Things to Do in Gloucester, Massachusetts

Making the Most of a Stay on Cape Ann

Aug 14, 2009 Holly Beth Anderle

The seacoast city of Gloucester, Massachusetts is a fascinating blend of old and new, a working seaport with all the fun atmosphere of a resort town.

The book and movie “The Perfect Storm” has drawn a lot of attention to the fishing-port city of Gloucester, Massachusetts. People come to town looking for the Crow’s Nest Bar, the Fisherman’s Monument, and the commercial fishing fleet. But there is far more to this city than Hollywood ever imagined.

Gloucester was founded by the Dorchester Company in 1623, three years before the Mayflower landed in Plymouth, making Gloucester the first settlement in Massachusetts. Traditionally a fishing village, today, the fisheries are still a vital part of Gloucester's culture and economy.

Stacy Boulevard

Stacy Boulevard is the place many people choose to start. Go early in the morning for a spectacular view of the sun rising over The Fort. This area is mostly comprised of homes and businesses owned by Italian fishing families, and is one of Gloucester's ethnic communities. The Fisherman's Monument stands in the middle of the Boulevard, and looks out to sea. Around the monument are tablets wit the names of all the Gloucester fishermen who have been lost at sea from the founding of the city through the present.

Stage Fort Park

Continue walking the Boulevard and you will find a monument to the fishing families. This group includes a young wife with a young child and a baby in her arms, representing those who wait anxiously for their loved ones' return. Nearby is Stage Fort Park. This park is a left over from the Revolutionary War, when the two points of land embracing Gloucester Harbor were outfitted to defend the city from an attack by sea. Visitors can still see cannons from the period and walk the area where the ramparts were. Today, Stage Fort Park includes a playground, a beach, sports fields, and a bandstand.

Historic Homes of Gloucester

Hammond Castle is a lovely home built by inventor John Hayes Hammond, Jr. Comprised of pieces of medieval architecture that Hammond had sent over from Europe, the Castle houses an eclectic collection of inventions, artifacts, and books, as well as an extensive variety of art. Beauport, the home of Henry Davis Sleeper, is a lovely example of the elegant homes of Eastern Point, once a conclave of Gloucester's wealthy citizens. Also known as the Sleeper-McCann House, it has a large collection of Chinese porcelain and other antiques. In addition to these homes, several others are open to the public including the Sargent-Murray House and the Fitz Hugh Lane House.

Gloucester's Beaches

Gloucester is well known for the soft, white sand of the area beaches. The most popular beaches are Good Harbor, which is on the Atlantic Ocean, and Wingaersheek, which is on the mouth of the Annisquam River. During summer and on weekends these beaches are crowded and it can be difficult to find parking. If you are going during a peace time, try one of the lesser known beaches. While a little rockier, Niles Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Plum Cove Beach

Hidden Treasures of Gloucester

Finding the out of the way places in any city is half the fun. You’ll find that most locals are puzzled as to why you came to Gloucester on vacation; most of them take it for granted. But chat long enough with someone over a cool drink and they will send you to some places you aren’t likely to find in any guide book.

Hungry for pizza or seafood? Bypass the ubiquitous Gull Restaurant and head to Maria’s on Pearl St. This little hole-in-the-wall eatery serves some of the best Italian food in town along with huge baskets of fried or baked seafood. Or try Sebastian's Pizza on Washington St. for a thick crust pizza loaded with toppings. If you’re interested in the history of Gloucester, spend an afternoon at the Cape Ann Museum. Art lovers will enjoy touring the Fitz Hugh Lane house, or for a unique experience, walk through the City Hall with its many WPA murals of prominent citizens of the time. Rocky Neck Artist's Colony is the oldest artists colony in America and still houses an assortment of shops and galleries that are well worth a visit.

No matter what you choose to do in Gloucester, you will be captivated by its bold character and diversity. You may even find yourself returning time and again as you find more to experience in this historic city.

The copyright of the article Things to Do in Gloucester, Massachusetts in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Holly Beth Anderle. Permission to republish Things to Do in Gloucester, Massachusetts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Fisherman's Monument

What do you think about this article?

---

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.

post your comment

What is 9+3?