Tourism Council May Meeting Update: Celebrating Cape Ann’s Vibrant Tourist Experiences
Anyone who spends any time in Cape Ann is certain to recognize the exciting tourist scene spreading across our five communities. At the annual Spring Tourism Mixer held on May 14, the growth of our visitor-based economy was on full display, as the members of Cape Ann’s tourism industry gathered to share updates on the seasons ahead. And just a few days later, this was the focus of the monthly meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber Tourism Council, an organizer of the Mixer.
The Council reviewed Mixer highlights, including updates from the Chamber, Discover Gloucester, and each of the Cape Ann communities. That night, we learned of the addition of new tourism services like Gloucester e-bike rentals and Harbor 9 Golf. We heard from attractions that are growing their presence, like the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum. We met newcomers to the community, like the new owners of Cape Ann Olive Oil. And we were reminded of major milestone events in the months ahead, like the Ipswich D-Day parade and the 40th annual Schooner Festival.
We were also treated to a taste of Cape Ann, with food and beverages generously donated by many restaurants and other businesses who helped to create our region’s fantastic “foodie” scene. Thanks Woodman’s, Kalamata Greek Kitchen, Oliver’s Harborside, Meat & Sweet, Oak to Ember, Jamie’s Roast Beef, 525 Magnolia Tavern, Laughing Gull, Seaport Grille and 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar, as well as those who contributed wine and beer: Atlantic Vacation Homes, Discover Gloucester, Good Harbor Liquors, Great Marsh Brewing Company, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Hammond Castle Museum, and Rockport Brewing Company. And a very special thank you to the Harbor Tap Trailer/Good Harbor Liquors, who provided bar service for the Mixer.
All this and much more took place at one of the jewels of Cape Ann’s tourism experience – the stunning Hammond Castle Museum. The Council thanks the staff of Hammond Castle and all of those who contributed to this year’s Mixer – in particular, our community presenters KD Montgomery from the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, Cape Ann Foodie Tours’ Cindy Hendrickson, Trina Schell from the Crane Estate, Matthew Swindell from the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum, and Kimberly Voltero from Emerson Inn.
And finally, thank you to the dozens of tourism industry representatives and supporters who attended this special evening. Planning has already begun for our 2025 Mixer, which is expected to be just as exciting, with even more updates and opportunities for networking.
In addition to the Mixer review, the Council looked at near-term tourism happenings, including the return of Motif #1, which took place on May 18; the new Cape Ann Pride celebration that kicked off in late May; and the June 6 Candlepins for a Cause event planned by the Cape Ann Community Foundation, which coordinates the Cape Ann license plate, a key asset in building visibility with potential visitors.
In the May 17 meeting, the Council continued its guest speaker program, welcoming Mike Storella from Cape Ann Plein Air, who spoke about that organization’s year-long schedule culminating with the competition and finale event in October; and Larry Maver, from Oak to Ember, who provided insights on that popular restaurant and led a discussion on in-season/off-season visitor trends.
We’ll continue conversations on topics like these in future Tourism Council meetings, held on the third Friday of each month at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offices — and via Zoom. We invite anyone who is involved in or has an interest in Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy to join us – our next meeting is scheduled for June 21. If you’d like to be part of these discussions, please reach out to me or contact the Chamber staff.
Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
tsapienza@gmail.com
