When people talk about “the Cape” in Massachusetts they are usually referring to Cape Cod. There is another cape, however, which offers seaside New England charm without the congestion of Cape Cod. That cape is Cape Ann, which includes America’s oldest seaport, the town of Gloucester. Gloucester is located 35 miles north of Boston, and sits at the heart of Cape Ann.
One of the reasons to visit Gloucester, Massachusetts is that over the years, it has retained its unique character and has not been overrun with chain restaurants and mega department stores. Gloucester also has scenic beaches, natural attractions, historic houses, parks, and seafood restaurants that all make Gloucester a family favorite, for a day’s outing, a long weekend, or an extended vacation stay.
Beaches and Outdoor Recreation in Gloucester, Massachusetts
One of the best small beaches in New England is Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach. The beach has a wide canal between it and the road, where beach goers can watch the ebb and flow of the rising or or waning tide. When the tide is low, children will enjoy chasing tiny crabs, and when the tide is rising, the canal is deep enough for swimming. Other beaches in Gloucester, Massashusetts include Half Moon Beach at Stage Fort Park, Long Beach, Niles Beach, Pavillion Beach and Wingaersheek Beach.
Explore more of Gloucester’s beautiful outdoors at the Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary, operated by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. For a totally serene walk through woodsy trails visit Ravenswood Park on Route 127 (Western Avenue). Or for the scenic route, take a ride by the Annisquam Lighthouse on Lighthouse Road or the Eastern Point Lighthouse on Eastern Point Boulevard.
For more adventurous outdoor activities, get on the water with any one of Gloucester’s scenic, deep sea fishing or whale watching cruises. Gloucester, Massachusetts also offers outdoor activities the active and sports-minded people including snorkeling and diving, kayaking and sailing.
History in Gloucester, Massachusetts
After exploring Gloucester’s environs, it’s time to head inside and enjoy the local history. Established in 1623, history is everywhere in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The Beauport Sleeper-McCann House houses not only houses historic artifacts and one-of-a-kind architecture, but also enthralling anecdotes about the house’s former residents. The house was lived in and designed by interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper. Some rooms in the house seem to be optical illusions,including the sea-facing dining room which makes you feel like you are on a boat. The Beauport Sleeper-McCann House is located at 75 Eastern Point Boulevard.
For another excursion through history, visit the Hammond Castle. This medieval castle was built by Dr. John Hays Hammond, Jr., better known as “The Father of Remote Control,” due to his “development of remote control via radio waves” (Hammond Castle). Visit the castle to see more of Dr. Hammond’s inventions, the Renaissance dining room, the Gothic bedroom and more. Hammond Castle is located at 80 Hesperus Avenue.
Downtown Gloucester is home to the Cape Ann Historical Museum. This eclectic museum exhibits objects related to fisheries and maritime activities, fine art, granite quarrying and decorative arts. The museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street.
Rocky Neck Arts Colony
If you’re in an artsy mood, head over to the oldest working art colony the in U.S., the Rocky Neck Arts Colony (RNAC). The RNAC has existed for more than 150 years and today still features galleries of artists working in a variety of media and offers free demonstrations of art techniques. The RNAC is located one mile from the end of Route 128.
Gloucester is practically synonymous with fresh seafood, including lobster. Enjoy chowders, North Atlantic seafood seafood specialties and lobster at any number of restaurants in Gloucester, Massaschusetts.
Note: some attractions in Gloucester, MA are seasonal and should be contacted before visiting.
Reference:
- Places to visit: www.capeannhistoricalmuseum.org www.rockyneckartcolony.org
