Author: Nichole S.

Nichole’s Picks 9/10 + 9/11

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:  Ipswich River Wildlife Santuary

Two great events, but act quickly because there are only a few spots left for each!

Map and Compass Treasure Hunt

Register HERE  REQUIRED!

Join us for a guided map and compass treasure hunt around the sanctuary. Bring your own compass or use one of ours and learn to find north, orient yourself, count paces, and use the map and compass to find your way. After some basics, we’ll hit the trails and use the new skills learned to search for some hidden natural treasures. No experience necessary. This program is a good introduction to orienteering for the whole family.

Instructions and Directions:

Meets in the Nature Center. Please dress for the weather and bring a compass if you have one (we will have some to lend as well.)
Registration is required.

Family Campout: River Camping

Register HERE  REQUIRED

Explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary after hours and join us for a night of camping under the stars. Have an early dinner at home, and then come with your family and your tent, and prepare to have fun.

This campout will focus on the Ipswich River. We will start the evening by setting up our tents at the top of the hill, and then head down to the river for an evening canoe trip. We’ll look and listen for otters, beavers, muskrats, and owls. After we return, we’ll cook up s’mores around the fire pit and play games. Then it’s off to bed so we can wake up for an early-morning breakfast (provided). Afterwards, we will paddle downstream to look for turtles, frogs, herons, and creatures that live above and below the water’s surface. Basic canoeing instruction will be provided, along with all equipment.

Instructions and Directions:

The campout begins at 4:30 pm on Saturday, September 10 and ends at 9:00 am on Sunday, September 11. Rain date: Saturday, September 17 to Sunday, September 18. The campout will only be rescheduled in the event of extreme weather. Please note that refunds will not be issued if the campout is rescheduled to the rain date and you are unable to attend. A confirmation with a list of what to bring will be sent.

Pick #2:  NEW ENGLAND DRAGWAY

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READ ALL ABOUT THE DRAGWAY AND THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS HERE

  • SATURDAY:    NED’s 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring Funny Cars Under the Stars

    8am – 8pm

    Nitro Funny Cars, Nostalgia Funny Cars, Pro Mods, Jet Funny Cars, Pro 7.0, VP Race Fuels ET Series Championship Finale, Iannotti Bros. Select Cars Top Sportsman.

    Spectator $30
    Reserved Seating additional $10

  • SUNDAY:      Outlaw 10.5, NEDX-275, Top Bike, Street Fighter, Iannotti Bros. Select Cars Top Sportsman, & T&T

    8am-5pm

    Spectator $15

 

Pick #3:  Second Saturdays at the Cape Ann Museum

Traveling to Cape Ann

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Bring the kids! Make a postcard inspired by the Museum’s collection of historic cards written by vacationers telling of their adventures on Cape Ann. The second Saturday of every month is free for families with school-aged children. Families are invited to the Activity Center to participate in hands-on activities that delve into the art, history and culture of the region. Each Second Saturday focuses on a specific theme based on the Museum’s collection and/or special exhibitions.

When:
Second Saturday Monthly 11am-2pm
Location:
Cape Ann Museum
Phone:
978.283.0455
Email:
info@capeannmuseum.org
Link(s):
Second Saturday at Cape Ann Museum

Pick #4:  Cape Ann Reads

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See the Cape Ann Reads Schedule HERE and learn more!

This Saturday’s Event:  Please register at the link above.

CAPE ANN READS Pirate’s Tea Party in Manchester

When:  Sat, September 10, 11am – 1pm
Where:  Manchester Public Library, 15 Union Street, Manchester, MA (map)
Description:  Ahoy all mateys wishing to attend this fun filled festivity! There will be adventurous activities and refreshments fit for rapscallions.
Co-sponsored, the tea party will be offered on the Manchester Public Library (15 Union St) lawn, activities following at the Manchester Historical Museum (10 Union St).
Please register at kstadt@mvlc.org with Miss Kate, or 978-526-2016.
Cape Ann Reads is a collaboration among the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library, Manchester Public Library, Rockport Public Library and TOHP Burnham Library in Essex and regional partners promoting children’s picture books throughout 2016.
Each month there are special free programs. For a complete list of events visit the website or check with your local library. http://www.capeannreads.wix.com

As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Don’t Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out

Posted on by Nichole S.

My boys finally head back to school today.  And, while I worked off and on all summer, officially so do I.  As someone who has always worked in the field of education, I’ve ALWAYS gone back to school.  Every September, for 40 years,…I have had a 1st Day of School.  So, never having experienced sending the boys back to school…without actually going with them…I get a kick out of the parents who celebrate the end of summer and the big day. Genuinely.  I love this compilation of parents celebrating the big day in creative ways.

Quintessential Cape Ann

Posted on by Nichole S.

Every once in a while (that’s probably an understatement) a weekend ends and I am left feeling so incredibly appreciative of where we live and the people I am fortunate enough to consider friends and/or family.  This weekend was one of those weekends.

While we had to miss the block party on Friday night, we made the most of Saturday with quarry jumping with great buddies, some long overdue downtime with our favorite neighbors, an evening walk along the waterfront, a Wicked Tuna run in down the docks with two bluefin, a pitstop at Salty Franks for some grub to eat on the beach in front of the Beauport Hotel, the Parade of Lights, and the best fireworks display that I have seen in a long time…with great friends. A quick run in with “Grampy and Sherry” topped off our night.

Sunday spoiled us with a trip out with friends to see the Parade of Sails and brilliant views of the schooners that graced the harbor.  One of very best days in Gloucester Harbor each and every year….which says a lot because there are so many great days that Gloucester can boast about.  After a bit of downtime reading on the deck, we were lucky enough to be treated to a sunset concert on Long Beach.  The Cape Ann Motor Inn hosted such a fantastic evening on the beach and Garfish entertained the crowd with three sets of some pretty great songs.  We sat on the beach with some of our favorite peeps well into the evening while the kids played football in the sand.  One of the most perfect ways to spend a summer evening for sure.

I have to admit we ventured over the bridge on Monday.  The horror  😉      I took the boys down to the final PawSox game of the season.  While it may not count in the “where we are blessed to live” category….it does fit into the “how blessed we are” category.  Baseball, whether at Fenway Park or a minor league team, has always held a special place in my heart and it was a perfect way to end a Labor Day Weekend.  The PawSox do a great job of making sure their fans enjoy an inexpensive day at the park….and we sure did!

A weekend this perfect gives perspective.

A Windy and Wet Parade of Sails…Beautiful as Ever

Posted on by Nichole S.

The boys and I were lucky enough to catch a ride with some friends yesterday to get up close and personal with some of the schooners that paraded in the harbor yesterday afternoon.  The other side of the breakwater was a bit unforgiving in regards to photo ops, but it is always…regardless of the weather…wonderful to be in the midst of those gorgeous ships.

Last Night’s Fireworks were Tremendous

Posted on by Nichole S.

Last night’s fireworks went from almost nonexistent to AMAZING!  A HUGE “Thank you” to all involved!

Quarry

Posted on by Nichole S.

I’ve been back to work all week, but the boys don’t start school until next week….so this is what they’ve been doing.  While the cat’s away the mice will play.

They have a little bit of Adam Sandler worship going on and have been dying to jump in the quarries like he did in Grown Ups.  And, yes,….my children have watched Grown Ups. Ugh.

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Nichole’s Picks 9/3 + 9/4

Posted on by Nichole S.

Labor Day Weekend on Cape Ann is all about

Schooner Festival!

That having been said,

Pick #1

is getting as close as you can to the exquisite schooners!

 

Pick #2

is heading to Maritime Gloucester to see all of the amazing activities they have to offer during their Maritime Heritage Day on Saturday

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Pick #3: 

is to hit the block party on Friday night!

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Pick #4: 

is to watch the Boat Parade and Fireworks on Saturday night!

 

Here is the schedule as listed on  gloucesterschoonerfestival.net

Festival Schedule

(Gloucester Schooner Festival schedule subject to change)

Click here for downtown Gloucester parking information.

Friday, September 2, 2016

All Day Arrival of Participating Vessels.

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Mayor’s Reception for invited guests (ticketed event)

6:00 pm
Gloucester Block Party, The Gloucester Block parties are fun, festive events that bring downtown to life! A portion of Main Street is closed off between 5:00 and 10:00 PM, allowing for music, entertainment and outdoor dining and shopping. This family-friendly event has something for everyone! Find Details information at gloucesterblockparty.com.

6:30 pm
Maritime Gloucester’s Gala (ticketed event)  Contact Maritime Gloucester for reservations and information.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Maritime Gloucester Heritage Day
Maritime Gloucester, located at 23 Harbor Loop in downtown Gloucester, will host its annual Heritage Day celebration from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event is free to the public.

4:00 pm
Lobster Bake @ The Gloucester House
Enjoy the open air dock atmosphere of the Cafe Seven Seas with lobster, corn and chips for $15. Cash bar. Entertainment.

7:00 pm
Private Fireworks Viewing from Beauport Museum
Watch Gloucester’s annual Schooner Festival fireworks display from the terrace and lawn of Beauport. Treat yourself to an abridged evening tour as the house transforms at night. Bring blankets, chairs, picnics, and mosquito spray. Candles are prohibited. Adults and children over twelve only, please. $12 Historic New England members, $20 nonmembers.  Registration is required. Please call 978-283-0800 to purchase tickets.

7:00 pm
Boat Parade of Lights
The annual Boat Parade of Lights begins at dusk at Jones Creek on the Annisquam River, travels down the river, through the drawbridge and into Gloucester Harbor, ending in the Smith’s Cove area of the harbor. Click here for information on joining the Lighted Boat Parade.

9:15 pm
Fireworks Display over Gloucester Harbor. (following Parade of Lights, time approximate)
(The Gloucester Fireworks Committee is in need of more donations for the Labor Day weekend fireworks. Donations may be made to The Gloucester Fund, 45 Middle St., Gloucester, MA 01930. Please notate “fireworks” on your donation.)

Sunday, September 4, 2016

8:30 am
Skippers Meeting
This meeting is required for all Schooners sailing in the Mayor’s Race.  Meet at Solomon Jacobs Park, immediately adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Harbor Loop.

10:30 am
Private Parade of Sail Viewing from Beauport Museum
Sunday, September 4, 10:30 a.m.
Visit Beauport for some of the best views of the annual Gloucester Schooner Festival’s Parade of Sail. Watch schooners sail to the Eastern Point Light breakwater to begin the Mayor’s race for the Esperanto Cup. Coffee and light breakfast refreshments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring blankets and/or chairs and other refreshments if preferred. The house is not available for tours during this event. $10 Historic New England members, $15 nonmembers.
Registration is required. Please call 978-283-0800 to purchase tickets.

10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Parade of Sail as Schooners proceed from Inner Harbor, past the Fishermen’s Memorial on Stacy Boulevard, to the race starting area off Eastern Point.

11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Shuttle Bus to Eastern Point Light, from Eastern Point Gate (Eastern Point Boulevard at Farrington Avenue) to watch the start of the Mayor’s Race. Free ofCharge, courtesy of Cape Ann Transportation Authority.

1:00 pm
Start of Mayor’s Race for the Esperanto Cup, Ned Cameron Trophy and Betty Ramsey Trophy off Eastern Point.

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Reception and Awards Ceremony
for captains, crews and invited guests (ticketed event)

As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Figurehead

Posted on by Nichole S.

The friendship looks enormous out of the water down at the Gloucester Railways.  And, while beautiful, I found her figurehead a little creepy upon returning to my car the other night.

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Holy Antipasto!

Posted on by Nichole S.

Back in June I had a work gathering at a friend’s house and promised to bring something. After working all day and then bringing the boys home to Rockport before heading back up to Hamilton, I didn’t leave enough time to finish preparing what I had originally planned to bring.  So…. I picked up the phone.  I called Mike’s Place in Gloucester and ordered a 1/2 tray Antipasto.  It was ready in 15 minutes, it was HUGE, it came with lots of homemade pita pockets, and it was only about $25.

As simple as it was, it was a big hit.  And…there was a ton left over to bring to work the next day to feed the troops.

Once this summer I ordered the same salad tray again and packed it a few days in a row for easy beach lunches…and for a couple quick light dinners. The only downside is that the salad is SO incredibly big that we could probably eat it two meals per day for five days in a row….but that would be a bit monotonous….even though it is yummy enough to do so.

After heading back to work full-time yesterday to plan for a new school year…and with the boys having a 1/2 day soccer camp each day all week long…the same 1/2 tray antipasto was calling my name.  It made for a nice dinner last night for all four of us, it will be my lunch today at work, it will be waiting for the boys after 4 hours of soccer this afternoon, and will probably be lunch and dinner again once or twice Wednesday and/or Thursday.

Long story short…. order one!   Perfect during a super busy week….especially when it is too hot to cook.

Mike’s Place

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Fin and Feather

Posted on by Nichole S.

While camping and fishing this week we were able to enjoy some interesting critter behavior.  All the more reason to love the great outdoors.  I love that both fin and feather enjoy traveling with their friends and both groups travel so seamlessly.  We should all be so lucky.

Nichole’s Picks 8/27 + 8/28

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1: Thursday Night Picnic Concert at Castle Hill

This week’s concert is HELP!  A Beatles Tribute Band.

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Cost: 
Members: $20/car.
Nonmembers: $30/car.
Walk-in, bicycle, & motorcycle: $10.
Tickets available at the gate only.

Arriving empty handed? Enjoy our picnic concert vendors:

  • Saigon Alley: Fresh noodles dishes, banh mi sandwiches, and other Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Ice cream and pizza by the slice & sandwiches by White Farms Italian Pizza. Pre-order sandwiches at 978.356.4000.
  • Off the Hook Ipswich: Lobster rolls, fried clams, fish sandwiches, and other wild and sustainable seasfood fresh from the boat.
  • Ipswich Ale Brewery and Mill River Winery will sell beer and wine to people with positive identification at the Beer & Wine Garden, located partway down the Grand Allee. You may enjoy your drink within the Garden perimeter, but alcoholic beverages will not be permitted to leave the Garden. Picnic blankets and chairs are encouraged. Sorry, we can no longer allow BYOB.
  • Q’s Nuts: Popcorn, nuts, candy, soda and water.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION….including summer schedule

 

Pick #2: St. Anthony’s Feast in Boston’s North End

CLICK HERE FOR ALL IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Each year the people of the North End invite you to celebrate with them as they honor their patrons Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy with colorful parades, religious services, strolling singers, live entertainment and of course an abundance of great Italian and American food.

Begun in 1919, by Italian immigrants from the small town of Montefalcione in Avellino, Saint Anthony’s Feast has become the largest Italian Religious Festival in New England. Named the “Feast of all Feasts” by National Geographic Magazine, this authentic Italian street festival has it all for people of every age: parades, strolling singers, live entertainment, contests and religious services are held daily.

Visitors stroll the beautifully decorated streets sampling the best Italian street foods from 100 pushcarts enjoying arancini, sausage peppers & onion, quahogs, calamari, pizza, pasta and of course zeppole, cannoli and gelato. Guests can also browse the wide selection of souvenir keepsakes and mementos.

The highlight of the Feast is the ten hour procession of the Statue of Saint Anthony through the streets of the North End accompanied by devotees, numerous marching bands and floats. The Statue of the Saint returns to his chapel as confetti and streamers cascade from the rooftops.

Other events include: The Filippo Berio Culinary Pavilion featuring cooking demonstrations and sampling from the North End and Boston’s most fabulous restaurant, an annual Open Air Mass in honor of Saint Anthony, including the veneration and individual blessing of the Relic of Saint Anthony and the distribution of blessed Saint Anthony Bread.

The magazine of Italian Food Wine & Culture said Saint Anthony’s Feast is “a spectacle not to be missed!” Saint Anthony’s Feast is held annually on the weekend of the last Sunday of August.

Pick #3: Go Fly a Kite

We have, all of a sudden, been doing a ton of this.  I can’t lie, it is not always my favorite activity what with the tangling, tearing, and untying of knots, but when/if it goes smoothly, it has been so much fun.  Gloucester and Rockport have been hopping lately with music festivals, fireworks, a sidewalk bizarre, block parties, the waterfront festival, a large fishing tournament….and, of course, the upcoming Schooner Festival.  This weekend looks like it could be a quiet weekend to catch up on simple activities like reading, bike riding, unwinding, fishing, and…kite flying.  Give it a try if it has been a while.

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As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Camping, Kite Flying, and Kitsch

Posted on by Nichole S.

With the desire to go camping for at least one night this summer (and not allowing setting up the tent in the backyard to count) I was happy to head to Salisbury Beach State Reservation Campground.

Totally easy, convenient, inexpensive and fun.  We were there in less than an hour, had paid the $22 camping fee ahead of time, checked in at the entrance, and then easily found our little site.  We were only there for a night.  Next time I’ll absolutely shoot for 3 nights.  While most people had RVs or trailers….we traveled light with just our tents.  We set up our tents, popped open our camp chairs, set up a volleyball net, and got our bearings straight.  I was thrilled to discover that our little plot was equidistant from the beach (like 100 yards) and the little store, restrooms, and showers (like 100 yards).  Super convenient.

We got there at 1:00….which was check-in time for new campers.  After setting up and just hanging out (which mostly involved watching the boys climb our little tree, flip an empty water bottle end over end to see if they could get it to stand, and play “shut the box”….the simple life!)… we walked to the beach to fly kites and check out the tidal pools.

We ventured into Salisbury for some pizza and arcade fun.  While there we took in a bit of the Saturday night concert on the beach.  When the boys had exhausted themselves by playing about $40 worth of Harpoon Lagoon (ironically almost twice as much as it cost to actually camp) we went back to our campsite and watched the fireworks before calling it a night.

We slept soundly until 7:00 a.m., had a light breakfast, and then went fishing on the beach.  While the much bigger and busier Salisbury Beach was easily accessible and not far away, I was happy to find that our campsite had access to the very end of the Merrimack River and was quiet and serene.

We packed up our gear and were headed back towards Rockport early in the afternoon.  Now that we’ve learned the lay-out, taken a little test drive, and gotten our camping feet wet, we’ll definitely go longer next time.

CHECK OUT SALISBURY BEACH STATE RESERVATION AND CAMP GROUND HERE

Looking For a Unique and Awesome Getaway?

Posted on by Nichole S.

The Green Turtle Floating Bed and Breakfast in Charlestown is absolutely one of my new favorite places in the world.

In looking for a quick little getaway, I started thinking that it would be fun to find a houseboat or a “yacht” to spend the night on.  Once I started to think in that direction, I quickly realized that the boats I was finding were either a) super expensive or b) kind of run down or c) far away.

I was beginning to get a little bit discouraged, but then…just when I was about to give up and go a different route…I found the Green Turtle Floating Bed and Breakfast in Charlestown. It was perfect on every note.  Super cute, check. The right price, check.  Close enough to home to allow for a quick getaway, check. Something a little bit different, check. Easy, check.  Done.

The owners of the Green Turtle, Karen and John, actually own two yachts and the floating house (which is home to two nearly identical and separate units).  While I had originally been looking for an actual boat….and while their boats looked really, really lovely…I  was immediately smitten with adorable yellow home on the water.

Booking was a breeze.  I emailed for availability and Karen got back to the me the very next morning.  We cemented a date, I planned our getaway, I called on our way in, and John was in the parking lot of the marina ready to greet us the second we arrived.  He made us feel incredibly welcome from the get go.  He helped us put our things in a dock wagon, gave us our bearings, talked to us about various modes of transportation for getting into the city, and escorted us to our little floating home.  Once inside, he gave us the skinny on the whats and hows of our accommodations, talked to us about nearby lunch options, showed us our generously stocked (and free) fridge, snacks, coffee, and even homemade granola, and shared a big file of brochures about the area.  Just when we thought it couldn’t get any nicer, the lovely and equally as gracious Karen arrived.  Karen welcomed us, asked us about any food allergies, and asked what time we’d like breakfast delivered to our door.  How did a mushroom, onion, and cheese frittata with fresh fruit, cornbread, and chorizo sound?   Ummm….yes, please.

They excused themselves and allowed us to settle in.  For the rest of our stay Karen and John were available when we needed them, but politely tucked away elsewhere when we didn’t.  They live aboard another boat in the marina and were busy with the hustle and bustle that is involved in maintaining a variety of vessels and accommodations….and yet were always up for a chat when we happened to engage them along the way.  John happily shared his fishing rod with my husband and, upon hearing that we had reservations at the Chart House on Long Wharf, gave me a card for the Water Taxi to pick us up at our front door (well, deck chair) and deliver us almost directly to the restaurant.  It couldn’t have been more convenient or perfect…and the nice little boat ride across the harbor on a beautiful evening was an added bonus!

The photos speak for themselves.  Our room was perfectly quaint and comfortable.  Fully equipped with AC, television, seating area, really comfortable bed, microwave, and refrigerator (full of water, juices, yogurt, milk, cream, and some simple snacks).  While it was the perfect combination of well-equipped and cozy….my favorite place was, without a doubt, the dock.  With 4 deck chairs and some side tables…and some pretty planters with flowers….I could have sat there forever.  In the evening we had cocktails on the dock, read a little, and watched a large variety of boat traffic come and go in the harbor.  In the morning, we drank coffee, ate our phenomenally delicious breakfast….and then read a little more.

My only regret is that our stay was too short.  I will absolutely be returning for a longer stay soon. The question is, stay onboard one of their yachts next time….or return to the floating home that we loved so much?

Check out all of their options, information, and more at the link below.

The Green Turtle Floating Bed and Breakfast

 

Looking Very Close….and Confusing

Posted on by Nichole S.

In honor of this summer’s Olympics…  Here is a blast from the past and the London Olympics.

While a few years old, this still totally kills me.  I LOVE the commentator (real or not). “There you can hear the Olympic horn being sounded. Signifies there’s only four minutes left in this race.  And it’s looking very close and….confusing.”

You really need to watch to the end.

 

Nichole’s Picks 8/20 + 8/21

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:  Gloucester Waterfront Festival

9:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Stage Fort Park

With live music, crafts, vendors, artisans, and much more Stage Fort Park will be the place to be this weekend.  In addition to all of the shopping and entertainment, the North Shore Old Car Club will be displaying a large collection of antique automobiles on Sunday.

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READ MORE HERE

Pick #2:  Antique and Classic Boat Festival

Salem, Ma at the Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina 

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READ MORE HERE

The flash of polished bronze and gleam of varnished wood across the water will be the order of the day as elegant antique and classic yachts sail into the host city of Salem, Massachusetts for the 34th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival August 20-21, 2016. Mostly wood, primarily private yachts and aesthetically stunning, the vessels will be on display to the public over the weekend at Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina. A hallmark of the Festival is the great variety of craft exhibited. “Where else,” says Pat Wells, Coordinator, “can one see 1900s-60s motor yachts, mahogany speedboats, sloops, yawls, schooners and a 19th century gold-leaf canoe! Although many of these craft are museum quality, they are real boats in the water and in use by their owners today.”

To the delight of the public, some skippers sport vintage garb; others display period décor or play a few tunes. Table settings and captivating floral arrangements might be found aboard a boat. Welcome mats are in evidence and children, pets and parrots have been known to enliven the scene. Many hospitable owners invite the public aboard for a personal tour, regaling visitors with tales of their boat’s history, memorable voyages and the joys and woes of restoring their classic.

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Courtesy of http://necacbs.org/
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Courtesy of http://necacbs.org/ 

 

Pick #3:  Boston Greenfest

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Welcome to the region’s largest multicultural environmental music festival located at Boston City Hall Plaza, Faneuil Hall and the adjacent Sam Adams Park. This year will feature a Showcase of Innovation. Find out how salt, water and vinegar can be more powerful than bleach. Try out apps that can make your life easier and our world greener. Discover ways to grow a mini-farm in your kitchen. See how easy it is to give new purpose to household objects. Appreciate art and jewelry made from recycled materials.

At this free event you can experience live music and dance performances from more than 20 countries, watch an eco-fashion show featuring local designers with models walking the runway in upcycled fashion, create a community-wide art piece, view a green film festival, test drive an electric car, listen to inspiring speakers, take a ride on a bike that generates electricity, taste healthy international cuisines, have a drink at the beer and wine garden, and much more.

Learning comes in many forms. Boston GreenFest is a community classroom. It allows everyone to learn and explore together. It will bring the innovator out that is in each one of us.

Boston GreenFest is a celebration of life and possibility, providing you with ideas and experiences that can shape your life and the life of your community. When summer comes to a close, see that it closes by opening a door to a greener future. Turn off your AC, call your friends and neighbors, and come explore Boston GreenFest!

As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

The Urchin Exchange Expands!

Posted on by Nichole S.

The Urchin Exchange is now selling clothes and accessories for the wee ones AND for women!

If you’ve already been shopping and/or consigning at the Urchin Exchange then you have even more reason to continue.  If you have yet to visit…then this is the time to hurry up and do so!

The store’s owner, Melanie, is as helpful and friendly as she is enterprising. After building a large fan base, including myself, that turn to her often for children’s staples, original pieces, and the perfect gifts, she started receiving numerous requests to expand and begin handling women’s items as well.  She has now created a fabulous shop that offers selections of Women’s, Children’s and Maternity clothing, handbags, shoes, baby gear, toys and other gifts…that also presents Cape Ann with another wonderful opportunity to be eco-friendly.  With ever changing inventory and a large selection, it is next to impossible to leave empty handed.

Not looking to spend more money?  Well then, what about making some?

The Urchin Exchange is always looking for on TREND (search Pinterest for *on *trend *clothing) and CURRENT (1-3 years new) styles in the BEST condition!  Melanie is currently accepting Fall and transitional pieces.

No appointment is necessary if you follow the Tips & Rules of Consigning found on their website www.theurchinexchange.com

I spent last Sunday digging through my closet and taking an honest look at what pieces, still in good condition, current, and “trendy” (or at least as trendy as I am willing to go), that I knew I would not find the occasion to wear.  I brought them to Melanie and she made fair decisions about which pieces she would like to add to her inventory.  I can now look forward to earning some pocket money and having a trimmed down, tidy closet.

This year the Urchin Exchange is the proud winner of North Shore Magazine – Best Of North Shore for Maternity Clothing!  One stop shopping for Moms, Moms-to-be, and their little ones.

The Urchin Exchange is now operating a new inventory management system with consignor log it to track individual sales and earnings as well. I can’t lie, it is fun to take a peek once in awhile while sitting on the couch late at night and see my earnings add up!

Another option is Drop & Donate.  You can drop a bag of 20 or fewer items labeled with the D&D ticket, they will take what they want and donate anything they don’t to Second Glance.  Read more about Drop & Donate on the website!

You can also feel free to call with any questions 978-283-3300.

The Urchin Exchange is located at 214 Eastern Ave, Gloucester 01930…in The Commons Gloucester shopping plaza.

Assigned Seats

Posted on by Nichole S.

I find these “assigned seats” in Prides Crossing a little bit funny.  Don’t get all political on me, but I can’t help but wonder if any arguments have broken out here.

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