Author: Pat D

We went to the Boat House Grille on John Wise Ave in Essex to celebrate Margarita Monday and it was a very good decision on our part. The house margarita was well made and refreshing (made for those who specially like the sour mix to be fairly sour). Jim ordered the broiled seafood platter which was plenty enough to bring home for another meal. I tried the Haddock Mornay which was done just right. Shout-out to our server Mo who helped us with a couple of menu items. We also had to sample the key lime pie for the sake of this blog. The key lime is in my top 5 on Cape Ann. Thanks for a great Margarita Monday Boat House!

Shop now. Give later. For the entire month of September, Pat D’s Photos at 44 Main St is offering a special deal: any $30 item is available 2/$50. Mix and match nightlights, notecard sets, ornaments and purchase them at an early bird pricing special: 2/$50. Inventory is currently at peak making this a very good time to stock up. The shop will be open this week Thursday Sept 3 noon-5; Friday (Block Party!) 10-1; Saturday 11-5; Sunday noon-3 and Labor Day 11-3. Gloucester Apparel has new schooner hats and shirts too so stop by.

Hummingbirds are typically very active in the later part of summer and they’ve been showing up in our backyard in full numbers. I find the females (known by their white neck–no red) to be curious and less skittish than their male counterparts so it gives me some extra time for observation. It’s unusual for me to see two together sitting relatively still long enough for a photo such as you see here. They’ll be around a while longer so enjoy them while you can.

We took a sunset cruise with Captain Heath Ellis and crew a few nights ago aboard the Thomas E. Lannon. What a perfect evening to be out on our stunning harbor! The winds moved us along at a leisurely pace as the nearly-full moon rose over the horizon. Here’s your reminder that Schooner Festival is coming up Sept 3-6. I encourage you to take a schooner sail aboard any vessel you choose, but pay special attention to our local schooners including Ardelle, Isabella, Adventure and Lannon. Support local and have a lovely experience to boot!

For additional photos and story details, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook. Give it a follow if you like what you see.

Hear ye! Hear ye! The final Block Party of 2026 is scheduled for Friday Sept 4 on Main St! Thank you Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce for these fun downtown events! We hope to see you all stop by 44 Main St and say hello! Add this to your Schooner Fest /Labor Day Weekend activities.

New signage was spotted on Eastern Ave in Essex at the site of the former Vita Bella (formerly Windward Grille). Toro BBQ can be found on Facebook at this link to follow for updates: https://www.facebook.com/torobarbecuesteakhouse/

As I have noted previously we try to get out for the weekly Schooner Challenge through Maritime Heritage Charters held most Tuesdays throughout the summer. Last week was no exception. Each experience is unique as the passengers are part of a “lesson plan” for the program apprentices. At least one more Challenge is scheduled for tonight (weather permitting of course) so it’s a good time to plan to come along. AND there are Tuesday discounts offered, so it’s a win-win. See you out there!

Sharing information from Gloucester Schools regarding bus routes for new school year:

We chose Cala’s on Beach Street in Manchester for Margarita Monday. We had not been there in quite a while so it was a nice treat to return to another restaurant in the Serenitee group where you are unfailingly greeted pleasantly and served efficiently. I ordered the house margarita and it came with a rim which I usually do not prefer. The drink was tasty and refreshing. Jim ordered fried clams, a generous portion. I asked for a taco salad with beef and I have to say it’s now my favorite taco salad hands down. (Tacos Lupita a close second). We’ll be wrapping up the seasonal Margarita Monday series soon so if you have any suggestions on where to go please speak up!

Awesome Gloucester is helping to fund Gloucester’s 10th public mural at the Gloucester Rental Center on Maplewood Ave. Here are a few shots as the work from Josh Falk and Dana Woulfe is coming along. By the time you see this, I imagine it will be completed. Nice work!

Sharing information from David L. Benjamin that tonight’s Cape Ann Community Band Concert is rescheduled to Wednesday Aug 26.

Our summertime visitors the terns have been very active in the harbor these last few weeks. They are quick and noisy and fascinating. I don’t often catch them sitting still enough for a photo but I recently captured one resting on the Schooner Adventure soon disturbed by a second one and chased off. I expect they will be leaving soon and it will be a little less chatty out on the water.

Sharing information from our City Councilors regarding an upcoming Zoom meeting with Casella, the newly contracted Trash/Recycling company. Here’s a live link to the meeting: https://gloucester-ma-gov.zoom.us/j/84082369131 if you are curious or have questions.

IMPORTANT!!

The new trash and recycling contractor, Casella, will be making a presentation at the August 25th City Council meeting. The Zoom link is https://gloucester-ma-gov.zoom.us/j/84082369131

The meeting starts at 6:30 pm. Please watch to learn more about the new trash pickup system.

We saw some “Coming Soon” signage for Leland Dental on Prospect Street at the site of the former Savour Wine on the corner of Pleasant and Prospect.

Well known local artist Jeff Weaver is one of the solo shows currently on exhibit at the North Shore Arts Association on Pirates Lane. The show closes Aug 30 so you should get down there and check out the artwork. His exhibit is in the back room on the main floor and you’ll see Gloucester in a way perhaps you haven’t seen previously. I strongly recommend you check it out even if you aren’t big into artwork. He has a gallery on Rogers St.

Sharing information from the City of Gloucester regarding new trash program Bags to Bins. Here’s a link for additional info: https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/1616/New-Trash-Recycling-Program

Thank you Awesome Gloucester for providing funds to help get these new banners installed around the Harbor Loop to celebrate the annual Labor Day Schooner Festival. Thank you also Melissa Cox for coming up with the idea and following through! We look forward to seeing you all Labor Day Weekend for Schooner Festival.

The dories look especially regal under the night lights along Harbor Cove. I am considering making one of these images into a print or notecard for Pat D’s Photos. What’s your favorite?

Jim was out of town and I decided to celebrate Margarita Monday with my very favorite “everyday” margarita at Minglewood on Rogers St. Hands down, my favorite. While I was there I also had the steak bomb done perfectly with yummy Virgilio’s roll. Perfection. Thanks to bartender/bar manager Ryan for the great drink and good company.

Sharing information from the IDRC: