When I think of Gloucester, Massachusetts, the movie “Perfect Storm” comes to mind. The true-life story is based on a group of fishermen who found themselves in an unimaginable storm. The Andrea Gail set sail from Gloucester towards Newfoundland in October of 1991 and the sailors found themselves battling 30 to 75+ foot waves. According to local sea reports, three weather fronts collided resulting in the “perfect storm”. Unfortunately, the men were lost at sea.
I had visited Massachusetts several times for work and loved exploring its east coast port towns. During a stay in Salem, I decided to venture out to Gloucester to see the beautiful Fisherman’s Memorial, dedicated to the many lives who did not return from the sea to include the men aboard the Andrea Gail.
According to the town’s website, Gloucester is “America’s original seaport and the oldest art colony in America.” It remains, today, a working seaport and the perfect location to book a whale watching trip where 40 ton whales breach about 15 miles off its shore. Day trips from its docks include deep fishing expeditions, lighthouse excursions and scenic boat rides along its coast.
I chose to find a seafood restaurant for lobster and to explore the HarborWalk through Gloucester’s harbor and historic downtown that included 42 stops along the waterfront, City Hall and St. Peter’s Square, concluding at the waterfront to watch the sun set along the horizon.
Have you visited Gloucester for vacation or on a day-trip? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Gloucester and wishing you many amazing travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Where to Stay:
The Colonial Inn
28 Eastern Point Road
Gloucester, MA 01930
Telephone: 978 281 1953
This charming inn offers water views and is in walking distance to Rocky Neck Art Colony.
Where to Eat:
Gloucester House Restaurant
63 Rogers Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
Telephone: 978 283 1812
What to Eat:
- Boston Baked Beans
- Cape Cod Potato Chips
- Clam Chowder
- Fluffernutters – a sandwich with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff….amazing!
- Fresh Seafood
- Fried Clams
- Grilled Blueberry Muffins
- Hoodsie Cups – baby cups of ice cream
- Lobster Rolls, of course
- Seared Scallops
What to Read:
- The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men against the Sea, by Sebastian Unger
- Good Harbor, by Anita Diamant
- The Last Days of Dogtown, by Anita Diamant
- The Last Fish Tail, by Mark Kurlansky
Photo Guide for Gloucester:
- Babson Boulder Trail
- Eastern Point Lighthouse
- Gloucester Fisherman’s Wharf
- Hammond Castle