A Peaceful Retreat at The River House in Belfast, Maine

After a long day on the water filming an upcoming Maine Scuttlebutt episode with Blue Hill Bay Mussels, I was more than ready for some rest. We had spent the day hauling ropes of mussels from the ocean and learning firsthand about one of Maine's incredible aquaculture operations. It was an amazing experience, but by the time I left Mount Desert Island, I was exhausted.

Thankfully, I had a stay waiting for me at The River House in Belfast.

The drive there was exactly what I needed. Noah Kahan's new album, rolling farmland, quiet country roads, and beautiful Maine scenery made for a relaxing journey. When I finally arrived, I was greeted by cheerful daffodils lining the path to the front door. The charming white house sits tucked back from the road, instantly giving off a cozy and welcoming feel.

But it was when I stepped inside that I really fell in love.

The first thing that caught my eye was the kitchen. I absolutely loved the color palette and clean design. It felt bright, fresh, and inviting. It had everything I needed for my stay and even included a few thoughtful goodies waiting for guests. To my surprise, one of them was Bixby Chocolate, the same company I had featured in one of the very first Maine Scuttlebutt episodes. It felt like a fun little full-circle moment.

The living room was equally inviting. After spending the day on a boat, the comfortable couch and cozy yellow blanket looked like heaven. As I settled in, I glanced out the window and immediately noticed the beautiful river flowing through the backyard.

Instant peace.

There is something about the sound and sight of moving water that makes all the stress of the day disappear. Watching the river wind its way through the property felt like exactly the reset I needed.

The home features two spacious and beautifully decorated bedrooms. My favorite was the back bedroom, which has large glass doors leading to the backyard and offers a wonderful view of the river. There was also an additional room with a desk, dresser, and pull-out couch, making the home perfect for families or groups looking for extra sleeping space.

The bathroom was spotless and inviting. One of those bathrooms that makes you immediately want to jump into a hot shower after a long day of travel and adventure. The washer and dryer were another great bonus, especially for anyone planning a longer stay.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to fully enjoy the outdoor space because it was raining and I was traveling solo. The backyard features a fantastic fire pit area that would be perfect for gathering with friends and family on a summer evening. I could easily picture everyone sitting around the fire, sharing stories while listening to the river nearby.

Since the weather had other plans, I embraced a quiet night in.

I changed into my pajamas, poured a glass of wine, reheated the incredible mussels we had harvested earlier that day and that the team at Josie's in Ellsworth had so beautifully prepared for us, and settled in to watch a documentary about Hulk Hogan. Haha! Not exactly what I expected my evening to look like but honestly, it was perfect.

The River House gave me exactly what I needed. A comfortable place to relax, recharge, and enjoy a peaceful Maine evening.

I'm already hoping to return.

If you haven't explored Belfast yet, you're missing out on one of Maine's most charming coastal communities. From great restaurants and local shops to beautiful waterfront views and nearby adventures, there's plenty to see and do.

And when you're planning your visit, The River House should absolutely be on your list of places to stay.

-Kate

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