From Wicked Local: Get a Taste of Gloucester – on foot
While whale watches, duck boats and deep sea fishing ships are common fare in Gloucester – offering a taste of what the waters of Cape Ann have to offer – the forthcoming Taste Gloucester tour offers a land-based alternative for tourists new to the city.
The tours started on July 7 and continue throughout the summer (see tastegloucester.com for a full schedule). Taste Gloucester offers walking tours of the city, while learning about local history and sampling fare from local eateries and establishments. Tours cover roughly one mile of downtown Gloucester, and run just under three hours total.
The tour is the brainchild of Patrick Halloran, a Somerville resident who grew up in Gloucester and saw an opportunity in Taste Gloucester. Halloran was actually participating in a trip to Italy that was similar in nature to his new venture here on Cape Ann.
“I was up one night, jet-lagged in Italy, and thinking about how this was a great way to see the city we were in, and not have to go to every museum,” says Halloran. “The best part is, you get to eat all of the great food. That’s sort of where it hit me: This is the type of thing you could do in Gloucester, a way of getting people opened up to the history and culture of the city using food as the gateway.”
The cost of the tour is $47.50, with that amount covering all tastings as well. Tours begin at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., with a tour guide leading participants throughout the downtown area and exposing them to local establishments such as Cape Ann Olive Oil Company and the Cape Ann Brewing Company. Tour guides will also talk about Gloucester’s history while visiting sites such as the Sargent House
“We’ll start at Harbor Loop, where we’ll discuss the history of the city, Charlemagne and what his experiences were here,” says Halloran. “We’ll talk about Fitz Hugh Lane, then move to the olive oil store, then go to the Sargent House and talk about the history behind that. It’s a little food, and a little history.
“It’s to promote their businesses as well,” continues Halloran. “Gloucester needs it right now, a local tour that points toward local businesses.”
Halloran began working on getting Taste Gloucester up and running in April, using his past experience working for hotels, restaurants and whale watches in the city while growing up as a basis. That being said, he was surprised at just how much he learned about the city when he delved into his initial research.
“This tour is for someone who wants to explore Gloucester in a short timeframe,” he explains. “The funny thing is that I grew up here, and in doing the research and background, I learned so much about Gloucester that I didn’t know.”
Halloran is hoping that tour participants will not only leave the tour satisfied with their “taste” of the city, but with the urge to see more once they’ve had a sample.
“Yes, they’ll get a taste,” he says. “Not only will they get to try out great restaurants, we’ll talk about art and history, too. So, if you’re an art fan, you can maybe later check out Rocky Neck or a museum. Or take a harbor shuttle to see more places.”
By Jason Brisbois/capeann@wickedlocal.com
Cape Ann Beacon