First of all, consider checking a few animal shelters. There are lots of great pets that live in Waldo County animal shelters and that are looking for the perfect home, and you might find that one of these critters is the perfect pet for you and your family. In many cases, you can adopt a pet that has already been spayed or neutered and that has all of its shots, which can help ensure that you have a healthy pet that is ready to become a part of your family.

If you can’t find a pet that you want in an animal shelter in Waldo County, you shouldn’t give up on your quest to find the perfect canine, feline or other creature. Instead, consider looking at area pet stores, or read the classifieds to see if someone is selling the pet that you want.

Nothing typifies this Arcadian lifestyle more than Maine’s Waldo County, which consists of 26 towns, spans a total area of 853 square miles and has a population density of just 53 people per square mile. To put that into perspective, New York County, the most densely populated county in the U.S., has a population density of 69,771 people per square mile.

But when you look past the solitude, there are a lot of beautiful things to see in Waldo County.

Moose Point State Park, located off US Route 1 in between Belfast and Searsport in Waldo County, is one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. This scenic park is a popular destination for hikers, nature buffs and even just passerby’s who just want to stop for a picnic.

Within Moose Point State Park’s 183 acres, you’ll find an array of unique sites including tidal pools and evergreen groves. From double-crested cormorants, loons and bald eagles to seals, porpoises and, of course, moose, there’s also a diverse population of wildlife to observe in the coastal park.

So, next time you’re in Waldo County, take some time to visit Moose Point State Park. You won’t regret it.

As of 2012, the county’s boundaries claim 25 towns and one city, Belfast, which serves as the County Seat. Nearly 40,000 residents claim the county as home, most of them, 51 percent, female, according to Census Bureau statistics from 2010. One of the largest employers in the state, Bank of America, keeps more than 1500 workers busy from its call center in Belfast, the city which also served as the setting for “Peyton Place,” the hit movie from 1957.

The Waldo Patent was a tract of land issued by the Plymouth Council in 1630 to Thomas Leverett from Boston, England and John Beauchamp from London, England. There were 1,000 sq. miles of land in the patent situated between the Penobscot River and the Muscongus River. Along Maine’s coast were several successful fishing companies that hastened the implementation of the grant. Two agents of the patent arrived in the area with laborers who built a trading post. A settlement arose along the banks of the George’s River which is now a town called Thomaston.

The King Phillips War caused a break up of the settlement and it was abandoned for the next 40 years. John Beauchamp died which left Thomas Leverett as sole owner. He passed the land down to his grandson, Governor John Leverett who in turn passed it down to his grandson in 1714. John Leverett, the president of Harvard College reorganized the patent in 1719 and parcelled it out to “the Ten Proprietors,” who in turn, sold some of the land to “Twenty Associates.” John and Cornelius Waldo were two of the “Twenty Associates.” Can’t get enough? There’s more: Where’s Waldo? Image Analysis in R

Belfast, Maine, the County Seat of Waldo County, is well worth a visit. Belfast Harbor is beautiful, there is a wonderful Farmers’ Market, take the kids to the skate park, go on overnight, or day kayaking tours in the Midcoast Islands. Visit the miniature shop, or go “pick-your-own” apple picking at on of the apple farms. Be sure to put attending the lively Maine Celtic Celebration, from July 20 through the 22, 2012, in Belfast, Maine on your list. There is no charge for this celebration of the Celtic heritage. While there, sign up for the U.S. Cheese Roll Championship, which is set to take off at 1:00pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012 on Belfast Common. The winner gets to keep the three-pound wheel of rind-enclosed cheddar cheese won at one of the entertainment hotspots in Waldo County, Maine. Have fun.

Waldo County offers several historical sites and museums such as the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport. Children and adults alike can enjoy touring the historical buildings and sea captain’s houses and participating with the interactive displays and memorabilia.Additional information can be found at http://bangordailynews.com/link/waldo-county-band-the-rugged-plies-backwoods-voodoo/. Also tour the historical Fort Knox in Bucksport and see the original buildings and cannons. See incredible views of the area from the observatory deck on the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. Check out all the automobiles and aircraft at the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Owls Head near Rockland.

For arts and culture, Waldo County offers loads of art galleries. Catch a movie at the Colonial Theater in Belfast or a live performance at the Marsh River Theater in Brooks.

For family fun, Belfast offers several great parks including the Belfast City Park where adults and kids alike can relax and play. Point Lookout in Northport offers a great fitness center and activities like hiking, racquetball, bowling and more. Swim and make sandcastles at the the Lincolnville Beach. Spend the day at Sears Island biking, birding or snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Enjoy fishing, canoeing, hiking, swimming and picnicking in Monroe at the Northern Pond Natural Area.

Delvino’s Grill & Pasta House

Located on Main Street in Belfast, this Italian restaurant is a local favorite. Open daily, guests can enjoy great atmosphere, friendly service and scrumptious dishes like fried scallops, shrimp chowder or prime rib with baked sweet potato and grilled asparagus topped off with delicious chocolate cake.

Young’s Lobster Pound

Another popular restaurant in Belfast is Young’s Lobster Pound situated on Mitchell Avenue. Young’s is favored for its casual and laid back atmosphere as well as for having the best and most fresh seafood in Maine. Here, guests can enjoy awesome lobster, clams, stew, corn on the cob and much more! Young’s is unique in that guests can bring their own wine and tablecloths.

Lobster Pound

Located on U.S. Route One in Lincolnville Beach, Lobster Pound restaurant is famous for its lobster stew. Featuring 260 indoor seats and 40 patio seats, the restaurant serves a variety of meals from fresh seafood to steak and turkey. Enjoy one of their tasty chowders followed by succulent rib eye, oven roasted turkey, lobster stew or seafood platter served with sides and buttered rolls.

Darby’s Restaurant and Pub

Enjoy relaxed ambiance, fresh produce, seafood and homemade soups, breads and desserts all under one roof at Darby’s on historical High Street in Belfast. Guests can also enjoy a full bar featuring local and international wines and beers.

Angler’s Restaurant

For a friendly and family atmosphere in a traditional fishing village, guests will enjoy Angler’s Restaurant on East Main Street in Searsport. From appetizers like steamed clams in butter sauce or creamy chowder to an amazing seafood dinner to hot fudge sundae, guest will not be disappointed.