ROSETTA & SHANE
The Venue & Nearby Attractions
Stage Fort Park
Stage Fort Park is the historic site of Gloucester’s first settlers in 1623 who set up fishing stages on this land. The most prominent feature is a large rock, sixty feet high and two hundred feet wide, said to be an ancient ritual stone used by Native Americans. The park is home to Half Moon and Cressy’s beaches, picnic areas, a baseball field, and athletic courts. In the summer, The Cupboard of Gloucester sells a variety of food and ice cream, including fried clams and sandwiches.
Harborwalk
Lace up or slip on your favorite walking shoes and set off on a self-guided and unique walking tour of Gloucester’s harborfront and history. Step off at St. Peter’s Square or Fitz Henry Lane and then explore the forty-two Harborwalk granite posts located downtown. Before you start your tour, be sure to download the Harborwalk app for the interactive video to complete your experience along the way. Parking is available on the street or at Stage Fort Park.
Wingaersheek & Good Harbor
Good Harbor is a beautiful beach with lovely white sand on the eastern shores of Gloucester. At low tide, one can walk out to Salt Island. Wingaersheek Beach is situated on the western part of Gloucester, with Annisquam Harbor Light in view across the river from the shoreline. Gloucester has adopted a 'Carry In–Carry Out' policy, and food, drinks, beach toys, and other beach necessities are available at the concession. Parking is available during the week at a rate of $30 and on the weekends at $35.
Eastern Point Lighthouse
Eastern Point Light, in view from Hammond Castle Museum, is the oldest seaport in America. Its harbor has supported fishermen, whalers, and traders since 1616. At the entrance to Gloucester Harbor sits a 2,250’ jetty, known as Dog Bar Breakwater. Visitors can enjoy the walk to the end, with lovely views of Gloucester Harbor on one side and the open ocean and Boston skyline on the other. The lighthouse station itself is closed to the public, but the breakwater next to the lighthouse is open all year.
Boating & Whale Watching
Enjoy the history and scenic beauty of the Cape Ann coastline with Beauport Cruiselines, Harbor Tours, Schooner Ardelle, or Schooner Thomas E. Lannon for views of lighthouses, fishing and lobstering fleet, the Annisquam River, magnificent waterfront homes... and castles! Relax and breathe in the sea air, enjoy a sunset music or stargazing sail, or even take a sailing class. Both Cape Ann Whale Watch and 7 Seas Whale Watch offer trips to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a preserve 12 miles off the coast of Gloucester, to see and learn about the whales and their habitat from the on-board educators.
Dogtown
Dogtown is a five-square-mile area in central Gloucester known for its woods and boulders left behind when the last glaciers melted. In the 1600s, the Commons Settlement located here was the most prosperous part of Gloucester for a century. Falling into decline as settlers moved towards the harbor, Dogtown has been hauntingly abandoned since 1830. Pathways are dotted with boulders into which quarry workers carved inspiring sayings during the Great Depression. This progressive public art work was commissioned by Gloucester philanthropist and founder of Babson College, Roger Babson. Take a map! Trails are unimproved and often unmarked.
Town of Rockport Massachusetts
Discover this charming seaside town and artists' colony to admire breathtaking scenery, fabulous galleries, working studios, welcoming inns, delicious restaurants, and shops. Explore the beach and trails while experiencing arts and culture. A leisurely stroll along Bearskin Neck will give visitors every imaginable opportunity to buy that perfect souvenir to remember and cherish their visit. Take in a performance at Rockport Music’s Shalin Liu Music Hall, visit Halibut Point State Park, or walk along Rockport’s scenic shores to follow in the footsteps of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
City of Salem Massachusetts
Just sixteen miles north of Boston, you can make your own magic when you visit the City of Salem ("Witch City"). Home to the House of Seven Gables, the Witch Museum, Salem Willows Park, and the Peabody Essex Museum, you can step back in time to explore the city's rich maritime history, visit amazing historic sites, and immerse yourself in the Witch Trials of 1692. Much of the city's cultural identity reflects its role as the location of the infamous trials; police cars are adorned with witch logos, a public elementary school is known as Witchcraft Heights, and the Salem High School athletic teams are named the Witches.