In our quest to stay off the beaten path, we chose Cape Ann Massachusetts over Cape Cod as our weekend getaway. Cape Ann is a rocky peninsula off the Atlantic Ocean, about 30 miles from Boston Massachusetts. It consists of the towns of Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Gloucester.
There are a dozen of things to do in Boston, but we were looking for an out of the ordinary way to spend the Saturday, so we set off for Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, an old forgotten quarry by the ocean. The Babson Quarry, as it was then called is now filled with natural underwater springs. Its water is a clear hue of blue and it stood still except for the occasional ripple made by the seagulls flying over it. We met an artist painting by the quarry...well, he was painting and singing. His voice carried far and wide across the glinting granite. That made me wonder if the best things in life are free.
Further down, was the rocky shore of the Atlantic Ocean where fathers and sons bonded over cans of worms and slimy fish. Tidal pools housing snails and crabs dotted the rocks overlooking the ocean much to the delight of the kids who had come equipped with fishing nets. The rocky shoreline, the crashing waves and the fresh air make the park ideal for picnicking.
The park had an innovative system for waste management and energy preservation. The visitors' center was steeped in information on geology, plant life and energy conservation that can prove to be very educational for children and adults alike. The details of the place can be accessed at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/halb.htm
We were ravenous by now and in less than a mile found an authentic sea-food outlet called The Lobster Pool which provided us with a grand view of the Ipswich Bay. I gathered from the locals that this place was famous for their lobster rolls and now I know why. I ordered one with some home-style French fries. It came in a straight-from-the-oven bread roll filled with succulent lobster meat and a very light sauce whose ingredients are a well kept secret. We topped off the meal with the dessert of the day and were rewarded with the most decadent shortcake ever, covered with fresh blueberries. No wonder the place is a favorite with the locals. The directions and reviews of this restaurant can be accessed at http://www.lobsterpoolrestaurant.com/main/index.php Stepping out, we breathed in the salty air for one last time and set off towards home.
by Esha Samajpati
I came upon your site while clicking entrecards and saw the lighthouse for New England. I'm a transplant from Boston to Tampa Bay and there are some things that I really miss from back home. This area is a big one! This is probably one of the most beautiful, and yet rustic, seaport areas in all of New England. I especially enjoyed going to Cape Ann and Rockport in the winter to enjoy the breakers on the ocean. Thanks for the reminders!
Dave