Top Things to do in Cape Ann
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10 Free Things to do in Cape Ann That You Shouldn't Miss
Cape Ann, just 30 miles from Boston Logan Airport, includes four communities: Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. The picturesque area that spans the coastline was founded by Pilgrims in 1623 who named it after England's Queen Anne. Today, it's home to fishermen and artists, merchants and writers.
Restaurants in Cape Ann
1. Local Colors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By sheilannjones
Stained glass, jewelry, sea glass, treasures from all around the Cape Ann area, personalized and handcrafted, very creative and interesting place to shop.
2. Ryan & Wood Distilleries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 106 reviews
Come visit and tour our craft distillery, the first legal distillery on the North Shore since Prohibition! See firsthand how fine hand crafted spirits are made in our beautiful copper pot Still. Learn how we ferment, distill, barrel age and bottle our Beauport Vodka, Knockabout Gin, Folly Cove Rum and Ryan & Wood family of Whiskies. All done on site. The tour, usually guided by Kathy or Bob Ryan, is free and lasts about an hour. Perfect for a quick stop before lunch. We are a hidden gem, just minutes from other Gloucester attractions. Scheduled Tours: Monday,Wednesday,Friday and Saturday, 10:00am and 1:00pm. Call for Private/Group Tours. Check our website for more information.
Reviewed By kruszynak - Cheshire, United States
We were (really) early for the 1 p.m. tour so Bob Ryan showed us around and answered all our questions..what a wonderful place and the spirits were incredible. Left with some gin and whiskey! We will be looking for refills soon I'm sure! Thanks to Bob and Kathy Ryan for a great experience!
3. Manchester by the Book
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 90milesaway - New York City, United States
this is one of the best true bookshops you will find left in America. A wide selection of mostly used books in every category plus comfortable couches and chairs to sit and read. The owner is well-read, friendly and knows his curated inventory well to help you find what you’re looking for or recommend. True book lovers could spend all day here. Definitely worth a visit if you’re anywhere near.
4. Carol Lee's Cottage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Gift shop on Bearskin Neck. Unique gifts. Original Art. Piccolina Kids and Dresses. Adult Tee sizes too. Art prints. Tagua Jewelry. Melamine Tableware for every dining occasion. All dishwasher safe. Turkish towels, blankets. Decorative knobs. Peepers brand readers, sunglasses, bifocals. Designer scarves. Etched glasses with nautical and zip code designs. Bright bags for beach and town. See Design Designer Cotton dresses, Tunics. Dash & Albert rugs, throws and totes. Pine Cone Hill linen fashion. Beautiful Local artist work. Decorative ceramics in coastal blues, greens. Taxi Wallets. Gorgeous colors everywhere in this little yellow cottage. Celebrating creative living by the sea.
Reviewed By SereynitaA
It was our 2nd trip to Rockport when my husband & I stumbled upon Carol Lee's Cottage. I got attracted to a tunic dress displayed outside, which I ended up buying and my husband also got me a Rockport canvas tote that is sturdy, unique and very functional. Carol Lee's shop is filled with unique and OOAK items that you won't see in every store so this visit to Rockport alone is worth the trip. She also has a online presence if you would like to place orders. However, it is still worth your time to go visit as Rockport itself is filled with places, views, beaches, restaurants etc... to keep you occupied and entertained.
5. The Art of David Arsenault
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
A visit to The Art of David Arsenault Gallery in the heart of Rockport offers you a timeless interpretation of the Cape Ann experience. Colorful, peaceful scenes of Rockport, Gloucester, and more, along with unique perspectives on our world, leave you feeling at peace yet engaged and seeing in a different way when you return to the outdoors. The next time you visit Rockport, step inside the gallery and meet David and his wife Sue, enjoy relaxing jazz music, and take your time viewing dozens of original oil paintings and a variety of canvas giclée prints. Be sure to bring your own unique way of seeing—along with your love of art and Cape Ann.
Reviewed By sun-reisender - Gray, France
David is an artist with impressive skill working with oil on canvas, and a romantic capturing the special atmosphere of coastal Maine. I love the detailed rendering of houses, outbuildings and landscapes in a seasidey setting. I love the interiors with the play of sunlight beaming through old wooden double-hung windows. He captures childhood memories. A visit to his gallery and chat with him is a highlight of a visit to Rockport! Robert Hastings
6. Gloucester Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Downtown working-class section of Gloucester.
Reviewed By smiling4unow - Saugerties, United States
This promenade along the ocean is a soothing relaxing area. Great experience both happy and peaceful. The Fisherman's Statue is an icon along with a beautiful wives statue amidst the of rows glorious flower beds. Also enjoy the friendship of the locals and visitors walking their dogs or relax on the benches. Restaurants , pubs, ice cream shops and terrific shopping is just minutes away. This has been our go to vacation spot for 45 years. There is nothing like it.
7. Plum Cove Beach
8. Dogtown Common
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
This Gloucester trail runs through quarries and woods.
Reviewed By Luv2TravelWN
A very interesting area to go hiking. Many trails and all types of large granite rocks strewn everywhere. There are a large number of them which have had stone cutters engrave savings into that make for a fun hike. The trails are long and could be confusing so make sure to get a map ahead of time to make the hike more enjoyable. Worth a visit and plan on a few hours to full enjoy it.
9. Stage Fort Park and Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
This small park overlooking Gloucester harbor marks the spot where the area was first settled in the early 1600s.
Reviewed By Louetta - Georgetown, United States
Stage Fort is really nice. It is right on the ocean and there is a large grassy area, a couple of small beaches, places to cook out, a big snack bar and a long concourse along the beach that you can even walk into town (about a mile). Nice views, right on the ocean. People come in groups and stay for the day. Great for families, you can cook, kids can play on the grass or in the water. There is also a ball field over near the road. I tend to spend my time in the area up past the rest rooms up the hill where there is a smallish beach and plenty of areas to lie out on the rocks above the beach or amongst the trees. All sorts of stuff goes on in this relatively secluded area. I enjoy taking my top off and though I wouldn't on crowded weekends girls do but you might be bothered or photographed. Best wait for weekdays. Parking is kind of expensive. I've heard 15 and I've heard 20. I bicycle so I don't know. Bring your fluids and food if you want. They have full dinners at the snack bar, clams and stuff but a quart of clams is well over $10 plus fries and drinks. It's a stiff walk but there is a well kept concrete walkway all along the edge of the water over the bridge (which opens for boats) and up into town. They have very nice sit down restaurants but you're talking about a mile and a half.
