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What began as a creative idea to showcase Maine’s small businesses has grown into a unique mobile experience in central Maine. 

The Belle of Belgrade was founded by 46-year-old Lyndee Waldbauer, who also serves as the business’s bus driver.

When Waldbauer moved to Maine five years ago, her friends from Maryland would say, ‘Well aren’t you just The Belle of Belgrade’? And the name stuck. She bought the bus from a woman in New Hampshire who had acquired it from a college in Kentucky.

Through curated day drips, private events and collaborations with locally owned businesses, Waldbauer said she has built an experience that encourages guests to explore the state while supporting the communities they visit. 

Rather than simply offering transportation, The Belle of Belgrade focuses on creating experiences that keep customers coming back.

“Social media lets people see what it’s actually like to be on the bus, but what keeps them coming back is how we make them feel,” Waldbauer said. “Every guest is treated like a VIP, and every ride is designed to be memorable.”

That emphasis on the customer experience goes hand in hand with partnerships with other small businesses across the state. That’s because “we’re all invested in helping each other succeed,” said Waldbauer. 

As the demand for the bus grows, Waldbauer remains focused on expanding the business thoughtfully without losing what made the business successful in the first place. “Right now, my biggest challenge is balancing growth with keeping each experience on the Belle Bus intentional. There are so many opportunities, but I want every ride to feel personal and every stop to genuinely support Maine’s small businesses,” said Waldbauer. 

During a foodie tour on Monday for a 60th birthday, the bus stopped at Lions Den Tavern in Waterville; Waterville Food Truck Park; and The Cork and Cow in Belgrade. Waldbauer said each location had something special waiting for the birthday girl, “as many of our other small business partners go above and beyond for our guests.”

“We are a mobile ecosystem, at times bringing up to 10 new people at a time through their door,” Waldbauer said. “The businesses we align with are the ones who want to make it an experience and not just a visit.”

The bus goes beyond central Maine, too. Waldbauer said they recently traveled to Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor with a group of content creators. There have also been “book crawls” to Camden where they visited The Tiny Bookshop and Laugh Loud Smile Big Bakery. Coming up, they have a “wick and wander experience” scheduled where the bus will go to Sea Love in Freeport and visit Sea Bags, then Mothertree.

Although the Belle of Belgrade has become a familiar name across the region, there was no one defining moment when Waldbauer realized the business had become established.

“It was a series of little ones. Seeing the bus featured on the news, across social media, watching strangers becoming friends on the bus, and having businesses reach out asking to partner with us. These are the moments I realize my little dream has become something,” said Waldbauer. 

When looking back, Waldbauer is especially thankful she didn’t follow the advice someone gave her to not start a new business alongside being a real estate broker. “I almost didn’t do this because of that advice,” said Waldbauer. “I am so glad I didn’t listen.” 

Waldbauer recommends to potential business owners to take the leap before they feel ready. “Trust the wild idea. Take the next step. Get a business advisor from the Small Business Development Center. Also, don’t be afraid to ask. Some of my favorite partnerships started because I simply sent an email or a message and took a chance,” said Waldbauer.

Looking ahead, Waldbauer hopes the business will be known as one of Maine’s signature experiences while continuing to create meaningful collaborations among small businesses. “I’d also love to expand the Belle brand beyond one bus, with another bus and eventually a model that could bring this same sense of community and local connection to other towns,” said Waldbauer. 

Waldbauer said the bus will pick up people “all over the place,” and many of their shared adventures have pickup spots in Belgrade, Augusta and Waterville depending on the direction they are heading. Private rides determine pickup spot, sometimes at the home of whomever is organizing the ride and sometimes at a place that is a halfway point for everyone who is joining.

Ticket prices for the shared rides over the next two month range from $56 to $145, depending on the location and destinations. All shared rides are pre-planned and people can buy tickets at www.thebelleofbelgrade.com. Private rides can also be booked on the website.