Author: Pat D

Sharing news about holiday brunches at the Magnolia 525 Restaurant on Lexington Ave. we are very excited about this and hope to see you there! Photo credit to Magnolia 525. Check them out!

Make sure to put Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop in your holiday plans. They are currently offering trees and wreaths and the Deck the Docks event is scheduled for the (busy) weekend of Dec 9-10. As you know, the Lobster Trap Tree is set up nearby so the entire landscape is full of holiday cheer.

Sharing information from Discover Gloucester. Congratulations to each of those recognized for their efforts in our community.

We found ourselves looking for lunch a couple of days ago and decided to give The Lobster of Gloucester a try. It’s newly opened inside seating and bar area on East Main St is a terrific addition to that part of town. There’s bar seating as well as table seating and quite a few patrons were there while we were. I had two of the specials: beef chili and wings. Jim had the twin hot dogs with truffle fries. The service was efficient and friendly, the food was ON POINT and I cannot wait to return. Hope to see you there soon!

This year’s Lobster Trap Tree is located on Solomon Jacobs landing near the Harbormasters office. It’s a spectacular location. The tree is not yet adorned with its traditional handpainted buoys but does brag an additional number of lobster traps in honor of Gloucester 400+. It already looks fantastic from the water as well as from land. Looking forward to the tree lighting Sat Dec 9 at 4:30. You might notice the celebratory VIVA letters! You just may see them again……

I took a walk to Flat Ledge Quarry in Rockport a couple of days ago just to see what there was to see. I met a nice lady walking her dog. The dog was very curious about the icicles which drew my attention to them. I didn’t expect to see them there yesterday but indeed they are! I watched a red tail hawk circling the area seeming to browse as I was. It’s a soothing walk if you get the chance to take it and there’s a pretty thorough website if you are interested: Flat Ledge Quarry link.

We were lucky enough to be able to gather for our semi-regular cousins dinner at Vita Bella in Essex this past weekend. We had not visited Vita Bella since it first opened so this provided a good opportunity for a review of a visit with a larger group. Eight of us gathered and had a wonderful experience with the food and service at Vita Bella in Essex. We were seated upstairs so Andy, our server, was absolutely getting his steps in with our visit over the weekend. We were all very happy with our selections from the nicely varied menu as well as with the service provided. I cannot remember each of the orders (we were chatting and catching up) but the included the Taste of Italy, Steak Tips, Chicken Alfredo, Pan Seared Halibut and Veal Marsala. Thank you Andy and the rest of the staff for keeping up with us! We will certainly be back.

We noticed this update from the House of Raven on Main Street. No additional information is available.

This handsome dude was watching over the activities at the dock at Capt Joe’s recently. Every business needs a manager…..

When we drive by Cedar Hill Farm on 133 in Essex , I am often tempted to stop and take some photos as it can be very picturesque. So when these horses posed for me, I just had to comply with some portraits. Feeling very much like fall.

Tomorrow’s the day! Cape Ann Maker’s Market is hosting a Sip and Shop at Cruiseport from 10-4 PM. Pat D’s Photos is happy to be among the fantastic vendors. We will be offering 2024 calendars, ornaments, puzzles, flags, prints and more. We have several great ideas for teacher gifts, Secret Santa programs and stocking stuffers. Stop by and say hello.

Happy Thanksgiving. My posts are published at 8 AM so maybe you are enjoying a quiet moment with your coffee before the day’s festivities. Perhaps you won’t see this until the end of the day. Regardless, I hope you can take a minute to sit with this video and contemplate gratitude.

Sharing information from Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative and downtown merchants:

I chased the setting sun around Smith Cove in East Gloucester late one recent afternoon and I think you’ll enjoy the results.

I’ve been hearing quite a bit about the fate of Apple St in Essex so I decided to take a ride to see this scenic roadway. I discovered a new (to me) trail and decided to explore a bit. The Warren Weld Woodland (say it 3 times fast) sits along Apple St and has a small parking area. The trail is leaf covered and surrounded by forest; though I did not go too far along the trail when I remembered I was alone and no one knew where I was! If you’re in a contemplative mood and need some time in the good old woods, I suggest taking the short ride and explore for yourself. I do not know what the residents will decided about Apple St but I expect to return to Warren Weld Woodland sometime soon!

Picking your favorite beach from among the crown jewels of Cape Ann is difficult and I know I shouldn’t….but Half Moon Beach at Stage Fort Park is my favorite. Easy access, small and friendly makes it overall “just right”. Maybe you agree.

I was drawn like a magnet to the breakwater at sunset recently.

Sharing news regarding the sale of Redbird.

If Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave is not on your list of stops when you are browsing or gift shopping, you are making a big mistake. The variety of well priced local items in combination with Pauline’s graciousness makes stopping by a win-win. Pauline supports local vendors and local outreach in big ways and it’s a pleasure to return the support. Thanks Pauline for all you do for Gloucester, the military, women and much more!

Pretty Isabella lit up at night.