Gloucester is the kind of place you want to know more about, you want to spend time in. A day trip on the train from Boston with your bike could be one way to get around to the site-specific events and performances with plenty of time to explore the beaches, historical waterfront, restaurants, and shopping along Main Street.
From the train to Stage Fort Park is a five-minute bike. Start here with a swim at beautiful half moon beach. There are changing rooms and toilets at the visitor's center. The park was home to the city's first fish drying racks in 1623. Later the area became a fort, and one will find the cannons that were used in the war of 1812 to protect the fishing fleet from pirates and warships. For more history after the park, visit the Sargent House Museum on Main St and the Cape Ann Historical Museum on Pleasant St. Both are small but world-class museums. The City Hall is an historical treasure, with WPA murals and a beautiful wall dedication to the fisherman that died at sea. The waterfront is the spot for the boat lover, and more recently the movie lover, as the area was the setting for the film "The Perfect Storm." The Maritime Heritage Center at Harbor Loop is a "hands on" acquaintance with some of the aquatic locals.
There are some unique shops on Main St. On the East End is Nelson's, fishing garb and outdoor clothing; on the west end are Banana's vintage clothing and Mystery Train Records. The Italian cafes and bakeries on the west end are the real deal, and a trip over to Sclafani's on Washington St will provide a picnic straight out of Italy. Dining along the waterfront or Main St could be a boiled lobster, Mexican, or high-end cuisine.
A bike or walk around the fort neighborhood blends fabulous views of the harbor with an urban beach that boasts the "Greasy Pole", an honored St Peter's Fiesta event. The swimming is fine here and the beach is also favored for sea glass. The fort is home to Cape Pond Ice and the late Charles Olson.
Rocky Neck is a 15-minute bike to the other side of the harbor. It is America's first Art Colony, and has many galleries, shops, restaurants and bars. Further round the harbor you cycle past Niles Beach, around Eastern Point to the lighthouse and breakwater. This area also hosts Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary.
Then get back in town to see the shows and other events. The last train on weekdays is 10:53 and the last train on weekends is 10:08. If you can't pull yourself away from Gloucester, there are many inns, motels, and East Gloucester Camp Ground near Wingaersheek Beach. Enjoy!
Official Website of the City of Gloucester, MA
Photographs of Gloucester by Jon Helgason
