Author: Pat D

Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street is has recently added pizza to their menu for Monday-Thursday so Jim and I went to check it out. We always feel very welcome there and it was nice to return once again. I tried a blackberry sangria, something different for me and quite tasty. We ordered seafood dumplings and the sausage bomb pizza. The pizza is something a little different than the other pizzas in town and has its place among them. I am not a foodie (as you all know) so I cannot specify what makes it a little different but we both enjoyed it and plan to return to try another. Thanks to our server Melanie and the whole Oliver’s staff for making us feel like old friends. (GMG Jim really was happy despite how it appears here!)

It was a great day to windsurf along the shore of Good Harbor Beach in the wave action a couple of days ago. Anybody else whistling “Let’s Go Ride a Kite”?

The early blooming tulips on the boulevard seemed to radiate a special glow in the later afternoon sun recently. I just had to share the beauty as we await the remaining tulips to bloom in their own time. Once again, thank you Generous Gardeners! PS: they accept donations online.

It’s that time of year again! The local whale watches are opening and beginning to take trip reservations. Cape Ann Whale Watch opens their season this weekend on Saturday April 23 and I cannot wait to book my first trip of the season. These are some sample photos I have gotten in the past as these trips have usually been VERY successful with multiple sightings and expert guides. Hoping to see you out there soon!

The flowering trees and bushes of springtime hold a special place in my heart so I find myself actively seeking places to go and feast my eyes and soul. Long Hill in Beverly fit the bill on a pretty spring day this week. This Trustees property is well worth the short drive. It’s like you step into another world when you approach the campus.

The property was still half decorated for Easter festivities and full of young children on Patriot’s Day. I stuck close by the house and gardens. The house has recently been opened for visitors and it’s worth the quick walk through. Though still only early spring, the gardens are springing up hopefully. If you haven’t been recently, some changes have been made to the entry and it might not look familiar to you. The friendly guide at the gate offered directions and an explanation. There’s a new event tent near the house which will add to the opportunities to enjoy this property. Worth the short ride!

Minglewood Harborside on Rogers Street recently announced that they will be open for lunch on Mondays so we went right down to check it out. We were NOT disappointed!! Several other customers joined us in the early part of the afternoon for lunchtime goodness. I ordered the smoked chicken tacos and Jim got a Cobb Salad with blackened chicken. Perfect lunchtime treat. Very excited to see this news, especially since it’s Margarita Monday season!

Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave has announced her 2022 reopening date: April 26. One week! Looking forward to going back and browsing all the wonderful selections. 23 years young.

When you are entertaining visitors, there are numerous activities and restaurants you can suggest. (I’m thinking of Nichole’s recent post asking for suggestions). When one of those visitors is a toddler, you start to look differently at some of the “standard” suggestions. The weather’s temperament and the child’s temperament must align for the most successful outings. We had a few of those last week and I’d like to share some of the ideas in case it helps you out in any way.

We visited Good Harbor Beach where the baby bee-lined to the ocean like a baby turtle seeking the water. Then plopped down at the edge of the cold water and surprised himself. (*So, be prepared with extra clothes). We stopped at Toodleoo’s for tea and toys. Sweats of New England had a cool sidewalk sign to tempt children and their fingers. We made a stop at Minglewood to meet family…always a hit. Pasta at Tonno also made for happy faces.

You might say “It’s a toddlin’ town…” and you would be right! I hope you all enjoy any holiday or vacation visitors to our fair city.

Our daughter was visiting last week with our grandson and I wanted to introduce her to the wonder that is Tonno Gloucester. I was a little hesitant to take a toddler there but I needn’t have wasted that energy. The staff was welcoming and accommodating and our little Schooner clearly enjoyed himself and his food. I had Chicken Milanese and Amy ordered the Sunday Sauce. Perfect and delicious, as always. Thank you our server Sarah for her excellent care and special attention to the baby. Now it’s a favorite for them too!

FOB Susan LaRosa shared her pictures of the almost full moon rising over the harbor this week. Lovely! Thanks for sharing the beauty Susan. Happy Easter all.

We have the company of my daughter Amy and our grandson Schooner (our nickname for him) this week which has been delightful. Amy works as an educator at the zoo in her hometown so a trip to the zoo with them seemed a natural choice. The drive to Franklin Park Zoo took maybe an hour so it’s definitely do-able. Though it was a little rainy that day, our luck took a turn when we were told it was opening day for their new outdoor gorilla exhibit! The family was out and about seemingly showing off.

The Zoo is a great take for families and children. Some exhibits are not yet open as they are waiting for a warm-up, but we were easily able to entertain ourselves for quite a while. I bought tickets online ahead and it was very convenient. Link here. I would put it on the consideration list for vacation activities. No, Amy will not be available as a tour guide……..

The fog always add an interesting mood to the day. And sometimes it can appear to look very different from another angle. Buswell Pond is a good example. I give it an eye nearly every day to evaluate its “mood”.

Yes, you DO want to see CODA on the big screen (in case you were wondering). Even if you have already streamed it, it’s a different show on the big screen. If you have company in town, they REALLY need to see CODA while they are here. That is also a special part of the experience. Gloucester Cinema on Essex Ave sells tickets online and they will be available through April 21. It’s a no-brainer.

From the Gloucester Cinema Facebook page:

I was happy to see the opening date of April 30 announced for the wonderful Atlantis Oceanfront Inn Breakfast cafe! It’s a great take on breakfast on the back shore.

From their Facebook page:

Wildlife was abundant on a drive around town a few days ago. I had not seen the seals lately in Brace Cove, but on this day, I counted 11. When I got home, I found a least 2 more hidden in the photos. They seemed very happy. The turtles were also sunning themselves and egrets were busy on the hunt. Must be winter has left town and spring has arrived!

It was a gorgeous day at Wingaersheek Beach recently, perfect for families and treasure hunters!

I took my (new!) camera out for some experimentation on a beautiful day recently. There’s lots to learn, but I see lots of potential in this new equipment.

We skirted the Essex bridge traffic and landed at Ripple on the Water for lunch recently and it was outstanding! Again….! I have said it before but it bears repeating as the spring and summer season approaches….excellent food and service at Ripple on the Water on Main St. in Essex. Shout out to our server Hillary, Rachel and Michelle. Jim had the clam chowder and shrimp tacos. I had something new for me: pig wings and they were amazing! I’ll be getting those again for sure. A key lime tart for dessert just made a great meal even better. I usually do not get dessert, but Michelle makes them too tempting to resist. Thanks, Ripple!

There was a turn of events in the story of the West Gloucester eagles last week you may be interested in. There is a nest in the area and I am pretty sure there are eggs in it since there’s ALWAYS an eagle in there indicating typical nesting behavior. So we can expect to see two eagles within sight of the nest. I should have realized this myself. Yet, I found myself surprised to notice bands on one of the eagles but no bands on another. Each of them were on watch in trees near the nesting area. The banded eagle may have a band on each leg which could prove enlightening someday for researchers. In the meantime, let’s hope for viable eggs and chicks in West Gloucester!

These are example of each of the eagles: the banded one in the sun, the other on a cloudier day:

We love to wander around our friend (and fellow GMG contributor) David Cox’s antique store at 124 Main St. There are treasures and surprises everywhere! It’s a delightful stop on Main. I like to follow them on Instagram for the pictures. It’s also a small window into Gloucester’s past worth the trip.