The Mighty Voyager

Fun Ideas

Until  I find a better format for sharing fun ideas, on this page you find a growing list of links for recreational opportunities around Cape Ann, the North Shore, New England, and even in your own home. If you have any links to suggest, send them to me. You can also search for ideas using the the search box on this site. Now get off your couch and go live!

WATCH THE FULL MOON RISE OVER THE OCEAN (added 2/1/12)

Sounds so simple doesn’t it? Then why have so many people never seen the moon rise over the ocean? If you don’t live near an ocean, watch it over a lake, or a flat field, or from a high up, where you can see it rise over any horizon. Here is a simple moon calendar for you. Just plug in the city closest to you. You don’t have to wait for the moon to be full, go on the days just before or after the full moon, all you need is a reasonably clear sky. Click here for the moon calendar.

On Cape Ann, you can watch it from Good Harbor Beach, Rockport on the breakwater, or really just about any unobstructed East-facing point.

TAKE A HIKE (added 2/2/12)

The Cape Ann/North Shore area has tons of places to take easy to moderate hikes or walks. Here is one of my favorites:

Ravenswood, Gloucester: All year round, sunrise to sunset. Not sure why I like this place as much as I do, I just do. Several different trails over 600 acres with some hills. Nothing too strenuous unless you choose to go off-path and go up the steeper ones. One hill gives you a nice view of Gloucester harbor towards the Eastern Point lighthouse. At certain times of the year you can hear what sounds like hundreds of bullfrogs making noise by a small pond. Entrance to park starts at the Cape Ann Disccovery Center on Rte 127. The center offers year round events so check out their calendar. Will add a link later. In late spring, summer or early fall, make sure to spray your clothes with bug spray and check yourself for those nasty ticks.

BOSTON DAY TRIPS (added February 1, 2012)       Scroll down for more fun ideas closer to Cape Ann

The Fenway Park Experience: A tour of Fenway Park, a beer at the Cask and Flagon and lunch in Kenmore Square or Back Bay. If in season, try to see a game of course!

Stop # 1 Tour of Fenway Park, even in the winter. I recently took one, and learned about the history of Fenway, and  got to see the areas most people never see including the Press Box, and the view from atop the Green Monster. It was nice being in there without crowds and lines. It also happened to be a beautiful winter day. Click on the pics below to make them larger. Tour tickets are $12 a piece but might be higher in season. For more tour info click here.  Click on the pics to make them larger

Don’t forget to bring your cameras! The tour takes about 50 minutes.

Stop # 2  Beer at a sports bar. All year. The Cask and Flagon is arguably the sports bar that is most associated with Fenway Park, partly because it is right next to it, and partly because it just screams “sports bar”. It is not just about baseball, they celebrate all the New England teams. Don’t go in there expecting a fine dining experience, just go in for pub food and a beer. This place can be packed with either game ticket holders or college students, so visiting during off hours might be better for those who actually want to hear themselves think and enjoy the surroundings. For more info on the Cask and Flagon, click here.

After your beer, if you did not eat at the Cask and Flagon, I would suggest lunch or dinner at any of the many restaurants near Fenway Park. You could Yelp it so see what’s around, but on my last visit, I ate lunch at Sonsie which is on Newbury Street, so it’s not right next to the park. It is not a sports bar, it is somewhat upscale especially if you are part of the evening crowd, but it is more casual during the day. I estimate it is a ten minute walk. They have awesome pizza at reasonable prices and if you are there on a warm day, you might get to sit at sidewalk table and do some people watching. Click here for more info on Sonsie.

BIKING CLUBS AND BIKE ROUTES

North Shore Cyclists Club  http://www.nscyc.org/

Essex County Velo Club  http://ecvcycling.org/

Coastal Bike Routes (one easy one; one moderate one); http://www.mass.gov/czm/coastlines/2007/recreation/biking.htm

Cape Ann Tour Route (30 or 50 mile option): http://www.pedaling.com/search-rides/ride-details.php?RouteID=96

BOATING/SAILING OVERNIGHT

Blue Mermaid Sailing Charter (aboard a yacht) http://www.bluemermaidsailing.com/index.html This yacht gets the Mighty Voyager stamp of approval. Yes, it is not cheap, but for a once in a life time experience, sometimes you have to go for it.

Defiance Sail Charters, Gloucester, MAhttp://www.defiancesailcharters.com/ Never been on it, but it looks great.

Kayman Charters, Gloucester, MA  http://www.kaymancharters.com/index.htm. For the more rugged and ready to fish! (I have not been yet).

FARMS-PICK YOUR OWN

For all Eastern Mass: http://www.pickyourown.org/massbluerasp.htm

I will be adding more to this list…