Top 10 Bucket List

June 03, 2019 / Art and Music, Good to Know, History/Maritime, Things to Do & See

Coming up with a Top Ten List isn’t easy. Gloucester has so much to offer and attracts a myriad of visitors—one can understand the challenge…we did our best!

1. Man at the Wheel Statue
The statue, also known as the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial, presides over Stacy Boulevard, at the edge of Gloucester Harbor. Sculpted by artist Leonard Craske and modeled after a local fisherman, the monument was completed in 1925 in honor of Gloucester’s 300th anniversary. It has become the symbol of the city and a place to remember the 5000+ men lost at sea during the city’s long history. Their names are recorded on memorial plaques surrounding the statue.

2. Fresh Seafood
Our restaurants serve fresh seafood daily. Just off the boat fresh, in fact. If you’re lucky, you might even see the fishing boat that landed your dinner coming into the harbor. The ocean’s bounty is spectacular and tasty.

3. Award-winning Beaches
Lovely Good Harbor, Cressy’s, Half Moon, Pavilion, and Wingaersheek beaches are our favorites. Surf and paddleboard, find sand dollars and crabs, walk a ¾ mile sandbar at low tide at Wingaersheek, frolic in the waves at Good Harbor, search for sea glass at Pavilion, or catch some shade under the trees at Half Moon in Stage Fort Park.

4. Whale Watching
Each year whales migrate to feeding grounds just off Gloucester’s coastline, allowing you to see the world’s largest creatures up close in their natural environment. Scientists name them based on the distinctive markings on their tail flukes.

5.  Shopping on Main Street
Gloucester’s charming Main Street features some of your favorite recognized brands, along with many unique, locally made items handcrafted by resident artists. Offering antiques, art, books, jewelry, toys, clothing, shoes, home goods and souvenirs —perfect for that one of a kind gift to take home. Food lovers
will also delight in the offerings on Main Street from unique olive oils to fresh pasta, chocolate and cheese, to homemade Italian bread—not to mention many dining gems. There’s something for everyone on Main Street.

6. Rocky Neck Art Colony
America’s oldest continually operating art colony (since 1850), Gloucester has played a vital role in America’s art history. Artists such as Fitz Henry Lane, Winslow Homer, John Sloan, Stuart Davis, and Edward Hopper have all captured the light of Gloucester, as our many artists do to this day.

7. Schooners
Gloucester is home to many fine sailing vessels, the most iconic of which is Adventure. Built in 1926 in neighboring Essex, she is an exceptionally fast and able vessel. Retired from fishing in 1953, she was converted into a windjammer, cruising the coast of Maine until 1988 when she was donated to the city. Adventure is a symbol of Gloucester’s maritime heritage, and she is again proudly sailing from her home port, along with the schooners Ardelleand Thomas E. Lannon.

8. Maritime History
Nearly 400 years of history and innovation are written in the streets and buildings of town. Wander the downtown Harborwalk or visit Maritime Gloucester to learn more about our past and present as one of America’s most important fishing towns. Walk along the harbor to view working vessels and pleasure craft. Or get on the water, in your own vessel, on a public sail or a chartered trip. Being a mariner in Gloucester allows you to view our city and coastline from a new perspective

9. Stage Fort Park
Site of the landing of the first settlers in 1623. Gloucester became the second permanent settlement of the early Puritans in the New World, preceded by Plymouth in 1620. Enjoy the park, beaches and playground and spectacular views of the harbor and beyond. Stop in the Visitors Welcome Center for maps, brochures and guides to assist your adventures!

10. Mother Nature
Explore acres of untouched natural land all around us. Check out Dogtown where trails lead you to boulders inscribed with inspiring words. Hike Ravenswood Park, home to miles of beautiful trails and 600 acres of woodland and swamp areas. There’s Thompson Street Reservation, Halibut Point State Park and don’t miss the Sunset Mountain trail with its stunning views over Cape Ann!