Want to see the five lighthouses of Cape Ann from the water and help support the Thacher Island Association?

On Friday, July 30th the association will be having its Annual Lighthouses of Cape Ann Cruise, leaving at 6:00 p.m. from Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester aboard the Hurricane II.

Jeremy D’Entremont, lighthouse expert and author, will narrate the sunset cruise around Cape Ann to see the following five lighthouses. This is your chance to see the following lighthouses:

• Thacher Island’s Twin Lighthouses
• Annisquam Light
• Ten Pound Island Light
• Eastern Point Light.

Proceeds from the cruise benefit the Thacher Island Association, which is raising money for a new boat to bring visitors to and from the island.

Cash bar, sandwiches and snacks available or bring your own. (Note: No liquor may be brought on board)

The boat leaves promptly at 6:00 pm from the Cape Ann Whale Watch docks on Main St.in Gloucester.
and returns at 9:00 pm.

Cost: Donation is $30.00 per person.

Reservations: For reservations and more information, call 978-546-7697.

Related posts:

1. Cape Ann Winter Birding Weekend, Friday-Sunday, Gloucester, February 5th to 7th When: Friday though Sunday, February 5th to 7th Where: The...
2. Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting, Free Class, Cape Ann Business Incubator, Gloucester, Wednesday, July 28th When: Wednesday, July 28th 2010, from 11:30 am. to 1:00...
3. North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Annual Summer Celebration 2010, Cape Ann Marina, Gloucester, Wednesday, June 16th When: Wednesday, June 16th, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm...

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When

On Saturday, July 24th, you can take a free, one-hour quarry tour at Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The park which is another coastal gem on Massachusetts’s North Shore is an easy ride from the Newburyport area. If you haven’t been there, it is well worth exploring.

The tour includes a film, granite-splitting demonstration, and a tour of the Babson Farm Quarry.

Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now descend from rocky headland to the tidal pools below.

As a result of the shallow soil, constant exposure to onshore winds, and a history of frequent fires, the vegetation includes few trees. Catbriar, bayberry, blueberry, arrowwood, shadbush, and an assortment of wildflowers grow among the ledges.

Each winter, many species of seabirds, including loons, grebes, ducks and an occasional puffin, feed in the rich offshore waters.

Beginning in the 1840s, granite was quarried from this area, first on a small scale and primarily along the coast, and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm quarry and expanded its operation.

Shortly after the Cape Ann granite industry collapsed in 1929, 17 acres on the eastern side of the quarry were purchased and given to the Trustees of Reservations. The remainder of the area sat unused until late in World War II when a fire control tower (now the park’s Visitors Center) was constructed to provide aiming information for the massive coastal defense guns that guarded Boston and Portsmouth Harbors.

Halibut Point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

All programs at the park are free and open to the public.
The daily parking fee is $2.00 per vehicle.
Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

For more information, please call the park at (978) 546-2997.

Related posts:

1. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 10th When: Saturday, July 10th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
2. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, June 12th, 10:00 am When: Saturday, June 12th, from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm...
3. Exploring Tidepools, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Friday, July 16th When: Monday, July 16th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...

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When

Halibut Point State Parkon Cape Ann, Massachusetts, is another coastal gem that can be found on Massachusetts’s North Shore and an easy ride from Newburyport. If you haven’t been there, it is well worth exploring.

On Friday, July 16th, the park interpreter will be leading/coordinating the exploration of the Halibut Point’s rocky intertidal zone and tide pools. The free one hour program starts at 10:00 am.

Halibut Point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

All programs at the park are free and open to the public.

Parking: The daily parking fee is $2.00 per vehicle.

For more information, please call the park at (978) 546-2997.

Related posts:

1. Exploring Tidepools, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Monday, June 7th, 2:00 pm When: Monday, June 7th, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm...
2. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 10th When: Saturday, July 10th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
3. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 24th When: Saturday, July 24th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...

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When

On Saturday, July 10th, you can take a free, one-hour quarry tour at Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The park which is another coastal gem on Massachusetts’s North Shore is an easy ride from the Newburyport area. If you haven’t been there, it is well worth exploring.

The tour includes a film, granite-splitting demonstration, and a tour of the Babson Farm Quarry.

Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now descend from rocky headland to the tidal pools below.

As a result of the shallow soil, constant exposure to onshore winds, and a history of frequent fires, the vegetation includes few trees. Catbriar, bayberry, blueberry, arrowwood, shadbush, and an assortment of wildflowers grow among the ledges.

Each winter, many species of seabirds, including loons, grebes, ducks and an occasional puffin, feed in the rich offshore waters.

Beginning in the 1840s, granite was quarried from this area, first on a small scale and primarily along the coast, and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm quarry and expanded its operation.

Shortly after the Cape Ann granite industry collapsed in 1929, 17 acres on the eastern side of the quarry were purchased and given to the Trustees of Reservations. The remainder of the area sat unused until late in World War II when a fire control tower (now the park’s Visitors Center) was constructed to provide aiming information for the massive coastal defense guns that guarded Boston and Portsmouth Harbors.

Halibut Point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

All programs at the park are free and open to the public.
The daily parking fee is $2.00 per vehicle.
Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

For more information, please call the park at (978) 546-2997.

Related posts:

1. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 24th When: Saturday, July 24th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
2. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, June 12th, 10:00 am When: Saturday, June 12th, from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm...
3. Exploring Tidepools, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Friday, July 16th When: Monday, July 16th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...

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If you want to broaden your birding horizons outside of Newburyport and explore a beautiful state park on the North Shore, join the Brooklinline Bird Club and the Trustees of Reservations, for a two hour walk at Halibut State Park, Rockport on Cape Ann on Sunday, June 20th.

Join them for a two-hour birding walk over easy to moderate trails in search of seasonal specialties. Beginners to birding are encouraged!
Boots are advisable!

Directions:
From Route 128 (Exit 9), take Route 127 north (Eastern Avenue) toward Rockport, 3 mi. At 5-way intersection, turn left onto Railroad Avenue (remains Route 127) and follow for 2.4 mi. Turn right onto Gott Avenue. The entrance is opposite the state park’s parking lot.

Meeting Place: Meet at the Park’s parking lot. 8:00 am.

For more information, call Peter Van Demark at (978)546-2402.

Related posts:

1. Birding in Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Brookline Bird Club, Sunday, March 21st When: Sunday, March 21st, 8:00 am Where: Meet at the...
2. Exploring Tidepools, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Monday, June 7th, 2:00 pm When: Monday, June 7th, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm...
3. Exploring Tidepools, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Friday, July 16th When: Monday, July 16th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...

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When

Halibut Point State Park on Cape Ann, Massachusetts, is another coastal gem that can be found on Massachusett’s North Shore and an easy ride from Newburyport. If you haven’t been there, it is well worth exploring.

On Monday, June 7th, the park interpreter will be leading/coordinating the exploration of the Halibut Point’s rocky intertidal zone and tide pools. The free one hour program starts at 2:00 pm.

Halibut Point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

All programs at the park are free and open to the public.
The daily parking fee is $2.00 per vehicle.
Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

For more information,  please call the park at (978) 546-2997.

Related posts:

1. Exploring Tidepools, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Friday, July 16th When: Monday, July 16th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
2. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 10th When: Saturday, July 10th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
3. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, June 12th, 10:00 am When: Saturday, June 12th, from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm...

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Join Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center exploring Cape Ann to find sea ducks, loons, grebes, and gulls on Sunday, February 21st.

If you’re lucky you may also see harlequin ducks and perhaps a king eider.

Fee: $22. Pre-registration is required.

Location: Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA.

Preregistration: Preregister by calling 978-462-9998 or drop in.

Where To Meet: Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA.

About Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center

Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, located at One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport, is a natural history education and visitor center that is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and Monday holidays, 8:30 to 4:00 pm.

Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center website.

Related posts:

1. Focus On Merrimack River Birds, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, Sunday, January 17th When: Sunday, January 17th, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm...
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When

Cape Ann Winter Birding Weekend

For birders, the North Shore of Massachusetts is an excellent year round birding location.

The Cape Ann region of the North Shore is known to birdwatchers worldwide for its exciting concentrations of winter seabirds.

Loons, grebes, gannets, sea ducks, alcids, and gulls gather in impressive concentrations and variety, and a careful exploration of the area’s gorgeous coastal geography is quite likely to turn up such winter bird specialties as the Cape Ann Winter Birding Weekend’s logo bird, the Harlequin Duck.

If you want to enjoy a winter weekend of birding in the Cape Ann region of Massachusetts, make plans to attend the Cape Ann Winter Birding Weekend.

Working with the Mass Audubon Society, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has a weekend filled with opportunity for bird lovers of all skill levels to join expert guides on a tour of Cape Ann’s birding hot spots- including a sea trip on the 7 Seas Whale Watch boat the Privateer IV (weather permitting!

Sixty-five different species of birds were observed during the 2009 Cape Ann Winter Birding Weekend. Twenty-six were spotted right from the window of the Elks!

The Sunday morning boat trip was filled with excitement and five species of alcids were seen during the trip.

Related posts:

1. Cape Ann Birding, Brookline Bird Club, Gloucester and Rockport, Sunday, March 7th When: Sunday, March 7th, 9:00 am (All Day) Where: Meet...
2. Annual Lighthouses Of Cape Ann Cruise, Gloucester, Friday, July 30th When: Friday, July 30th 2010, leaving at 6:00 pm and...
3. Wednesday Morning Birding On Cape Ann, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, February 17th When: Wednesday, February 17th, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm...

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When: Saturday, October 24th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Where: Memorial Park, Route 22, Essex, MA (Behind the Essex Firehouse)

This is an event for all of you clam chowder lovers!

The Essex Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual Essex ClamFest from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Memorial Park in Essex.

The highlight of the day is the Clam Chowder Tasting contest, featuring chowders from restaurants on Cape Ann and the North Shore.

Directions:

From Ipswich. Take Route 133 east into Essex. At the Village Restaurant, turn right onto Martin Street (Rt. 22). The Clamfest takes place in Memorial Park, behind the Essex Firehouse.

Related posts:

1. Introduction to Birdwatching, Northern Essex Community College,Veasey Park, Groveland, Saturday, October 3rd When: Saturday, October 3rd, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm...
2. 1st Annual Salty Dog Day, Essex Shipbuilding Museum, Essex, Saturday, September 19th When: Saturday, September 19th,  from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Where: Shipyard, Essex...
3. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 24th When: Saturday, July 24th 2010, from 10:00 am to 11:00...

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Ryan & Wood Distillery, makers of Beauport Vodka, Folly Cove Rum and Knockabout Gin, is now open for tours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m..

If you would like to see how fine hand-crafted spirits are made, take a tour of this small batch, quality distillery.

Location:

The Ryan & Wood Distillery is located at 5 Great Republic Drive in Gloucester.

Related posts:

1. North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Annual Summer Celebration 2010, Cape Ann Marina, Gloucester, Wednesday, June 16th When: Wednesday, June 16th, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm...
2. Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting, Free Class, Cape Ann Business Incubator, Gloucester, Wednesday, July 28th When: Wednesday, July 28th 2010, from 11:30 am. to 1:00...
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