Gloucester

Gloucester is a city in Massachusetts with a population of about 30,000 people. One of the country's oldest settlements, established in 1623, it serves as America's oldest seaport. Although the sea is contributing less to the city's economy, Gloucester is still a true New England fishing center as immortalized in the movie The Perfect Storm. Rocky Neck, the longest continually operating art colony in North America, is also in Gloucester.

Gloucester's roots are tied to the sea. Even with the decline of fishing due to heavy federal regulations, the city has an active waterfront. It hosts great museums and sites, including the Cape Ann Museum with the largest collection of Fitz Henry Lane paintings in the country, Hammond Castle built by John Hayes Hammond (the father of remote control), Beauport built by Henry Sleeper (a National Historic Landmark), the Sargent House home of Judith Singer Sargent (one of the country's first feminists), and the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. Gloucester's City Hall was built in 1871 and has examples of the finest WPA murals in Massachusetts.

The climate is maritime, with cool winters and mild summers. Summer is the best time to visit, especially for whale watching and beach-going. The city features a diverse selection of fine restaurants and a delightful downtown.

By Plane

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is about 35 miles (56 km) southwest. From the airport, take I-93 North to Route 1 North to Route 128 North to Gloucester. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Warwick, Rhode Island is about 100 miles south.

By Train

The MBTA Commuter Rail runs from North Station in Boston to Gloucester via the Newburyport/Rockport line. The trip takes about one hour and costs $7.25 one-way. Trains run approximately hourly during peak times.

By Car / Road

From Boston, take I-93 or Route 1 to Route 128. It's about 35 miles (56 km) and takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Route 128 runs along the coast and offers scenic views. Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) runs buses on Cape Ann including special routes during summer. Phone: +1 978-283-7916.

Gloucester Visitor Information Center is off Route 127 at Stage Fort Park. Phone: +1 978-281-8865. Seasonal. Get a free brochure on the Gloucester Maritime Trail which describes four self-guided walks. The downtown area is walkable, but a car is recommended for exploring Cape Ann beyond the city center. CATA buses serve the Cape Ann area.

• Fisherman's Memorial Statue (Stacy Blvd): Iconic statue of a storm-dressed "Old Salt" at the wheel, commemorating over ten thousand Gloucester fishermen lost at sea. Free.

• Rocky Neck Art Colony (Rocky Neck Avenue off East Main): The oldest art colony in America, with galleries of local artists, bars, and restaurants. Free.

• Hammond Castle (80 Hesperus Avenue): Castle overlooking the Atlantic since 1929, now a museum. Home of John Hayes Hammond Jr., inventor and pioneer of remote control. Check website for hours and admission.

• Stage Fort Park: Site of the city's first establishment, with original cannons pointing toward Gloucester Harbor. Good for picnics and swimming at two beaches.

• Cape Ann Museum (27 Pleasant Street): Houses the largest collection of Fitz Henry Lane paintings and exhibits on Gloucester's maritime and art history.

• Whale watching: Gloucester was voted "Top 5 whale watching destinations in the World" by the World Wildlife Fund. Species include humpback, minke, blue, fin, and sperm whales. Cape Ann Whale Watch (415 Main Street) departs twice daily for over 35 years; $65 per person. Phone: +1 978-283-5110.

• Fishing charters: Coastal Fishing Charters (417 Main Street) offers bluefin tuna fishing aboard a classic 35-ft boat featured in Wicked Tuna. Phone: +1 508-284-2909.

• Wingaersheek Beach: Beautiful beach with sandbars at low tide. Open 24 hours. Free.

• St. Peter's Fiesta: Five-day festival the last weekend of June, honoring the patron saint of fishermen. Features the famous Greasy Pole contest over the ocean.

• Kayaking and paddleboarding: Available from various outfitters along the waterfront.

• Sugar Magnolias (112 Main Street, downtown): Popular breakfast spot with fresh takes on breakfast foods. Budget ($10–15 per person). Phone: +1 978-281-5310.
• Causeway Restaurant (78 Essex Avenue): Not fancy, huge portions, lower than average prices. Budget ($8–15 per person). Phone: +1 978-281-5256.
• Sclafani's Bakery (49 Washington Street): Famous Italian subs on fresh baked bread (lunch only). Budget ($8–12 per person). Phone: +1 978-283-6622.
• Passports (110 Main Street): Extremely popular upscale restaurant downtown. Moderate–expensive ($25–40 per person). Phone: +1 978-281-3680.
• Duckworth's Bistrot (197 East Main Street): Upscale restaurant in East Gloucester. Expensive ($30–50 per person). Phone: +1 978-282-4426.
• Franklin Cape Ann (118 Main Street): Gloucester branch of a Boston restaurant, great bar for cocktails. Moderate–expensive ($25–40 per person). Phone: +1 978-283-7888.

• Budget: Lanes Cove House Bed & Breakfast and Vacation Homes (6 Andrews Street): Beautiful restored 1800s Victorian with 3 guest rooms, from $120 per night. Phone: +1 978-879-4899.
• Mid-range: Atlantis Oceanfront Motor Inn (125 Atlantic Road): Oceanfront motel with water views. Phone: +1 978-283-0014.
• Upscale / heritage: Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House (75 Eastern Point Boulevard): National Historic Landmark, one of America's first house museums. Seasonal tours available.

The main downtown area holds numerous local shops and restaurants. The House of the Raven (141 Main Street) offers custom picture framing, fine jewelry, gifts, and souvenirs. Monday–Friday 10:10AM–5:30PM, Saturday until 5PM. Phone: +1 978-281-1624. Rocky Neck Art Colony galleries offer original artwork and crafts. Two main plazas on Eastern Avenue and Bass Avenue hold supermarkets and other outlets for everyday needs.

• Rockport (5 miles / 10 min north): Charming seaside village with art galleries, shops, and the famous Motif No. 1 red fishing shack.
• Salem (25 miles / 40 min southwest): Witch trials history, Peabody Essex Museum, and maritime heritage.
• Boston (35 miles / 1 hour southwest): America's most historic city with the Freedom Trail and world-class museums.
• Cape Cod National Seashore (80 miles / 1.5 hours south): 40 miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline and dunes.
• Ipswich (15 miles / 25 min south): Historic town with the oldest First Period house in America and clambakes at Ipswich Clambake.
• Newburyport (20 miles / 30 min north): Federal-era seaport town with shops, galleries, and the Waterfront Park.