Gloucester Favorites

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Favorite thing: There are so many creative and wonderful gateways to find in Gloucester. One of the things I've noted again and again is the use of stone. There is a granite quarry just north of Rockport, and it seems the abundance of materials has enabled the homeowners and designers to mix it lavishly into their landscape plans.

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Favorite thing: When touring the gardens of Gloucester, we got to see behind the walls and inside the gates of several grand old homes not normally seen by the visitor to Gloucester. Even tho the tour was about the gardens...the general landscape and architecture of the sites was truly striking. I thought what made many of the sites special was that the landscape architect used the natural elements so well. This is perhaps the finest legacy of the craftsman era, which is what many of the homes were. I thought you would enjoy a sample of what was on the tour, but you could also find many other fine examples all along the shoreline from above Revere to the top of Cape Ann.

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Favorite thing: Some things to know when visiting this beautiful seaport...

We pronounce our city "Glosstah"

Route 128 ends here. It got a bit of an extension years ago, but that's about it. The highway just ends. If it were possible to extend it beyond the limits of Gloucester the next town you would encounter would be somewhere in Portugal.

The Blyman Bridge, which allows passage over the Annisquam River as it empties out into Gloucester Harbor, is more commonly referred to as the "Cut Bridge".

For many Gloucester residents, St. Joseph's Day and St. Peter's Fiesta are as much holidays as Christmas and Thankgiving. "Viva San Pietro!"

There is a very pituresque Back Shore of Gloucester, but don't ask where the Front Shore is.

Gloucester has many beautiful beaches. One endevoring to see them all would not be wasting his time. Just don't park in the Stop and Shop parking lot when going to Good Harbor, that's a big No No.

Moviegoers searching for the Crow's Nest will find it somewhat different from what they saw in on the big screen.

Outside of Boston's North End and perhaps Napoli itself, one will not find more authentic Italian restaurants and shops than on this island off the coast of Massachusetts . Valentino's, Sebastian's, Virgilios...a trip to Gloucester is not complete without eating at one or all of these establishments. Virgilio's bread is second to none.

There are few pleasures in life as grand as telling the guard at the entrance to Eastern Point Road "I'm going to the lighthouse" and driving past his car.

Fondest memory: There aren't many places on Earth as historic, beautiful and inspiring as Gloucester. Anyone who loves the ocean should consider Gloucester someplace they must see in their lifetime.

Favorite thing: There is a stretch of beach along the Boulevard where the draw bridge and fisherman's statue are...and it's a wonderful place to play. I watched a man with his little girl playing on a Sunday afternoon in October. The day was sunny, folks were watching the ocean as well as the draw bridge...and it was a beautiful way to linger at the end of the summer.

Favorite thing: There is a wonderful statue of a woman with child at the west end of the main boulevard along the shoreline of Gloucester. Most people visit the famous fisherman's statue commemorating all the men who have gone to sea and many lost. However this statue tells the story of the women and children who waited at home and watched the horizon til their husband and father came back to them.

Favorite thing: If you want more than just a self tour, take the guided tour in the Hall or go when they are having an event. Fun for all ages!

http://www.hammondcastle.org/events.htm

Fondest memory: I went with my husband and two sister inlaws on a beautiful sunny day for a drive up to Gloucester. Since I had never been to the Castle, we stopped for a tour. Really nice! Then we went onto to Gloucester for lunch.

Favorite thing: Gloucester's famous beaches are perfect spots to walk, swim or just relax.... take a book and enjoy the day!!!!! Alcohol is not allowed on any beaches. Dogs are not allowed during the 'season', Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Gloucester has adopted a 'Carry In, Carry Out' policy at Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches. You should be prepared to carry any trash out with you when you leave.
Cressey's Beach: Is located in historic Stage Fort Park, this is a rocky beach that overlooks Gloucester Harbor. The fee for parking is $15 per car. There are rest rooms in the Park as well as a privately owned restaurant open to the public.

Good Harbor Beach: On Thatcher Road, Rte. 127A, this is a beautiful beach with lovely, white sand facing the Atlantic. There is a concession stand, rest rooms, and showers. Parking fee is $15 during the week per car; $20, weekends. Parking is limited.

Half Moon Beach: This is a wonderful, small beach located in Stage Fort Park and it gets its name from the crescent shape of the beach. There are rest rooms in the Park as well as a privately owned restaurant open to the public. The fee for parking is $15 per car.

Niles Beach: Is located on Eastern Point Road, this beach is sticker parking only.

Pavilion Beach: This beach is located on the eastern end of Stacy Boulevard. There is no separate parking lot for this beach.

Plum Cove Beach: Is located on Washington Street, in the northern section of the City, this beach is sticker parking only.

Wingaersheek Beach: Is situated in the western part of the Gloucester on Atlantic Road off Rte. 133 and Concord Street, this beautiful beach is along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay. There is a concession, rest rooms and showers. Parking fee is $15 during the week per car; $20, weekends. Parking is also limited here. Both Concord and Atlantic Streets are narrow roads with many curves.

Favorite thing: If it is a warm sunny day, walk along the promenade boarding the harbor...

Fondest memory: The first time I came to Gloucester, I sat down on the grass along the promenade and got so relaxed that I actually fell asleep. It was one the best afternoon naps in my life. People walking by, dogs walking by, boats passing by in the harbor and I just slept on and on. I hadn't even been drinking,hahaha...