
Maine Family Vist Gloucester

My View of Life on the Dock




Before we dive into Northshore Magazine’s Fall Favorites September issue, let’s take a moment to acknowledge its Best of North Shore August issue. Although votes did not come in all Cape Ann for categories you thought might be a shoe-in: best beach, bakery, breakfast, burger, clam chowder, farmer’s market, art gallery, art anything (!), museum, or attraction — Gloucester and all of Cape Ann businesses receive a lot of deserved attention! Signing in to vote may be a barrier to entry for some. Still, 150,000+ votes were cast. You can check out what won in many additional categories in the 300pp monster issue.
DINE ALFRESCO – The Market Restaurant, Gloucester
FRIED CLAMS- Seaport Grill, Gloucester and Top Dog (seasonal), Rockport; reader’s choice: Woodman’s
LOBSTER DINNER- Roy Moore Lobster, Rockport; reader’s choice Woodman’s of Essex
LOBSTER ROLL- Seaport Grille, Gloucester
PIZZA- Short and Main, Gloucester in a three way tie
ROMANTIC- Duckworth’s, Gloucester
SANDWICHES- Willow Rest, Gloucester
WATERVIEW RESTAURANT- The Market Restaurant, Gloucester
HOTEL BAR- Beauport Hotel, Gloucester
CHOCOLATE- Rockport Fudgery, Rockport (seasonal)
HOTEL- Beauport Hotel
CHARTER BOAT- Schooner Thomas E Lannon
COMMUNITY WALK RUN BIKE BY SEASON – summer Twin Lobster Half Marathon & 1 mile Race, Gloucester; winter Happy Holidays Half Merrython, Gloucester; reader’s choice, Motif #1 Day 5K, Rockport
FESTIVAL (FALL)- Essex Clamfest, Essex
GOLF COURSE- reader’s choice Bass Rocks Golf Club, Gloucester
MARINA- Cape Ann Marina, Gloucester
NATURE TRAILS- Ravenswood Park, Gloucester
BOOKS-The Bookstore of Gloucester
MATERNITY CLOTHING- The Urchin Exchange, Gloucester
CONCIERGE- reader’s choice Tending the Sweet Life, Gloucester
DANCING- Minglewood Tavern, Gloucester
LIVE MUSIC VENUE INDOORS- Shalin Liu, Rockport

On Saturday, July 23rd, New England folk music’s most recognized names share the stage on Gloucester’s historic waterfront for the first annual EBB & FOLK.
2016 Grammy Award winner for best country song, Lori McKenna, headlines an extraordinary day of music featuring Chris Trapper, Mark Erelli, Chad Perrone, Amy Fairchild, Brian Jarvis and others.
The event takes place under the event tent at Cape Ann Marina (Mile Marker One) on the banks of the Annisquam River just feet from historic Gloucester Harbor. In addition to a full day of live music, the the event will feature Cape Ann artisans and merchants presenting the best that the area has to offer.
Ticket information > http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2543337
Upon showing an event ticket, guests will be given an event bracelet allowing them entry and re-entry throughout the day to enjoy the artists of their choosing.
Artist of the event allowing guests to plan for their favorite performers.
1:00pm – Fozzie Hill with Wolf Ginandes (60 minutes) CAPE ANN STAGE
2:00pm – Allen Estes (45 minutes) GLOUCESTER STAGE
2:45pm – Chad Perrone (60 minutes) CAPE ANN STAGE
3:45pm –Amy Fairchild (45 minutes) GLOUCESTER STAGE
4:45pm – Chris Trapper (60 minutes) CAPE ANN STAGE
5:45pm – Brian Jarvis (45 minutes) GLOUCETSER STAGE
6:45pm – Mark Erelli (60 minutes) CAPE ANN STAGE
8:00pm – Lori McKenna (75 minutes) CAPE ANN STAGE
Contact info email Chris Langathianos at clangathianos@me.com.
Here’s a map of the Gloucester hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfast and you name it lodging that I whipped up in 2014 when I was serving on the tourism commission. I was curious where all these places were in relation to downtown. Laura Dow of Vista Motel and Laura Baker of Castle Manor Inn booked very full dance cards for us: two days of back-to- back lodging tours (any that signed up), speed dating style. Conclusion: there are great places to stay to suit anybody’s needs and preferences. I included some that we did not see.
This year, I added Beauport Hotel — which can handle a 400 person conference capacity!
Other news this year: Vista Motel has a new pool; Cape Ann Marina Resort initiated Boatsetter (‘Uber on the water’) and… send in updates and I’ll add it to the post.
Cape Ann SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard ) is right in there by Beauport and Long Beach for visiting guests.
embedded below
On a cover.

Carol Thistle thanking Joey for the Discover Gloucester cover photo.
Stage Fort Visitor Center is officially open for the season. It was a full house last night.
Speaking of generosity: I recognized many of the returning volunteers who fill the shifts necessary to greet and assist all who walk through the door. Or around the gorgeous wrap around porch. The volunteers are a fun, dedicated group.
The opening always feels optimistic and festive. Local restaurants provided tasty signature appetizers and munchies. Laura Baker, proprietor of Castle Manor Inn, kept the table looking great all night.
Everyone takes a few moments to announce their business and any updates. Last night was no different, for instance: Vista Motel has a new, big pool; Cape Ann Marina will be making it easier for people to rent boats by matching clients with captains and vessels; the upcoming schooner race is not ‘competitive’, right?; the new concierge for Beauport Hotel put up his hand and a hello; and Sarah Oaks is fabulously readying the Maritime Gloucester shop.
I let people know that one HarborWalk marker may not be available for Hunt the HarborWalk tracing. It’s the marker at Norman’s Woe in Solomon Jacobs Park and public landing. The park should be open this weekend– and throughout the summer. Keep in mind it’s only a temporary look and opening. The park will close back up after the busy summer season. They may install that HarborWalk marker for the summer, too.






On Saturday, July 23rd, the most recognized names in New England Folk and Americana music share the stage on Gloucester’s historic waterfront for the first annual EBB & FOLK.
2016 Grammy Award winner for best country song, Lori McKenna, headlines an extraordinary day of music featuring Chris Trapper, Mark Erelli, Chad Perrone, Amy Fairchild, Brian Jarvis, Fozzie Hill and Allen Estes.
This all-day, musical extravaganza takes place under the event tent at Cape Ann Marina (Mile Marker One) on the banks of the Annisquam River just feet from historic Gloucester Harbor. In addition to a full day of live music, the the event will feature Cape Ann artisans and merchants presenting the best that the area has to offer.
Tickets are available now! click here > http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2543337
http://ebbandfolk.com/

I know what you’re thinking….”Nichole is going to tell us to go swim in the pool again”….and I am….but, that’s not all. So there. Bear with me.
Yes, for sure, the pool passes at Cape Ann Marina’s Aqua Room are a total no-brainer and if you’re looking to kill some easy time with the kids you’d be crazy to not log some hours there….but, more importantly, I can not say ENOUGH about the staff and their graciousness, hospitality, and patience.
Seriously, I’m not going to lie, if you aren’t taking kids to the pool, this may not be where you want to be during a school vacation week (but hang in there because it is almost over). Quiet will soon prevail and then, if you’re looking for some peacefulness in the pool, get yourself down there. I’ve been there 3 times this week so far and it is not for the faint of heart. It can get a bit loud…and peaceful it is not. Fun, however, it sure is!
That having been said, we have had fantastic and gloriously low-maintenance days hanging by the pool. Today, for example, the boys and I met three other families….with a staggering total of 10 kids. We logged 7.5 hours. The children were well-behaved and HAPPY for each and every second!
We all had a delicious lunch, the kids had frozen shirley temples AND ice cream, and we treated ourselves to some incredibly yummy pina coladas. Why not?
The real point of this post, however, is not to tell you about how my boys spent their day, but rather to tell you that I was beyond impressed with literally each and every member of the staff! Joe Loicano is the manager of all managers! He is incredibly hands-on and makes the rounds talking with guests, high-fiving the kids, clearing tables, sharing funny stories, and making sure everyone is happy. He’s busy each and every second…yet somehow manages to make everyone feel like they are his top priority. Think The Captain, Gopher, Doc, and Isaac all rolled into one. Hopefully, you all got the Love Boat analogy or that last sentence just seemed weird.
The bartenders and servers are phenomenal. We joked several times about how this week, with so many kids laughing and splashing, must be their worst nightmare but, even with the window open to express their dread, they all responded by saying different versions of, “No, it’s totally fun.” Seriously. The girls who were making drinks, taking lunch orders, checking in on everyone, and clearing tables were incredibly friendly and accommodating. I really can’t say enough positive sentiments about them….and I really hope that they get a chance to read this so that they know how relaxing and wonderful they made our day today!
Kudos to the entire team for being so kind, helpful, and incredibly hard working! You’ve all taken hospitality to the next level.
So, from Team Schrafft, THANK YOU!
If, by chance, you’re reading this and you don’t know much about Mile Marker 1 and Cape Ann Marina….check out this great video that Joey C. filmed while interviewing Joe Loicano back when the restaurant was getting ready to first open a couple of years ago. Makes me long for summer just a little bit more.
Cape Ann Marina Mile Marker One
The boys and I met my mom, dad, sister, and nephew for a super yummy breakfast at the Cape Ann Marina this morning and then spent a couple of hours swimming in the pool….and having a couple of mimosas.
While there, I bought my February School Vacation Pool Pass! SUCH a great deal! For $59 a family of four can use the pool all week long (ending 2/22). If you have more than four in the family there is an additional fee per head.
A totally easy way to spend some time, get some exercise, and tire out the whippersnappers! A total bonus is that you can order lunch/dinner/drinks while there.
Cape Ann Marina Resort Call and ask them about the deal….or stop on by!
I hope that 2015 proves to be everyone’s best year yet!
It looks like the cold weather is here to stay, but with no snow there’s no chance of sledding, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing anytime soon. There’s still plenty to do!
Pick #1
Fire and Ice Festival on The Lawn on the D
Check out the link above for the weekend’s schedule of events! It looks like a great time! And…as the 1st event of its kind, you can be a part of the history!
The Lawn on D kicks off its winter season with Winter on D’s inaugural event – Boston’s first Fire & Ice Festival!
Enjoy the chilling beauty of this winter season as The Lawn on D is magically frozen into a wonderland of ice. The Fire & Ice Festival offers fun free daytime activities and exciting winter attractions that will keep you happily frolicking in the cold including an ice labyrinth, free daytime and evening activities including kids dance parties.
The Fire & Ice Festival will feature one of the largest ice labyrinths in America that will allow visitors to walk through a glass-like maze built out of nearly 300 giant ice blocks bathed in colorful lights during the evening hours. Guests can also admire photos from world-famous adventure photographer Paul Nicklen whose polar photos of penguins, polar bears and other arctic creatures will be frozen into the ice labyrinth walls.
Watch the finest fire art performers from The Boston Circus Guild manipulate the orange and yellow hues of fire at their will. Feel the heat and watch the flames flicker and dance in the evening sky by skilled performers in an icy winter wonderland.
Got a chill? Kids and adults can warm up under the winter pavilion with a nice warm cup of cocoa! The pavilion will feature a beautifully carved ice bar, serving up seasonal favorites including apple cider and hot cocoa for the little ones, along with wine and beer for adults.
Fire & Ice Festival goers can sit by one of the many fire pits placed around on the lawn to warm their hands and feet after grabbing a bite to eat from one of our food trucks including free samples of Legal Sea Foods’world-famous chowder and good hearty bites from Stoked Pizza, The Taco Truck and Sheherazad.
Music and entertainment will be provided throughout the three day Fire & Ice Festival.
(Please note: Evening fire performances and Legal Sea Foods will not be present on January 4, 2015)
Pick #2
The Neveland Theatre Presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Pick #3
Skating at the outdoor rink at Market Street in Lynnfield, some bowling at Kings and a good meal….some shopping wouldn’t hurt either!
Check out the full list of restaurants and stores here!
Pick #4
As has been mentioned here on GMG before, swimming at the Cape Ann Marina is a total no brainer. Swimming, food, and drinks, oh my! For the record, the kids’ meals are $8 and come with a drink, the meal, and even a small vanilla ice cream.
GloucesterCast With Guest Toby Pett and Host Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 10/03/14
Subscribe to Get The GloucesterCast Podcast by Email For Free
Topics Include:Guest Toby Pett, Muffin Eating Etiquette, Donut vs Muffin, Last Stop Variety, Reasons For Not Getting A Flu Shot, The Internet and Bad Medical Information, Fenway Park Derek Jeter Love Fest, Anna and James Eves Chase Mission Main Street small business grant, Cape Ann Farmer’s Market, Maitland Farms Pickles, Toby Talks about Stuff He Baked That Had Nothing To Do with The Original Question, Mile Marker One Marshalls Farm and The Bridge Fall Fest, Mile Marker One $5 Burgers On Thursdays, The Causeway Restaurant, The Pool At Cape Ann Marina In the Winter, Fan of Fall and Shorter Days Or Not?, Cape Ann Chimney and Hearth, Bait Truck Comes Down With A Broken Pallet Jack Once Again, Bonus Mid-week Podcast.
Thanks To The Earl Foote Band For The Intro Music. Download Gloucester Til the End Free Here At Gimme Sound
Click to Listen to The GMG Podcast On Stitcher Radio On Demand For Free

If you haven’t yet been to a concert at Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion, now is the time — and if you’ve been to a concert in this gorgeous waterfront venue, you know what I’m talking about.
It’s the perfect summer music experience — ask anybody who was at the packed James Montgomery show last Friday.
This Friday (8/29) we’re bringing in the same concert stage and state-of-the-art sound & lights for Henri Smith New Orleans Friends & Flavours to kick off Schooner Festival weekend — get tickets here.
There’s a wonderful parallel between James Montgomery and Henri Smith. Both bandleaders are major talents, they love to surround themselves with the best players available and both are committed to furthering their musical traditions by nurturing young talent.
Henri is bringing Grammy-winning saxophonist and flautist Amadee Castenell (who appeared in the HBO hit series Treme) along with Berklee professor Herman Hampton and top New England Conservatory trombonist Eric Stilwell — 3 generations of top musicians on the same stage!
And Mile Marker One will have a full bar along with perfect summer food: Lobster Rolls, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Sausage/Peppers/Onions and of course Clam Chowda!
Don’t let summer pass you by without dancing a second line with Henri and his stellar band at the largest waterfront tent in Gloucester! Don’t wait until it sells out. GET TICKETS NOW!
Last Friday’s James Montgomery show jam packed Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion (the BIG tent next to Mile Marker One) and VIP was sold out. The photo on the right shows how close the VIP seats are to the stage.
Wouldn’t you like to be this close to Henri Smith and his band New Orleans Friends & Flavours featuring Grammy-winning sax & flute player Amadee Castenell?
You can still get VIP seats (right here), but they won’t last long. Plus you’ll be supporting Cape Ann YMCA Camp & Teen Services.
Don’t be one of those people who comes at the last minute and then complains that all the best seats are taken. DO IT NOW!
Here’s a shot of the VIP section from behind the last row of VIP.

Isn’t this where you want to be on Friday night to kick off the Schooner Festival?
Check out this video of Henri Smith’s sold out Mardi Gras 2013 concert at the Larcom Theatre in Beverly.
Today’s Globe North Best Bets column features 4 events and the first 2 listed are in Gloucester. Here’s what they say:
Theater
Gloucester: Gloucester Stage Company closes its current season with August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Fences.” The play tells the story of a former Negro baseball leagues star working as a garbage man in Pittsburgh in 1957. Thursday through Sept. 7. $35, $40. Gorton Theatre, 267 East Main St. 978-281-4433, www.gloucesterstage.com .
Gloucester: The Celebrate Gloucester Benefit Concert Series presents blues artist James Montgomery, joined by Danielle Miraglia, Marissa Licata, Sax Attax Horns, and Willie Loco Alexander. Friday, 8 p.m. $25-$55. A portion of proceeds will go to The Open Door food pantry. Waterfront Pavilion, Cape Ann Marina, 75 Essex Ave. www.gimmelive.tv
Looks like the editors of the Boston Globe know where to go for top entertainment north of Boston.
Aren’t you glad you live here?