Edition #27, 20 October 2008

Hello, my name is Cynthia, a mermaid from the cool waters of New England. I would like to thank you for visiting my collection of articles. Please bookmark my site and return often.

Look for other articles in this series on the home page.

Come summer, the beach is the place to be. Good Harbor Beach is located on Thatcher Road, Route 127A. This beach features white sand, concession stand, showers, and rest rooms. Parking is $20 per car during the week, and $25 on weekends and holidays.

Wingaersheek Beach is located on Atlantic Street along the Annisquam River and Ipswitch Bay in the western part of Gloucester. The beach features a concesssion stand, showers, and rest rooms. Parking fees are the same as they were for Good Harbor Beach. Both beaches have a carry-in/carry-out policy. Take your trash with you, leaving only your footprints behind.

Stage Fort Park is home to Half Moon Beach and Cressy's Beach. Half Moon is a small beach that is perfect for families with children. Cressy's Beach is a more natural rocky beach. Be sure to step carefully. The park features an information center, rest rooms, and a playground. There is also a restaurant nearby if you should start to get hungry.

Make a point to visit Gloucester's downtown area where you will find many fine shops, galleries, and restaurants. Enjoy the brick sidewalks, old fashioned street lights, and flower beds. Did you bring your camera?

Captain Carlo's located at 27-29 Harbor Loop offers the very best seafood in a casual atmosphere. Start your meal with the excellent clam chowder. Then, choose the lobster, clams, haddock, swordfish, salmon, shrimp, scallops, or calamari. Captain Carlo's also offers steaks, prime rib, chicken, burgers, pasta, and salads. A children's menu is available as well.

Located at 2 Main Street, Elliott's at the Blackburn features new American cuisine in a relaxed setting. The menu includes sandwiches, burgers, pasta, seafood, poultry, beef, and veal. A children's menu is available upon request. Live music is featured on Fridays, Saturdays, and during Sunday brunch.

Keep an eye on the harbor from the Harbormaster's office with the Inner Harbor & East Gloucester webcam. The daily movie shows the activity for an entire day in just 12 seconds.

Seasonal camping is available at the Cape Ann Campsite, located at 80 Atlantic Street near beautiful Wingaersheek Beach.

Learn more about Gloucester at www.gloucesterma.com and www.ci.gloucester.ma.us. If you should see me in the water, be sure to wave!

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