We just received a fantastic, detailed “New England travel tips article” from Ariane Doud, of Matter Communications, writing about family-fun activities and attractions in the wonderful, small North Shore coastal city of Gloucester, Mass. Thanks, Ariane, for this great info, which we are confident will be quite valuable to those looking for family things to do during February vacation. Without further ado, here’s Arianne’s Gloucester “Winter Break” travel article with many low-cost travel ideas:<\/p>\n
In less than 2 weeks,\u00a0February 21-25, kids are out of school for a week and parents are challenged with planning a vacation that\u2019s\u00a0fun for the whole family, yet fits in the household budget. If a tropical vacation just isn\u2019t in the cards this year, I invite your readers to explore \u201cthe Other Cape\u201d \u2013 Gloucester, Massachusetts — an affordable destination for\u00a0New England families.\u00a0Gloucester, the heart of Cape Ann, is easy to get to with less time in traffic (and more affordable prices) than that other Cape to the South.<\/strong><\/p>\n Gloucester, the nation\u2019s most authentic seaport, has plenty of activities for kids:<\/p>\n Lodging:<\/p>\n 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cape Ann Marina Resort<\/a> provides an\u00a0affordable, well-tended getaway spot<\/strong> right on the\u00a0Annisquam River, with easy access to downtown Gloucester. Spend time relaxing at the hotel\u2019s indoor, glass enclosed year-round chlorine-free pool and Jacuzzi. Enjoy a relaxing treatment from the\u00a0Spa<\/a> menu or participate in a Wellness Class including Yoga and Pilates!<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Want a more home-like setting? Try one of Gloucester\u2019s\u00a0bed & breakfasts, many set in historic homes, with\u00a0low winter rates<\/strong>. Two of the best:\u00a0Julietta House<\/a> and\u00a0Harborview Inn<\/a>,<\/p>\n –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Kick back with a book.\u00a0The Bookstore of Gloucester<\/strong> (on\u00a0Main Street) specializes in children\u2019s books about brave fishermen, friendly whales, wily pirates and other tales of the deep blue sea.\u00a0\u00a0Dogtown Books<\/strong> (also on Main Street) is a treasure trove of rare and gently used books on every subject under the sun, with a children\u2019s nook filled with old and new favorites.<\/p>\n –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In an active mood? Enjoy\u00a0snowshoeing, sledding, cross country skiing or hiking<\/strong> in one of Gloucester\u2019s beautiful parks, including\u00a0Stage Fort Park<\/a>, or along well-marked trails in Ravenswood<\/a> or historic\u00a0Dogtown Common<\/a>.<\/p>\n –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cold and gloomy day? No problem. At\u00a0Glazed! Pottery Studio<\/a>, kids can\u00a0paint their own pottery<\/strong> \u2013 lighthouses, whales, seashells or the famous Gloucester \u201cman at the wheel\u201d \u2013 and take them home for a souvenir of their trip to Gloucester. Pieces sell for as low as $5. Or, drop in for a\u00a0Family\u00a0Open Studio<\/strong> at\u00a0Cape Ann Art Haven<\/a>, including a project organized by an instructor, followed by time to explore & experiment with everything the studio has to offer. A great time to hang out with the family and get the creative juices flowing!<\/p>\n –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Spend the day shopping<\/strong> along Gloucester\u2019s historic Main Street, filled with locally-owned boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and cafes. In the evening,\u00a0enjoy a wide range of dining<\/strong>, from local seafood specialties at the\u00a0Gloucester House<\/a> or creative cuisine and sushi at\u00a0Latitude 43<\/a>, to authentic Mexican delicacies at\u00a0Jalapenos<\/a> or a taste of Boston at the\u00a0Franklin Cape Ann<\/a>.<\/p>\n —————-<\/p>\n