Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1342831
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 40 MARCH 2021 FAC E S + P L AC E S PHOTOGRAPH BY aplenty, murals adorning narrow alleys, and sculptures near the Cape Ann Museum—visit the sea serpent that guards the museum door for a touch of maritime magic. When it's time for dinner, the seafood options are plentiful, from the ocean views from 1606 at the Beauport Hotel to high-end Italian fare at Tonno to takeout fish and chips from Turner's Seafood Market. There are also options for Thai noodles, spicy tacos, fried chicken sandwiches, and wood-fired pizza. Many spots offer outdoor seating, and some are also open for indoor dining, but many are still operating on a takeout-only model, so be sure to check ahead. Visitors should also take time to discover the natural side of Gloucester. Drive along route 127 for charming views of the Annisquam River and Lobster Cove, or head into the woods in historic Dogtown, hilly Ravenswood Park, or sprawling Tompson Street Reservation. At the very tip of the peninsula sits Rockport, a small, tight-knit community most often thought of as the home of the quaint red fishing shack known as Motif #1 and the quaint row of waterfront shops along Bearskin Neck. And while those sights are worth a visit, there is so much more to the town says Sarah Kelly, founder of Rockport Exchange, a nonprofit that promotes cultural events and activities in the city. Less than a mile outside town, Seaview Farm raises grass-fed beef (we highly MUST-DO: L I V E + P L AY Stage Fort Park Named for the platforms where colonial-era fishermen dried their catches, Stage Fort is home to a popular playground, two nearly hidden beaches (Half Moon beach is particularly charming), and plenty of green space to enjoy a picnic or relax in the sun. 24 Hough Ave., Gloucester, 978-281-8865 Rocky Neck One of the oldest art colonies in the country, this tiny spit of land in Gloucester is home to a densely packed collection of galleries and studios, as well as a couple of popular restaurants. The vibe is artsy and a little quirky; the views across Gloucester Harbor are unbeatable. Rocky Neck Ave., Gloucester, rockyneckartcolony.org Halibut Point State Park Some of the area's most picturesque trails let you circle a historic quarry, enjoy views that reach all the way to Maine, or pick your way along the rocky shore at the easternmost tip of Cape Ann. Gott Ave., Rockport, 978-546- 2997, mass.gov/locations/ halibut-point-state-park Seaview Farm In operation for more than 175 years, this family farm offers education programs for kids and a farm store stocked with vegetables, locally produced treats, and grass-fed beef raised right in Rockport. 36 South St., Rockport, 978-546-2418, seaviewfarmrockport.com Coolidge Reservation A short, pleasant walk through the woods leads up to a sweeping seaside lawn with stunning views of the rocky headlands or down to Magnolia Beach. 15 Coolidge Point, Manchester-by-the-Sea, 978-526-8687 recommend grabbing some burgers to take home and grill) and sells produce from area farms, craft beer and wine, and other treats produced by local makers. Wander just a bit north of the downtown core and discover a pretty pair of beaches that keep the calm of the sea close at hand. "The fact that you can be right in town and yet have ocean access is really, really cool," Kelly says. Rockport has, in recent years, become known for its festivals, from the autumnal food-and-music celebration of Harvestfest to the holiday season Rockport Makers Festival. These gatherings were all put on hold or went virtual last year, but the impulse behind them remains, Kelly says. "It highlights our communal spirit," she says. "We really come together as a community and want to celebrate where we live and want to share it." PHOTOGRAPHS BY HANNAH DAIGLE Gloucester offers fine dining, fun shops, and breathtaking coastal walks.