This drive follows the southern New England coast. A week of whale-watching, maritime museums and sailboats will leave you feeling pleasantly waterlogged.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
6ā8 DAYS
240 miles / 386km
GREAT FORā¦
BEST TIME TO GO
Sites are open and weather is fine from May to September.
ESSENTIAL PHOTO
Pose for a snap alongside Man at the Wheel.
BEST TWO DAYS
The first 35 miles (stops one to four) showcase coastal New England, past and present.
From a pirateās perspective, there was no better base in Colonial America than Newport, given the easy access to trade routes and friendly local merchants. Until 1723, that is, when the new governor ceremoniously hanged 26 sea bandits at Gravelly Point. This classic trip highlights the regionās intrinsic connection to the sea, from upstart pirates to upper-crust merchants, from Gloucester fisherfolk to New Bedford whalers, from clipper ships to submarines.
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1 Gloucester
Founded in 1623 by English fisherfolk, Gloucester is among New Englandās oldest towns. This port on Cape Ann has made its living from fishing for almost 400 years, and has inspired works like Rudyard Kiplingās Captains Courageous and Sebastian Jungerās The Perfect Storm. Visit the Maritime Gloucester museum(
10am-5pm late May-early Oct, closed Tue-Thu mid-OctāMay;
) to see the working waterfront in action. There is plenty of hands-on educational fun, including an outdoor aquarium and the excellent Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (www.stellwagen.noaa.gov). Capt Bill & Sons Whale Watch(
Donāt leave before you pay your respects at the Gloucester Fishermenās Memorial, where Leonard Craskeās famous statue Man at the Wheel stands.
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The Drive Ā» Head out of town on Western Ave (MA 127), cruising past Man at the Wheel and Stage Fort Park. This road follows the coastline south through swanky seaside towns like Manchester-by-the-Sea and Beverly Farms, with glimpses of the bay. After about 14 miles, cross Essex Bridge and continue south into Salem. For a quicker trip, take MA 128 S to MA 114.
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6 Around Cape Ann
Head north from Gloucester for more quaint coastal...
