Coastal Massachusetts is a favorite, summertime destination! Since it is also my home state, day trips to its northern shores are frequently in my weekend itinerary! The city of Gloucester is popular among tourists. Beautiful beaches abound, as well as historic sites.
I decided to hit the road for a day trip last Sunday. Stage Fort Park in Gloucester was hosting its annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival. Local artists, craftsmen, and food stalls display their goods in tented booths upon the park. I found a local vendor that produces their own skin care line with natural ingredients.
My next stop was the downtown area. I wandered to and fro among the craft shops, gift shops, and cafes. I found a cafe which served vegan items. I was pleasantly surprised to find anything vegan in this seafaring, seafood-loving town! My lunch at Cafe Bischo(51 Main Street) consisted of a veggie burger in a rollup. It was so good! The chef/owner informed me that they have several vegan items on the menu such as soup, hummus plate, and falafel. Much to my delight, the menu also includes vegan soy frozen yogurt! What a treasure to find! In all of my travels across the globe, I have never come across a vegan frozen yogurt! I selected the strawberry flavor. It was absolutely divine!
Onward I went to the waterfront! I strolled along the walkway by the ocean. The lighthouse, boats, and cottages dotted the view. Simply gorgeous! I decided to take a seat on the park bench and do some reading by the water, to unwind.
Other popular spots in the region are Hammond Castle and the beaches of Good Harbor and Wingersheek. Though they were not in my plans this time, I have indeed visited them often in the past and highly recommend them to visitors! Hammond Castle is a treasure. Its founder, Dr. Hammond, produced many inventions in his heyday almost a century ago. The castle is filled with secret passageways, ornate dining rooms and bedrooms, the great hall, library, inventions room, and a room which he designed to make various, weather patterns appear.
After my day at the ocean, I was famished! It was time for my evening meal. Several miles further south lies the city of Beverly. It is well-known among local vegans for housing the only raw food restaurant in the Boston area! I have eaten there many times over the years. The restaurant is Rawbert’s Organic Cafe (Rawbert’s Organic Cafe). They offer nutritious rice bowls, a few ethnic dishes, and vegan burgers. Everything is raw, with the exception of a few items cooked at low temperatures. Soups,juices, smoothies, and teas round out their menu. The cafe features a displaycase to showcase the many vegan cookies, cakes, pies, and other desserts available for purchase.
I opted for the berry tea beverage and the “cheeseburger” with kale chips and cole slaw. The “burger” was actually made of sunseed. It was a good choice. For dessert, I selected the black forest pie. This decadent slice of deliciousness was made of chocolate mousse and strawberries. Rawbert’s is an excellent choice for those heading back towards Boston on their way home from Gloucester area.
My day in the sun was filled with scenic, ocean views and lovely vegan eats! I recommend the seaside town of Gloucester, MA and its sights, sounds, and tastes for any vegan visitor to the region!
