By Joann Mackenzie Staff Writer MANCHESTER — This Saturday, Manchester-by-the-Sea once again shows the world why it is not like “Manchester-by-the-Sea,” the movie: its annual Festival by the Sea. The charm of Manchester-by-the-Sea, a town that had its beginnings  in the days of bathing “costumes” and bicycles built for two, may not have been captured […]

By Kathy Shiels Tully HANG AROUND THE BLOCK Gloucester is about so much more than fish sticks. The city’s string of Summer Block Parties continue on Aug 12, and Sept. 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Main Street. Party-goers of all ages can enjoy live outdoor entertainment, free children’s activities, street performers, shopping, and al […]

by Joann Mackenzie Staff Writer It’s the second year Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the city in planning downtown’s summer block parties, and “what we learned from last year,” says chamber events planner Kerry McKenna, “is that we really had a good time and I’m trying to hit the same home runs […]

Around 175 people braved the 30-degree cold, some in bikinis and swim shorts, to jump into the ocean and fight against polio at Long Beach on Saturday. Luckily the tide was low and the sea was calm for the sixth annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge, part of Rotary International’s ongoing campaign to eradicate […]

The North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau held their Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on Nov. 2 at the Beauport Hotel, 47 Commercial St., Gloucester. North of Boston CVB leadership presented the 2016 Essex County Tourism Awards, recognized 2016 Tourism Mini-Grant Recipients, inducted new board members and thanked outgoing board members for their service. […]

More than 40 painters will set up their easels outdoors this month. By Madeline Bilis | Arts & Entertainment | October 3, 2016, 9:51 a.m. A PAINTING CLASS AT THE ANNISQUAM LIGHT IN GLOUCESTER / PHOTO BY MARILYN SWIFT Lighthouse paintings hold a special place in the hearts of New Englanders, which is why the […]