A visit to the Franklin Park Zoo

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

On Sunday, Rick and I went to the Franklin Park Zoo.  As a kid, my family always went to the Franklin Park Zoo.  This zoo is great with the animals and educational information.  The prairie dogs were so cute digging their holes. How about the

Crocodile  staring at us.   The animals roam around without cages and have plenty of room.  The volunteers and workers are knowledgeable and very attached to the animals.

The other side is here: A happening

Posted on by James Eves

Saturday September 12, 11am-9pm 
19 Pleasant Street (courtyard) 

Witness the transformation of the historic courtyard of Captain Harvey Coffin Mackay into a ship/stage where poetry, sound, visual art, ghosts and seagulls mingle and collaborate. The unfolding is co-created by CoCo Haze of Gallery RAG, K Prevallet of the Underverse, and Loren Doucette of Doucette Studio – plus special guests (TBA). The project is funded by the Harbortown Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Cape Ann Cake Fest (community fundraiser)

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Cape Ann Cake Fest

Sunday, September 27 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Windhover Performing Arts Center, 247 Granite St., Rockport

Picture rows of homemade cakes lined up on picnic tables as neighbors wander from slice to slice under the September sun. Bring one cake, get slices in return, and spend the afternoon supporting two great organizations. If you’ve not been to Windhover, that is a treat in and of itself.

$50-donation cake swap benefits The Open Door (80%) and Windhover Center for the Performing Arts (20%). 

Reserve Your Spot · Guidelines · FAQs

Surfside Subs MONDAY MADNESS IS HERE! 🍕🦞

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Start your week with TWO delicious deals! 🙌

🦞 Lobster Rolls — $13.99 + tax
Served with chips & pickles!

🍕 Buy any 16” pizza and get the 2nd 16” pizza HALF PRICE!
*Limit of 2 per customer

Perfect excuse to skip cooking! 😋

*Excludes gluten free
*Excludes online orders

Boat House Grille for Margarita Monday

Posted on by 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!

Learn About Horses

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 by Angel Wings Wellness

You don’t have to own a horse—or even know how to ride—to begin learning about these incredible animals.

Our private, hands-on horsemanship sessions at a beautiful boutique farm in Ipswich, Massachusetts offer an opportunity to step into the world of horses and learn what it truly means to understand and care for them.

Learn about everyday horse care, grooming, feeding, handling, safety, behavior, body language, and the little things that help keep a horse healthy, comfortable, and happy.

But caring for a horse is about more than knowing what to do.

It’s also about learning to listen.

Horses communicate constantly through their posture, movement, expression, energy, and subtle body language. As you become more comfortable around them, you begin to recognize those quiet signals—and discover how trust and connection naturally grow through good horsemanship.

Our approach is grounded in Natural Horsemanship, with an emphasis on understanding the horse,

Peacelovehorse.com or text/call for more info 978-985-4592

Learn About Horses

Surfside Subs Sunday specials are here! 🦞🍕🔥

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

TODAY’S SPECIALS — SUNDAY 8/30

🦞 $18.99 + tax Lobster Roll served with chips & pickles

🍕 Buy any 16” pizza and get the second 16” pizza HALF PRICE!
Limit of 2 per customer

Whether you’re in the mood for a lobster roll, pizza, or BOTH… we’ve got Sunday dinner covered! 🙌

*Excludes gluten free
*Excludes online orders

September Special Offer At Pat D’s Photos

Posted on by Pat D

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.

Last Block Party Of 2026! Come see us at 44 Main! Friday Sep 4, 2026 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

FRIDAY, September 4, 20265 PM Streets closed off to traffic & parking

6 PM Music Stages Open (x3)
*Also look for these Special Guests on Main Street:
 Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team Reptiles
            Captain Jack     
            Face Painting by Miss Wendy  

6:15 PM The Real McCoy 
7:30 PM The Real McCoy 

MUSIC PERFORMANCES BY STAGE:

The West End: Sponsored by Institution for Savings
6 PM: Toni & the Treblemakers
8 PM: Allen Estes

Cape Ann Savings Park: Sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank
6 PM: Dogtown
8 PM: Jim ‘N Tonic

The East End: Sponsored by Bank Gloucester
6 PM: In the Pocket
8 PM: Tony Kaczynski