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Enjoy an afternoon out in the harbor aboard the Lady Jillian with a happy crew, operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours.

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A great weekend to use the water shuttle to enjoy Gloucester Harbor, operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours.

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Shuttle Smiles from the Fourth

A great way to spend the 4th is in Gloucester Harbor hop-on-hop-off  water shuttle operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours.

Shuttle Smiles in June

Shuttle Smiles in June, A great time to be part of  the harbor activities, Fiesta, Schooners returning from Boston Sail.

The Water Shuttle is operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours.

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A  great day to be on the Gloucester Harbor Water Shuttle, operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours.

GloucesterCast 218 With Steve Douglass, Nichole Schrafft, Kim Smith and Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 2/19/17

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GloucesterCast 218 With Steve Douglass, Nichole Schrafft, Kim Smith and Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 2/19/17

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Topics Include:

www.capeannharbortours.com Stevie Douglass Breaking news left and right, also old Rocky Neck History, Susan Baker, Evie Parsons, Harbor Shuttle News and Deals
Rockport High School Seniors Hockey Game
Shirt’s Illustrated Henri and Julie Lopes Harborlight hat’s sold out and Nichole had a great experience with them. Vidalias.
Apple store at North Shore Shopping Center Suddenly Closed
Hey Heys– Brightly colored and boldly patterned tights for men
Wildlife Comeback Talk
YMCA Community Award Nominations
Lobster Pool can have their 96 seats.

Gloucester booth looks great at the Boston Globe Travel Show: Discover Gloucester volunteers and a gorgeous photo on that cover

Booth 418 February 10-12 — Look forward to hearing their report

http://www.bostonglobetravelshow.com/

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Kate Bibeau Cape Ann Museum and Steve Douglass Cape Ann Harbor Tours

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John Orlando Harborview Inn  and Elizabeth Carey Discover Gloucester (photos sent to GMG from the floor!)

Never Too Early to Start Thinking About How to Kick Off Summer!

So….two things.  First of all, I was excited to read today that Cape Ann Harbor Tours will be offering a new trip in their repertoire of already fun trips for tourists and locals alike.  Their new trip is called the “Annisquam River Trip.”

On this leisurely 2 hour journey, you will cruise along and view the barrier beaches, clam flats and tidal tributaries. Take in the unique waterscapes and experience first-hand a widely recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) featuring Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Sandpipers, and Gulls.

Read about this and their other trips HERE

We’ve spent lots of time on the King Eider and the Lady Jillian as a family, with friends, while playing tour guide and with school groups.  My favorite nights with Harbor Tours have been when we charter the boat with a group of friends, bring some finger sandwiches and sushi, pack our coolers, play some music, and cruise around the harbor with Capt. Douglass at the helm filling us in on local lore and fishing industry facts.

And THAT…takes me to my next point…

Have you ever wanted to help out a charitable organization, but either didn’t know how (short of writing a check) or honestly didn’t feel as though you were in the position to part with enough funds to make a difference?  Well, first of all, we know that ANY amount is appreciated by all charities, but….that having been said…here’s another idea for you…

Earlier this month I called Cape Ann Harbor Tours and, along with three other friends, booked one of their vessels for a 2.5 hour trip in May.  The four of us split the price of the trip equally.  We then offered the boat excursion up to friends, families, and co-workers.  The money raised via the 25 tickets sold will go directly to the charity of our choice…which, in this case, is the school where we all work and that our children attend.  So, for a reasonable amount of money, the four of us offered up the boat (our donation to the school), 25 other people purchased tickets (their donation to the school), and…in the end…we all get a super fun night out with friends, on the water, doing what we love….and the school gets a pretty sweet sized donation.  Win, win, win….win.  Right?

This same scenario could be translated to any charitable organization or cause.  You and few friends decide who you would like to benefit, gather your friends and have them spend a little bit of money to hang out with you on the water, and Ka Bam, instant party and money raised!

I’m excited that this will be one of our first fun nights out when the winter weather turns to spring, I’m excited to raise some money for our school, and I’m excited to support Cape Ann Harbor Tours with a charter at the very beginning of their season.

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Photos both courtesy of Cape Ann Harbor Tours website

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There is always Shuttle Smiles with Captain Pete on the Lady Jillian from Cape Ann Harbor Tours.

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On the Lady Jillian – Cape Ann Harbor Tours 

Harmony on the Water Shuttle

Opposing Fans enjoy a peacful ride on the Water shuttle, operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours.

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DSC00036Captain Steve Douglas, navigates around Gloucester Harbor, entertaining and educating tourists.

The water shuttle on the Lady Jillian is operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours.

 

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IMG_1180Captain Steve Douglas and mate Nicholas provide a fun and educational trip around Gloucester Harbor.

 

 

 

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Nichole’s Picks 7/9 + 7/10

Pick #1: Thursday Night Picnic Concert at the Crane Estate

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL SUMMER SCHEDULE

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Photo Courtesy of The Trustees

We’re celebrating 20 years of Picnic Concerts and we want you to be a part of the fun! Bring a picnic supper, explore the grounds, dance on the lawn, and experience some of the region’s best bands. You’ll enjoy special 20th anniversary activities all summer long. The celebration begins on July 7 with Picnic Palooza, a friendly picnic competition. Prizes will be awarded for Most Elegant Spread, Best Beach Picnic, and Best 1996 Throwback Picnic. Look for picnic fare inspiration and share your amazing picnic photos on the Crane Estate Facebook page starting in July.

Tickets available at the gate only. Gates open at 5PM for picnicking. Concerts start at 7PM and end at 9PM. A weather decision, if necessary, will be announced on our website, thetrustees.org, by 3PM on the day of the concert.

Cost: 
Members: $20/car.
Nonmembers: $30/car.

Walk-in, bicycle, & motorcycle: $10.

Tickets available at the gate only.

July 7 The BaHa Brothers
(Summertime Music)
July 14 The Piano Men
(Music of Elton John & Billy Joel)
July 21 Soul City
(Soul, Motown & Funk)
July 28 Soul Rebel Project
(Reggae)
August 4 Sorry, no concert. Celebrate The Trustees 125th Anniversary with The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra at Castle Hill
August 11 Beantown Swing Orchestra
(Big Band Swing – Come at 6PM for the group swing dance lesson)
August 18 Entrain
(Rock Funk Jam Band)
August 25 Help!
(Beatles Tribute Band)
Sept 1 Orville Giddings Band
(Boogie Blues)

Pick #2: Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell, Boston

Each time I drive down Storrow Drive on my way to Fenway I think, I should really bring the boys in here to bike ride or paddle board along/on the Charles and make a day of it.

What better way to end a day of doing just that than taking in a free movie on the lawn at the Hatch Shell?

Disclaimer:  Upon writing this post, I realized that there isn’t a movie scheduled for this week…probably because of the 4th of July festivities, but I kept it as a “pick” because you can plan ahead for the remaining weeks of summer.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Free Friday Flicks is a summertime tradition in Boston, attracting thousands of movie-goers to enjoy family-oriented feature length movies under the stars all summer long at DCR’s Hatch Shell in Boston! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and watch a movie with family and friends on Friday night for free! Movies begin at sundown, but arrive early to grab your spot on the lawn and enjoy free games and giveaways with WBZ NewsRadio 1030. The fun starts at 6pm with WBZ’s Morgan White Jr!

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Pick #3:  Cape Ann Harbor Tours Lighthouse Cruise

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

As seen on their website…..

Enjoy the history and beauty of Cape Ann’s coast, up close! Presented by Cape Ann’s longest-running sightseeing company — since 1969!

Eastern Point LighthouseYou and your family will love our Cape Ann Lighthouse Cruise. Many people consider it to be the highlight of their visit!

Straitsmouth Island LightSee parts of the Cape you can’t reach by car — or on any other boat trip! Bring your camera — you’ll see historic lighthouses, Gloucester’s fishing fleet, lobstermen, drawbridges, islands, and Cape Ann’s spectacular natural beauty. Learn about some of the names of famous artists and poets that spent time here painting and writing. Hear about the great granite industry that flourished here for many years.

Restrooms, snacks and drinks are available on board. Trip length is approximately 2-1/2 hours.

Advance ticket purchase strongly suggested!

 

As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

 

 

King Eider in Smith Cove

Captain Donny Steele giving a tour of Smith Cove on the King Eider, operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours

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Capt Pete and his crew (Charlie, Bebe and Adien) ensure a great day on Gloucester harbor.

The water shuttle is operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours