Author: Pat D

New signage has been posted for the Aquarius at the Backshore construction project. It appears these are 4 single family dwellings on the way: Oceana, Seaview, Equinox and Nautica.

Rocky Neck is inspiring even on a dreary day at low tide. AND Sailor Stan’s will be open!

The Crow’s Nest has reopened! NOW I feel like we are tip-toeing back……masks required, distanced table seating, light food. Temp hours 9 AM to 10 PM. Welcome back!

We decided to go right down the street to the 525 Tavern on Lexington Ave in Magnolia for dinner and drinks over the weekend (my first lemon drop in a while!) It has that comfortable neighborhood feel and we could watch the world go by in central Magnolia! Jim had steak tips and we ordered a pizza. It was very relaxed, service nicely paced, safety precautions obvious.

We had a delightful stop at Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave yesterday. We got to visit with our friend Pauline and get some goodies with my gift certificate! Safe environment, masks worn by all ! Pauline is hoping to do a “Drunken Painting “ event soon, so keep your eyes and ears open! Thanks Pauline. It’s a great shop for gifts and other practical household items. I got a baby gift for our first grandchild. Lobsters seemed an appropriate theme.

I have a preference for watching the fishing vessels, but the harbor supports work and play for many.

Did you know Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street serves breakfast and brunch on the weekends? We went last week for brunch and it was superb. Jim had an omelet and I had the Belgian waffle. The two waffles were topped with very fresh fruit and whipped cream. Oh, it was good! Highly recommended if you want something a little special for your weekend breakfast. 8 AM to noon Saturday and Sunday.

We thoroughly enjoyed our inside meal at Minglewood Harborside this week. Distanced tables, masked (friendly) staff, and a nice breeze flowing through the dining area made us feel safe and welcome. I had my favorite baked haddock and Jim got the combo plate. Fresh and delicious meal with refreshingly cold drinks added up to a terrific dining experience. Thank you Zach and staff! Welcome back. See you again soon.

Although the virus has knocked back traditional Fiesta activities, there’s still lots of evidence of the Fiesta spirit around town. This includes Mom’s Kitchen featuring mudiga steak subs, sausage with peppers and onions AND fried dough 11 AM – 1PM today Friday June 26. Last day for these is today, so get down to 46 Commercial St if you need some Fiesta food in your belly!

Hammond Castle recently announced on their Facebook page that their grounds are open to visitors who maintain social distancing and masking guidelines.  From their Facebook page today June 25:

Thank you Hammond Castle for sharing this great news! Hammond Castle is located at 80 Hesperus Ave. Looking forward to seeing you again when you can reopen. Images borrowed from Facebook page.

We are very happy to see that the parking lot for Halibut Point State Reservation has reopened! Our first clue was the lack of parked vehicles just beyond the “no parking here” signs along 127. And, in case you were as unaware as I was, parking is free in the lot for Trustees members with pass displayed. I am looking forward to going along those trails again very soon.

This new mural, located on Commercial Street not far from Cape Pond Ice, is coming along very well! I love it already.

Commissioned by Awesome Gloucester, the Fish Workers Mural is “intended to honor the legions of people who have made a living “on fish” by working jobs on land.” Thanks to Josh Falk and Dane Woulfe of Studio Fresh and Awesome Gloucester for this new work of art in the neighborhood.

The Mayor’s most recent COVID update (June 22) included the following information regarding dining outside on Main Street: Later this week, sections of the right side of Main Street from the Hancock Street area down to the west end will be cordoned off as some Main Street establishments prepare to offer al fresco dining – which will be available by this upcoming weekend. Let’s all continue to eat and shop local – by spending your dollars locally, you are helping support your neighbors and investing in our community’s recovery.

So, it appears it’s really happening this weekend since, as promised, sections of the right side of Main Street have already been cordoned off in preparation. This is exciting to see!

Hoping to see you on Main Street this weekend!

A cooling fog rolled in on a late afternoon recently. Half Moon Beach goers were not deterred.

I am ready for indoor dining, though I accept some of you aren’t ready yet. We went to Jalapenos on Main Street to celebrate the first day of the return of indoor dining this week. Service is presented a bit differently, we will all have changes to get used to. But the quality of the food and drink remain! I was especially missing their frozen raspberry margarita and GMG Jim got a beer. We had chicken fajitas (the picture is a bit cloudy from the steaming platter…..yum…..) and a chorizo quesadilla. It was so very nice to eat from real dinnerware again…..I didn’t realize how much I missed plates and silverware.

I guess One really is the loneliest number that you’ve ever seen. Maybe it’s watching the fishermen.

Here are some photos to update you on the progress being made at 206 Main Street (formerly Cameron’s), Harbor Village.  According to their webpage, it appears to be moving along on schedule. Also from their webpage: “How to apply for a unit: A lottery for all 30 units will be held in early 2021 at a location to be determined. The application period will run from approximately November 2020 until shortly before the lottery is held.”

A different lottery is also being held for first time home buyers meeting certain financial requirements at 10 Haven Terrace. Further info on the Harborlight Community Facebook page or the webpage. Deadline June 30 for the lottery on this 3 bedroom unit. 

The mixed use Harbor Village Construction photos taken last week:

I wandered down to the Harbor Loop to see what was going on and it appears the Schooner Adventure is being prepped! I had a little canine company while I was there (I thought it was called Dockwa not Dockwag……haha). Lots to look at, as always.

Bananas has reopened on Main Street! Two customers at a time are allowed in to browse a wide variety of clothing, jewelry and household accessories. GMG Jimmy left with 2 new-to-him shirts! Great to see you again! Waving from the doorway……