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Hidden Gems of the North Shore: Underrated Locations Worth Exploring in Gloucester
Hidden Gems of the North Shore: Underrated Locations Worth Exploring in Gloucester

Hidden Gems of the North Shore: Underrated Locations Worth Exploring in Gloucester

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The North Shore of Massachusetts is a region full of character and history with an abundance of places to visit and explore. Recently, Gloucester was named one of the 15 best small towns in America by CNN and was the only New England city on the list. Let’s explore a few hidden gems and underrated locations worth exploring in Gloucester. 

Hammond Castle

The Hammond Castle Museum was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr, a scientist, inventor, and antiques collector at the time. Now, the castle serves as a museum, cultural and arts center, and venue that welcomes guests daily. Stop by to tour the castle and explore its many rooms, exhibits, and beautiful coastal castle grounds! Reserving tickets in advance is encouraged.

Hammond Castle Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Due to it being nearly a century old, Hammond Castle Museum is not handicap accessible. 

Dogtown (Dogtown Common or Dogtown Village)

Dogtown is an abandoned inland village of about five square miles on Cape Ann in Gloucester. In 1642, Dogtown was home to the Commons Settlement. With its availability of water, it was the most prosperous part of Gloucester for a century. The land, now known for its woods as well as its boulders and rock formations, is protected, and therefore development is banned in the area. Take a walk and explore the miles of trails and abandoned roads, but be cautious as most are unmarked. These paths are sprinkled with one of Dogtown’s most notable features: the three dozen Babson Boulders, which have inspiring sayings carved into them. See how many you can spot on your journey!

The area is dog-friendly and there is parking available. Learn more about the history of Dogtown here. 

Rocky Neck

Located on a rocky peninsula within the Gloucester harbor, Rocky Neck is one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the country. Artists who lived and worked on Rocky Neck in the 19th and early 20th centuries made an important contribution to art history by inspiring the Cape Ann style of American Impressionism. With shops, restaurants, galleries, and exhibitions radiating history and culture, there is always something to see or do on Rocky Neck. 

Ravenswood Park

Ravenswood Park is a nature reserve owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Samuel Sawyer, a 19th-century businessman and philanthropist, purchased woodlots, old pastures, and swamp land near his home. Upon his death, he left 600 acres of land to be turned into Ravenswood Park. Guests can enjoy solitude and peaceful scenes with its woods, boulders, and miles of trails, some of which are dog-friendly. In the winter months, cross-country skiing is also welcome.

Stage Fort Park and Beach

Stage Fort Park is where Gloucester’s first settlers set up fishing stages in 1623. Now, it is home to two beaches, a sand volleyball court, a boardwalk, a playground, picnic areas, two baseball fields, a basketball court, a tennis court, and plenty of extra room, making it an incredible place for any of your weekend endeavors. During the summer season, the park hosts outdoor concerts, fireworks, festivals, farmers markets, and several other child and family-friendly events!

Dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the beaches. There is also a dog park located in the parking lot!

Gloucester has a variety of things to see and do, with abundant history behind them. You can check out more of their hidden gems and locations worth exploring here. If you are looking to buy or sell your home on the North Shore contact me today.

Hidden Gems of the North Shore: Underrated Locations Worth Exploring in Gloucester
Hidden Gems of the North Shore: Underrated Locations Worth Exploring in Gloucester

Gloucester MA

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When many think of “coastal New England,” Gloucester is the first town that comes to mind. From picturesque seascapes, quarries, lighthouses, lobster-boats, and more Gloucester is one of the most beautiful towns on the North Shore. Gloucester even served as the backdrop of the Academy Award-nominated film CODA this past year.

Did you know Gloucester was one of the first colonial established communities in New England? The town was first settled in 1623, just three years after the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock. Today, Gloucester is home to just over 30,000 residents!

Just a 45-minute ride from Boston, and accessible via the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail, this small fishing town has grown into the ideal destination for residents and vacationers alike. 

This gorgeous coastal community is full of hometown spirit, maritime history, job opportunities, independent shops, and vistas for everyone to enjoy. 

Whether you’re looking for ​​ocean-front homes, estates, modest cottages, antiques, turn of the century dwellings, mid-century homes, waterfront condos or apartments read on to learn why Gloucester should be your next home base.

GROCERIES & SNACKS

Looking for a quick bite? Try these great shops:

  • If you’re looking for creative & classic breakfast & lunch fare, try Sugar Magnolias. They always have yummy specials and even a pancake of the day!
  • Castaways Vintage Cafe is one of the coolest spots for coffee on the North Shore. Not only do they sell great coffee and healthy snacks, they also sell curated vintage clothing and unique beach shirts in a laid back California-inspired atmosphere.
  • Have you been to Ryan and Wood Distilleries? Stop by to visit and tour the first legal distillery on the North Shore since Prohibition! Their spirits are incredibly flavorful, aromatic, and smooth.
  • Common Crow Natural Market is a locally owned health food store with an emphasis on supporting locally grown organic agriculture. Common Crow offers a wide variety of organic fruits, vegetables, meats and shelf staples, along with health and beauty options, from vitamins to protein supplements. Check it out for yourself!
  • At The Cave, in Downtown Gloucester, they will show you the world of cheese, wine, chocolate, gourmet delights & local specialties all at affordable prices!

GORGEOUS VIEWS:

Lush parks, stunning sunsets, and beautiful ocean vistas are just some of the sights you won’t want to miss in Gloucester.

There’s no shortage of lighthouses in Gloucester. Eastern Point, Annisquam and Ten Pound Island Lighthouse are all worth the visit if you’re looking to see some of New England’s finest!

You’ll have to see the crystal clear water at Wingaersheek beach to believe it! From the white sand to the picturesque rocks, Wingaersheek is a Gloucester favorite for those who love to walk for miles along the beach.

Resting on a granite base along the Stacy Esplanade, the Fisherman’s Memorial Monument in Gloucester is set looking out over the harbor to memorialize the thousands of fishermen lost at sea in the first three centuries of Gloucester’s history. ​​Take a walk along the esplanade and admire the beautiful sculpture and the scenic ocean views.

Need a spot to watch the sunset? Visit Plum Cove! This small, quiet beach is the ideal spot for families with small children, summer picnics, and beach games.

DELICIOUS EATS

Gloucester Seafood is as fresh as it gets! If you’re looking for lobster or just for a great meal, check out these spots:

  • The Beauport Hotel Gloucester has made a significant impact on Cape Ann and brought a high level of sophistication and luxury to both Gloucester and the North Shore.  It features stylish upscale accommodations and dining.  The 1606 Restaurant and Oyster Bar provide an idyllic oceanfront deck and dining showcasing the very best in New England coastal dining and spirits. The outdoor deck is the perfect place to meet friends and family to enjoy the stunning ocean vistas and appreciate Gloucester’s nautical and maritime history!
  • Seaport Grille is a Gloucester staple! The restaurant is located directly on the harbor with two decks for classic water view dining and some of the most beautiful views of the ocean.
  • The Causeway Restaurant is a local favorite offering Italian dishes, fresh seafood, and fried favorites. Located right downtown, it’s also a quick walk or drive from Stage Fort Park and Stacy Boulevard.
  • In the summer months, the Studio is one of my favorites! Located near the Rocky Neck Art Colony, the Studio serves up delicious seafood, great cocktails, fresh oysters, and even sushi. It is a true Gloucester landmark!
  • Looking for great Italian cuisine on the North shore? Try Tono! The sister restaurant of the North End’s Prezza, you can trust Tonno to deliver an authentic Italian meal featuring special catches right from the harbor!
  • The clam chowder at Milemarker is one of the best around! Their “trap to table” cuisine is always fresh and never disappoints. Stop by and check out their seating options, from waterfront views, outdoor igloos in the colder months, and fireplaces!

THINGS TO DO

There are endless options for activities in Gloucester. Whether you’re looking to go boating, sailing, kayaking, fishing, sightseeing, or enjoy festivals, cruises, and charters, I know you’ll find something great!

If you’re in Gloucester you have to stop by Good Harbor Beach! This beautiful soft sand beach is excellent for walking, body surfing, and sunbathing and is my personal favorite beach on the North Shore!

Built into the town’s stunning seaside cliffs, The Hammond Castle Museum is breathtaking. Originally built in the 1920s, the seaside castle ​​brings together a unique combination of art, architectural elements, and culture. Explore John Hays Hammond, Jr’s inventions, beautiful rooms, and outstanding grounds when you visit the North Shore’s European castle.  

Did you know Gloucester was home to an abandoned 17th-century village? Dogtown is now home to miles of beautiful trails, charming woods, giant boulders and rock formations left behind from melted glaciers. Legend has it, Dogtown earned its strange name from the dogs that women kept while their husbands were fighting in the American Revolution!

If you’re like me, you love to explore beautiful homes in the area. Perched on a rock ledge overlooking Gloucester Harbor, the Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House in East Gloucester is a National Historic Landmark. The beautiful home is known for its colorful decor. Each of the forty rooms is distinguished by a historical or literary figure, theme, color, shape, or object. No two rooms are the same and one is worth the visit.

I always love to see the great art in Gloucester. Dozens of working artists from painters, potters, and textile designers to photographers and more, display their work in The Rocky Neck Art Colony galleries during the summer months! I also enjoy stopping by the Cultural Center on Rocky Neck to check out their latest exhibits. 

Hit the open seas on a Cape Ann Whale Watch! The tour provides ​​guaranteed whale sightings out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve about 12 miles off the coast of Gloucester deemed one of the “Top 5 Whale Watching Destinations in the World”!

Looking to buy or sell in Gloucester? Contact me to learn more.