cultural highlights

Massachusett's Travel Guide page

WHY GO? the center of America’s oldest working seaport continues to be an inspiration for artists, writers, musicians, and poets, past and present.

NAVIGATE It’s in the heart of downtown Gloucester with Stacy Boulevard (Western Avenue), Rogers Street, and Main Street as the major arteries. Historic Middle Street is not to be missed. The MBTA Commuter Rail connects Boston’s North Station to Gloucester. Pick up maps at City Hall, 9 Dale Avenue; Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 33 Commercial Street; the Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue; and the Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant Street.

EXPLORE gorgeous Stage Fort Park (established in 1897) and majestic Stacy Boulevard including the iconic Gloucester Fisherman at the Wheel and Fishermen's Wives memorials. The Cape Ann Museum anchors one end of the district with an extensive collection of paintings by Gloucester native and marine artist Fitz Henry Lane and contemporary exhibitions. Other galleries document the local quarrying and fishing industries. Stroll the harbor and see fishing vessels unloading their catch, then immerse yourself in the science of the sea at Maritime Gloucester marine life exhibits, dory shop, and sail on the schooner Ardelle. The Sargent House Museum was home to one of America’s earliest feminist writers and is nearby Gloucester's famous Unitarian Universalist church. Downtown caters to foodies: 37 restaurants and cafes serve up fresh-of-the-boat seafood, contemporary American fare, sushi, and more. Music, art, speakers and entertainment abound. Three beaches are located downtown and dozens of houses and sites that inspired Edward Hopper. The best way to see many of the downtown sights and sounds is the Gloucester HarborWalk. Beyond downtown: explore Gloucester's distinct neighborhoods (Magnolia, Eastern Point, Annisquam, Lanesville), the award-winning Gloucester Stage Company, Rocky Neck, Beauport Museum, Dogtown, Hammond Castle, and Ravenswood.

MAKING WAVES Take a tour of the inner harbor on a hop-on, hop-off water shuttle. Help raise the sails of the 65-foot schooner Thomas E. Lannon or sail on the Schooner Ardelle or the Schooner Adventure, a National Historic Landmark. Head out on the ocean blue on a thrilling whale watch.

FOLLOWING ARE THE LOCAL WHALE WATCHING COMPANIES. MOST OFFER DAILY WHALE WATCHING TRIPS FROM APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER.

CAPE ANN WHALE WATCH +1-800-877-5110

CAPT BILL & SONS +1-800-339-4253

SEVEN SEAS WHALE WATCH +1-888-283-1776

YANKEE FLEET +1-978-283-0313

ART, TOO Gloucester actually has two cultural districts. Immerse yourself in exhibits and programs year round (consult Good Morning Gloucester's stupendous calendar.) One of America’s oldest art colonies is downtown's sister district, the Rocky Neck Cultural District.