Wednesday, May 24, 2017

TRAVEL SPECIAL.... Go fish or go home

TRAVEL ..Go fish or go home


That's the simple philosophy of Gloucester, a stunning port just 45 minutes away from Boston. Eat fresh sea food, visit centuries-old lighthouses, or just enjoy the view

A pleasant 45-minute drive from Boston, Gloucester, in Cape Ann, Essex County, is America's oldest working seaport that beautifully blends incredible food, art, adventure, shopping and culture ­ perfect for a traveller. The heart of this fishing town beats in the vibrant Downtown and the waterfront.There is a lot you can do here to experience its real flavour and quirkiness!

WHALE OF A TIME
Start your day by meeting the mammoth local residents ­ the great whales who live just off Gloucester's shores. The cold, rich waters of the North Atlantic draw whales from thousands of miles away each summer (April to October) to slurp up tons of tiny fish and krill. Go whale watching just 24 km off Gloucester's rocky shore or catch cod, haddock and tuna on a deep sea fishing trip. For most people in Gloucester, fishing isn't a livelihood or sport ­ it's a way of life. They live by a simple philosophy: Go fish or go home. There's nothing in between. Don't forget to halt at the Gloucester's Fishermen Memorial ­ a famous statue of a man steering a ship's wheel, his eyes searching the horizon, at the scenic seaside promenade.

VIEW TO A KILL
With shining white sand stretching out into the Atlantic, beautiful Good Harbor is one of the most popular beaches of Cape Ann. At low tide, you can take a leisurely stroll on Salt Island while at high tide, you can enjoy bodysurfing or styrofoam boogie boards. Hugging the shore of the Annisquam River and stretching out towards Ispwich Bay is Wingaersheek Beach, another option to sit and enjoy the view. For a breathtaking view of Gloucester Harbour, head to Cressy's Beach at Stage Fort Park. Savour a seafood meal in a romantic atmosphere or have fun playing frisbee.

CULTURE HUB
Gloucester is home to America's oldest art colony, at Rocky Neck, with dozens of art galleries. Discover Cape Ann Museum that houses a fabulous collection of paintings and textiles, or interact with the artists to delve deeper into creativity. Maritime Gloucester is a wonderful place on the harbour to explore the historic fishing port's past, present and future. Don't miss the port's renowned music scene and summer festivals, including St Peters Fiesta and Downtown Sidewalk Bazaar.

WOODMAN'S FRIED CLAMS
New England is rich with regional foods that are rooted in history ­ Native Americans' maple sap, cheese from Vermont's dairy farms and lobster from Maine fisheries to name a few. While seafood is a specialty and a point of pride in New England cuisine, Boston is every seafood lover's haven. Cod, scrod, haddock, halibut, and trout, lobster, scallops, clams, oysters, and mussels are served throughout the city as well as the surrounding areas. Enjoy outdoor deck dining with river and marsh views and live music or drive around 15 km to devour a hearty portion of fried clams, served with mayonnaise and tomatochilli sauce at Woodman's of Essex. A self-service eatery, this place claims to be the inventor of fried clams by selling its first batch in 1916. Woodman's is also known for its silky, warming clam chowder, served with a pack of oyster crackers. End your meal with a custard served with American berries (blueberries, raspberries and strawberries), a dollop of cream and a cookie.

DEVOUR THAT LOBSTER
Put your bib on; this one's a messy meal.Start by twisting off the claws. Crack each claw and knuckle with a nut cracker and remove the meat. Twist the tail off the body. Put a fork upside down in the tail between the meat and the white underside. Pull the meat out in one piece. Take out the black gut that runs the length of the tail. Open under the body by pulling it apart from the bottom middle.
Separate it from the small walking legs on either side. Take the meat out from the leg by biting down on it and squeezing the meat out with your teeth.
Use the wet napkins to clean up. Ah!
shikha shah
TL 29MAY16


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