  Name of the Trail Difficulty Level Distance (in Km) Upper Diamond Hill Difficult 3.7 Lower Diamond Hill Moderate 3 Sruffaunboy Trail Easy 1.5 Ellis Wood Nature Trail  Easy 0.5  If you are planning to complete a multi-day hiking trip in the national park, you can consider camping here. However, you have to abide by the Wild Camping Code and the regulations related to the Camping Exclusion Zone.   Moreover, you can take a walk (self-guided) through the Tree Trail in the park. It begins from the Car Park Kiosk, and throughout the trail, you will meet tree varieties such as holly, hazel, oak, and Scots’ Pine.   Did You Know?  Through the Connemara National Park West Center and the Letterfrack Village, you can have a thought-provoking walk. The trail you will take is known as the Poetry Trail. Further, in various locations along the path, you will find nine poems by eminent Irish poets like Mary O’Malley and Moya Cannon, which are placed on plaques.   In addition, it is a one-of-a-kind experience for poetry lovers. Some of these nine poems talk about the park and its importance in Irish history. Further, the remaining ones are more generic in nature.   Exploring History At Connemara National Park  The archaeological and historical sites at Connemara National Park tell the tales of human lives and the history of the park for thousands of years. The park’s two megalithic tombs (West and East Tomb) in the park were already popular. However, thanks to the surveys of Helen Riekstins, an archaeologist and national park guide, we have 13 other sites that add to the importance of the park.   Among these 13 sites, six further have been visited by NMS or the National Monuments Service and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Here are the visited sites.  A standing stone  A cairn  Enclosures  A pre-bog wall  Nearby hut  A house  Further, the other seven sites are to be a part of the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) review for inclusion.   The pre-bog wall is likely to be associated with neolithic farming. On the other hand, the hut sites and standing stones are believed to be from the Bronze Age.   Connemara National Park has sites that are 10000 years old. These sites existed as coastal middens and belonged to the Mesolithic or Stone Age.  Many archaeological and historical sites are found near Diamond Hill, Letterfrack, and Mweelin.   The megalithic tombs in the park are around 4000 years old.   Connemara National Park is a twin historic site with Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland. These twinning sites speak for the cultural bond between Ireland and Canada.  Guglielmo Marconi, who received the patent for two-way radio in 1912, is associated with the place. Between Diamond Hill and Mweelin, he suspended the wires, and the current site of Bunaboghee Bog and Park Office had the second line. Here, he invented the first Full Duplex Radio.   So, the presence of various archaeological sites and the association with famous personalities make this park a delightful site for history lovers. Moreover, the Letterfrack Industrial School (1890) is a site important in modern history. Further, the school’s graveyard here tells the grave tales of injustices to the boys resting there.   Final Words   Located in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers around an area of 2,000 hectares. The park opened its door to visitors in 1980, and since then, it has been a place of attraction with its scenic beauty, geological variety, rich wildlife, and hiking trails.   The park also hosts many events like the Summer Evening Lecture Series and Heritage Week Celebration. Moreover, stargazing has become a popular activity in the park, and adults and children over 7 years of age can participate in the star-watching event. You can also check the National Parks website for the latest events at Connemara National Park.  So, are you planning a visit to this historically and naturally rich Irish national park anytime soon? Or have you already been to this wonderful place? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego. Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture.

BY  Arnab Jul 25, 2023

Churches, Venetian castles, olive groves, and forests of pine right up to the water's edge set the iconic Ionian islands of Greece apart. Having lived for centuries under Venetian rule, it is aptly reflected in their age-old buildings. Choosing the right operators, like www.ionianislandholidays.com can be a deciding factor in making or breaking your holiday to these stunning Greek islands. The sapphire-blue Ionian Sea welcomes visitors to the breathtaking destinations. There’s so much more to witness, from Kefalonia to Lefkada, Corfu, Zakynthos, Paxos, and Ithaki. They are all wonderful island hot spots that you will adore exploring. So, if you are still not considering moving to Greece, which is easier than you could imagine, you aren’t living life completely. Below are a few reasons that will prove the point! Why visit the Ionian islands? While on land you can explore monasteries, mountain villages, and waterfalls, kites, and windsurfers regard the waters of the Ionian Sea as a prime location to enjoy water sports. If you're planning a trip, keep in mind that with favorable winds, there is no better place for sailing than these beautiful islands of Greece. Some other compelling reasons to visit the Ionian islands are: 1. The celebrated beaches There are countless beaches, big and small, all over the islands of the Ionian Sea that have a charm of their own. The Shipwreck Beach of Zakynthos is a mega crowd puller from all over the world, and so are the pristine sands of Lefkada, Porto Katsiki, Voutoumi, and Engremni. Again, while Antipaxos and Vrika are a one-stop for boat owners, Schinos in Ithaki and Myrtos in Kefalonia are where the elite mingle with each other. Finally, there is the much-photographed Kaladi on Kythera and Paleokastritsa in Corfu which are lapped by blue waters against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs. 2. Rich culture and history The ancient monasteries, churches, castles, and other buildings lay testimony to the myths and colorful traditions of the Ionian islands. Homer's kingdom of the Phaeacians, Corfu, is home to Old and new Venetian Forts, Achillion Palace, and Mon Repos, all top-class architectural wonders. Then there is the outstanding Asian Art Collection museum inside the Palace of St Michael and St George, the Municipal Gallery, and the Archaeology Museum. Lefkada, too, has some impressive medieval buildings, while the most sturdy attraction of Greece, by far, is the 14th-century castle of Santa Maura. 3. Best for water-based activities Many of the Ionian islands are known for consistent wind conditions which attract water sports lovers, especially beginners as conditions are best for them. This makes the islands a great place to take up a new water-based activity or even some laid-back paddling in the pristine waters When it comes to water sports, the Ionian islands enjoy a reputation of their own. While Lefkada draws ever-increasing hordes of windsurfers, year after year, sailors flock to the beaches of Myli and Vasiliki, ranked by many as the best in the Mediterranean. Adventure junkies also head to the nearby isles of Meganisi, Kastos, and Kalamos, north of Corfu, who then head around the island before sailing south towards Paxos Antipaxos, Ithaki, and Kioni are all other destinations that are loved by sailors in the Ionian Sea. For hikers, there are well-marked trails through the green mountains and the famous 220 km long Corfu trail. 4. Delicious cuisine The Greek cuisine in itself is a good reason to visit the country, especially the food served on the Ionian islands which has a strong Mediterranean diet base which is considered to be key to longevity. Inspired by the history of the Ionian Sea, the delicacies of the Greek islands will surprise you with their wealth of culinary delights. The Ionian islands stand out, not only for their sophisticated dishes like sofrito and Bianco but complemented for their locally produced ginger beer and kumquat liqueur. Diners in Zakynthos and Lefkada are usually regaled by strolling musicians while the locals serve their own delicacy, a nougat treat. Ask for it if you don't get it. The piece de resistance of Kefalonia is the rich meat pie and another one of Zakynthos is salsa, a meat stew accompanied by cheese. An integral element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is world-renowned, and used in most dishes. 5. Fantastic year-round weather There are few better holiday spots in the world, than the Ionian islands of Greece, which enjoy near-perfect weather all around the year. There are plenty of beaches if you wish to soak in the sun with your family at any of the famous ones in Greece. Typically, the temperature never drops below 70°F through September or in any case below 50°F during the winter months in any of the top islands you may wish to visit. Moreover, the frequent rainfall has made the vegetation lush green which characterizes the islands. Snow is rare, and summers are cool even on the hottest of days. This means, even in the off-season, conditions are near perfect for hiking, checking out the vibrant scenery, and not forgetting loads of shopping all without being troubled by the teeming hordes of visitors. 6. The hospitable locals Greek hospitality is legendary with its roots deeply embedded in every heart of the locals. The word for hospitality in Greek is philoxenia which literally means "friend to a stranger" and refers to the art of caring for anybody who visits a Greek home. The value of hospitality of the ancient Greeks still lives today in modern Greece. Over the centuries, the generosity of the locals has become a cultural norm and revolves around sharing life with others, like inviting a newcomer to their home for a homemade meal. Ancient Greek's care for strangers was an institution as they considered the act of welcoming someone as a missionary sent by the gods, Hence hospitality enjoys important value, even today, for every Greek citizen and they happily open their doors to foreigners and invite them for a treat in their homes. 7. They produce awesome drinks Greek wines are among the best in the world. Brands like Retsina, Agiorgitiko, and Vidanto are all legendary to wine lovers, with Assyrtiko from the island of Santorini being one of the most popular of all Greek wines. It is the diverse landscape that explains the presence of distinct characteristics in these wines, especially the red variety from the volcanic island of Santorini, the most wine-producing state in the country. Another good variety of white wine by the name of Robola is associated with the island of Kefalonia where some of the best brands can be found. Ouzo is another famous Greek drink that is worth a try. This is a heady licorice-flavored drink served with a glass of water before meals and best enjoyed with eating mezedes by the seaside on any of the islands. Do not forget to say Yamas, the Greek equivalent of "cheers" before you begin to drink. Read Also: Aeolian Village Beach Resort: The Ultimate Destination For Relaxing Holidays 4 Fun Destinations For All-Inclusive Holidays Acropolis Of Athens Tickets