Just a short drive north along the coast, Gloucester is a small fishing town brimming with beautiful views.  A good place to begin your adventures is the Visitor's Center. Volunteers there can point you in the right direction.  According to volunteer Rosie Sagall, one of the most popular activities is whale-watching. She said they guarantee you will see whales on your expedition.  Want to relax by the water? Check out Pavilion Beach. According to locals, it's the only beach with free parking.  "It's quiet and peaceful," said Winifred White, a Gloucester resident for 63 years.  White makes her…

Do you want to get out of the kitchen but want want to try something new? Want to get some fresh iudeas for tasty meals? The Patch Passport can help. We have assembled a list of local places, based on th international flavor. Try one out and let us know what you think. Bon Appetit! American: 15 Walnut Bistro Dish We Recommend: Jasmine Risotto Black Cow Tap & Grill Dish We Recommend: Roasted Statler Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes The Weathervane Tavern Dish We Recommend: Teriyaki Sirloin Grassy Roots Dish We Recommend: The General The Hungry Fox Caterers Dish We Recommend: Herb & Spice …

Blue Peacock is a unique home decorating store in Hamilton with an array of reasonably priced gifts for every occasion. Whether buying for yourself or gifts for others, Blue Peacock offers products ranging from finger puppets for children to handmade tea towels from Africa. The Blue Peacock has many unique ideas for your home. Owner Susanne W. Csongor proudly hosts to a collection of handmade and hand-painted products, including many local designers. Csongor concentrates on promoting and supporting local artists in the shop by selling their paintings and other art such as chandeliers and …

The summer months bring much needed warmth and sunshine to the North Shore. But summer also brings the stresses of school vacation and an increase in work, leaving little time to do anything for you. TaylorDanielle Day Spa has a solution to the stresses that summer may bring and all you have to do is stop in. The spa - which is now located in the Shoppes at Hamilton Crossing after moving from Bay Road in December - has an instant feel of relaxation from the moment you walk in the front door. Taylor Danielle - the spa’s founder - immediately greets you with a welcoming smile and has a genuine …

Sagamore Hill quietly holds an important piece of Hamilton history. Chief Masconomet is buried on the site, which is also a military installation known as Sagamore Hill Observatory. Just two years ago, Community Preservation Act money was used to buy a new marker for the gravesite, where Masconomet's wife was buried alongside him more than 350 years ago. Masconomet was known as Sagamore (meaning chief) of Agawam and was the last Sagamore to oversee a tribe that lived in the Cape Ann area plus Hamilton, Ipswich and Wenham. He died in 1658. Beyond the historical significance of the burial site…

Pingree Park: Tucked in the shade off Route 1A, Wenham's Pingree Park has arguably the best play structure in the two towns. While often lost to the specter of Patton Park and its tank, Pingree Park has just as much to offer. The main play structure seems newer and in better shape. And kids may tell you it is more fun. The best part is that there's always plenty of room to park  and it's free. In addition, there's the fields to toss around a ball or kick a soccer ball. Wading Pool at Bradley Palmer State Park There's no better quick, inexpensive way to stay cool with the kids than Bradley …

Patch is your guide as you become a tourist in your town. Whether you're new to town or want to explore the city you've loved for years, we're here to show you what there is to see. Here is your seven-day itinerary: MONDAY: For the Monday Passport, Patch sets out to discover a Hidden Gem in your community. Whether you've never heard of this place or simply haven't stopped by in years, we want to help you find the best of your town! Hidden Gem: Grand Wenham Canal TUESDAY: The Tuesday Patch Passport gives you options for great local spots for Kid-Friendly Fun. Take advantage of time with your …

The Grand Wenham Canal, hiding north of Cherry Street, was built in 1917, both for the transport of water and for recreational canoeists. It is also popular today for dog walkers. At around a mile long, the canal is a perfect walk for you and your dog. It is stunningly peaceful and the only noises that are typically heard come from the birds in the trees just off the banks and the occasional bark from a dog. It really is a hidden gem for those seeking solitude away from the hustle of the town, with not only dog walkers, but also joggers and students studying along the canal bank. It is not …