The Official Blog of Beauport Hotel Gloucester

As the leaves begin to fall and the beach days dwindle here on Cape Ann, there are still plenty of activities to do, and sites to see, as we remain seaside this autumn. Check out our bucket list of things to do on, and around, Cape Ann this fall!

Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets are the best way to get an idea of the seasonal, local culture, and a taste of the bites and brews here on Cape Ann. Lucky for us, there are multiple Farmers Markets in our neighborhood. Be sure to check out the Cape Ann Farmers Market at Stage Fort Park on Thursdays 3:00pm-6:30pm until October 10th (walking distance), and the Rockport Farmers Market on Saturdays 9:00am-1:00pm until October 19th! As the harvest arrives on Cape Ann, popular autumn crops include: apples, squash, turnips, pears, sweet potatoes, beets, sunflowers, pumpkins along with those mouth-watering apple and pumpkin baked goods.

Hammond Castle
If you’re looking to get into the spirit of Halloween here on Cape Ann, Hammond Castle’s “Halls of Darkness” tour is a must-do activity. Visit Hammond Castle on Friday or Saturday nights during the month of October for a spooky experience that turns the historic Hammond Castle into a haunted house like no other. The seaside estate is a must-see on it’s own, but this season guests will be able to explore what brings nightmares come to life. According to their site, Hammond’s favorite time of year was undoubtedly October.
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Hammond Castle, Photo: Fine Art America 

Cape Ann Plein Air
A unique and beautiful festival here on Cape Ann during the fall is the Cape Ann Plein Air painting competition and festival. This year’s festival takes place October 6th - October 14th throughout our very own picturesque seaside towns and communities. For those who are new to the plein air painting scene, Cape Ann Plein Air is a nationally recognized arts organization that brings some of the best artists in the nation to Cape Ann for a competition that focuses on open-air paintings of the beautiful, natural landscapes in our area. The idea of plein air painting began in France, but was brought to Cape Ann in the early 1800s because of our beautiful, rugged, natural landscapes and sweeping ocean views.  For a complete list of events check out capeannpleinair.com.

Cape Ann Plein Air, Photo: Northshore Magazine 

Stage Fort Park
Walking distance from our hotel is the beautiful Stage Fort Park. Although many locals know it as a beautiful summer destination with beaches, volleyball courts, picnic areas and incredible views, it can be just as beautiful in the fall. Take advantage of this local stroll as the leaves begin to change to the warm yellows, reds and oranges that travelers flock to New England to see every autumn. Be sure to check out the foliage along the scenic, seaside trails and feel the cool ocean breeze, first hand at Stage Fort Park. 

Salem, MA
All aboard to the Witch City. Just a short ride away via the easily accessible Commuter Rail lies Salem, Massachusetts. If you haven’t been to Salem during the haunted season of Halloween, you’ll be amazed at what this historic New England town has to offer. From the Salem Witch Museum to Halloween-themed cruises, ghost tours, horror festivals, fireworks, pumpkin decorating, crazy costumes, and their entire Haunted Happenings Festival with events occurring daily throughout the month of October, you’ll surely find something spooky to accommodate your likings this fall in Salem.

Connors Farm
Break out your coziest sweater to experience the best of fall in New England, all in one day, as you take a drive off of Cape Ann to Connors Farm. A less-spooky fall activity, located only about 25 minutes from our hotel, is the largest corn maze you’ll ever encounter in Danvers, Massachusetts. The “Fun On The Farm” 7 acre corn maze will have you mesmerized amongst apple picking, barnyard animals, campfires, corn hole, pumpkin picking, hayrides, zombie paintball and much more. 

Russell Orchards
For the complete apple picking experience, take the more scenic route to Russell Orchards in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Russell Orchards is a family owned and operated 120 acre fruit farm located just about 20 minutes from our location here at Beauport Hotel. Along the way you’ll see ocean views, marshland, our small neighboring towns and plenty of foliage. With Honeycrisp, Gingergold, Gala, McIntosh and Cortland apples open for picking, along with fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs in their on-site store, Russells might be the perfect autumn day-trip to take advantage of upon your stay. 

Russel Orchards, Photo: Hillary Furrow 

Autumn on Cape Ann Room Package at Beauport Hotel 
From scenic hiking trails to apple picking farms and so much more, Cape Ann has everything you need to experience a perfect New England getaway during Autumn. Guests who book this seasonal special offer will receive:
     - $25 off our best available midweek rates for stays through November 21.
     - 15% off voucher to 1606 Restaurant each night of stay. 
     - A fall-themed welcome amenity upon check-in.
In addition, our hotel's shuttle and convenient location near the MBTA Commuter Rail makes it simple for those looking to experience  the surrounding area.

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​Champy was founded by Boston-based entrepreneur and two-time Emmy Award winner, Jenny Johnson. A longtime lover of bubbly, Johnson “enjoys the celebratory spirit found in sparkling wine and believes a glass can spontaneously transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.”

This extraordinary experience aboard Beauport Cruiselines will not only include the featured Champy Champagne, but will also include a Champy Bubbly Deck, a live jazz performance by C-Zone Entertainment, music by DJ Scottie Mac, a delicious brunch buffet, stunning views of Gloucester Harbor and, last but certainly not least, a trunk show by the upcoming performance and athleisure brand, Fierce and Regal.

Founded by Margi Gad and Kassia Davis, Fierce and Regal has a mission “to create a sophisticated and bold athletic wear for every day, every occasion, and for every woman.” The brand is passionate about “creating clothing that allows women to feel like they can take on the world audaciously, while seamlessly dressing in confidence all day long.”
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A brunch buffet; soft, lush and creamy champagne with hints of citrus; live music and a shopping experience all while taking in the beautiful sites of Gloucester Harbor on a relaxing Sunday in mid-September. What are you waiting for? Raise a glass and join Beauport Cruiselines!

Photo Curtesy of Champy (http://www.bechampy.com)

Tickets and Details:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/champy-jazz-brunch-cruise-tickets-69915098943

https://www.fierceandregal.com

http://www.bechampy.com

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What better way to tour the historic city of Gloucester, home to some of New England's most breathtaking ocean and harbor views, than by pedaling through the salty, fresh air as the waves crash beside you, on one of Beauport Hotel’s beach cruiser bicycles. The picture-perfect, beach cruiser bicycles are complimentary to guests of the hotel, as they are the ideal vehicle to use to adventure and explore the beautiful area of Cape Ann and the city of Gloucester.

The charming bicycles are perfect for a short ride to Stage Fort Park or downtown Gloucester, or for the more adventurous, they’re also great for a longer ride out to downtown Rockport or to and from the stunning white-sand beaches of the city. With helmets, locks, bicycle baskets, and bells included, the beach cruising bicycle experience offered by Beauport is one you won’t want to miss. Make sure to throw a towel, some sunscreen, and a camera, especially for sunset, into your basket while pedaling through our favorite day long route that starts and ends right here at the Beauport Hotel.

Day Trip Around Gloucester

Beauport Hotel Gloucester to Stage Fort Park - 9 mins - 1 mile
​Stage Fort Park is home to the first settlers of Gloucester who date back to 1623 when they first decided to set up fishing “stages” on land. Today the park is renowned for its two popular beaches, Half Moon and Cressy’s beach, along with it’s volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, baseball park, picnic areas, and remarkable ocean views.

Stage Fort Park to Main St. and Downtown Gloucester - 10 mins - 1.4 miles
After pedaling along the boulevard, ride your bicycle up to Gloucester’s quaint yet bustling downtown area. Here you’ll be able to explore Gloucester’s boutique shops and restaurants. You may want to lock up your bicycle to explore some of these local small businesses by foot.
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Downtown Gloucester to Seaport Grille - 4 mins - 0.5 miles
Stop by one of Beauport Hospitality Group’s other properties, Seaport Grille, for lunch to enjoy a fun, casual atmosphere with fresh, local seafood, prime steaks, pasta dishes, and seasonal cocktails while surrounded by harbor-view scenery and landmarks from The Perfect Storm.

Seaport Grille to Good Harbor Beach - 10 mins - 1.7 miles
Stopping by Good Harbor Beach is a must while pedaling through town. As the premier spot for local and traveling beach goers in the summer, you’ll be glad you pedaled your way there when you see the full parking lot. Easily park your bike and explore the sands, dunes, marshes, the iconic wooden bridge and the perfect swimming conditions before riding up to Gloucester’s stunning backshore.

Good Harbor Beach to Atlantic Road, Gloucester Backshore and Niles Beach - 17 mins - 2.9 miles
Nothing compares to steering along the windy, oceanfront Atlantic Road. You’ll likely smell and feel the salt air brushing past you as you continue to pedal past some of the most breathtaking ocean views and real estate Gloucester has to offer. At the end of Atlantic Road stop at Niles Beach for a breather after this longer ride. The sunset is incredible here and on a clear day, you’ll even be able to see the Boston skyline below the warm, watercolor painted sky.

Niles Beach/Eastern Point to Rocky Neck - 5 mins - 0.9 miles
As one of the “oldest continuously operating art colonies in the United States,” the Rocky Neck Art Colony is another stop where you might want to park your bike so you can travel through the colorful neighborhood by foot. Filled with local art galleries, restaurants, shops and other businesses, Rocky Neck is a beautiful part of Gloucester to browse, walk around and maybe even grab a cocktail just before dusk.

Rocky Neck to Beauport Hotel Gloucester - 15 mins - 2.7 miles
​Of course you’ll have to pedal back to Beauport Hotel before the day comes to an end. Rest your legs in the rooftop hot tub and relax in the, also complementary, plush, white bathrobes and slippers. Your bike will surely need a rest and so will you!

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