NICK & EM FINALLY GET MARRIED
THE SETTING
Cranberry hill estate
Cranberry Hill is a private AirBnB we've rented for the occasion. It will serve as our gathering place for the weekend and all wedding-related events will be hosted here.
A beautiful, colonial-style hilltop home built in 1924, it sits on 22 acres of land, including formal gardens and a private quarter-mile trail right to the ocean.
The estate is situated at the southern end of a small island on the Cape Ann peninsula, which is connected to the mainland by several bridges. The town of Rockport makes up the northern portion of the island, and Gloucester the southern.
A drive all the way around the island's coastline takes about 45 minutes, or plan for 20 minutes tip-to-tip.
THINGS TO KNOW
Sunset Time
The sun will set at 7:45 PM for those of you like us who love the beauty and the colors. This is also when our ceremony will begin.
WEATHER
​We love Gloucester in part for its near-perfect summer weather. From 68°F at breakfast time, the heat typically peaks by 3:00 PM at 75°F and cools off again to 68°F by 11:00 PM.
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In the Cape Ann area, one in five August days typically sees rainfall in the form of brief passing thundershowers.
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Think beach weather with a soft coastal breeze and maybe a light sweater after the sun goes down.
Getting AROUND THE ISLAND
August is peak season in Cape Ann, so while we highly recommend taking a windows-down drive around the island, finding a spot to park can be a challenge and an expense, particularly at the beaches & in Rockport.
Consider arranging for a drop-off by another guest or plan to park at a distance. We'll help organize outings to various locations to limit this as a barrier to adventure.
If you'll be traveling without a rental car, Uber is an option we found quick & consistent when we visited in September, although reports of their reliability during peak season vary.
Gloucester Taxi is another option that locals recommend, but is cash-only & seems to take a bare-bones approach to customer service.
Keep in mind that certain beaches & hiking areas may have limited cell service, so schedule rides ahead!
PLAN AHEAD
The beaches in Gloucester and Rockport don’t charge for admission, but they do charge for parking, which is limited. For that reason, we recommend taking an Uber, arranging for a drop-off, or using the CATA bus.
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If you'd prefer to park, Gloucester beach lots require advance reservations through the city website. Reservations are per-beach per-day, cost $30, are not refundable, and do not guarantee a space.
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Rockport beach parking is first-come-first-serve using meters.
WHERE TO EAT
We’re feeding you breakfast and dinner like royalty on Friday. On Saturday, in addition to breakfast, the wedding celebration will have a cocktail hour so glorious it may spiritually count as dinner. But lunch? That’s on you. Pack a snack, forage, or form a hunting party - we believe in your survival skills.
CAUSEWAY
SEASIDE COMFORT FOOD
Casual Gloucester staple serving generous portions of fresh seafood and Italian-inspired classics in a relaxed, BYOB setting.
DRIFT & WAVE
GET THE SILKEN STONE
Come here when you want light, beautiful food and cocktails that quietly steal the show - easy plates for sharing, bright flavors, and drinks so good they may derail your original dinner plans (worth it).
LOBSTER. ENOUGH SAID.
This is where you go when you want serious lobster with zero fuss. Order at the counter, eat at picnic tables, get butter on your hands, etc.
ROY MOORE LOBSTER
MOM'S KITCHEN
CLASSIC DINER BREAKFAST
Nick's absolute favorite breakfast spot in the area - no contest. Cozy diner vibes. Ridiculously good sweets: fluffy pancakes, powdered-sugar French toast, and coffee rolls (it's a thing).
SOURCE BAKERY
YOUR GO-TO CAFE
Extremely good pastries and amazing coffee. Highly praised croissants, classic sandwiches, plenty of seating. A perfect light breakfast pit stop.
WHAT TO SEE
CRANBERRY HILL TRAIL
QUICK & EASY HIKE
Quarter-mile trail from Cranberry Hill that leads straight to the ocean. Perfect for a romantic walk, deep life talks, or dramatic solo reflections.
GOOD HARBOR BEACH
THE BEST BEACH IN TOWN
Expansive beach, commonly referred to as the nicest on Cape Ann. A bit busy typically but for good reason. 2 mile walk or drive from Cranberry Hill.
WHALE WATCHING
why fish when you can watch
This is a great part of the country to do this. Ahab it up. See all the whales. Start a vendetta against one. Embrace a new lifelong obsession.
COMPLETE WITH MOAT AND DRAWBRIDGE
A literal stone castle on the ocean, built by a wildly eccentric inventor. It’s dramatic and a little strange, but worth a visit.
GLOUCESTER MAIN ST
A BEAUTIFUL WALK & WINDOW-SHOPPING
Gloucester feels more lived-in than Rockport. Its Main Street boasts eclectic bookstores, historic storefronts, and plenty of spots to wander, eat, and get a real sense of the town beyond the tourist layer.
EXPLORE GLOUCESTER'S Working Waterfront
This self-guided walking tour includes forty-two stops, many historical in nature. We particularly recommend the seaside walk down Western Ave from Angle St to Cressy Beach.
BEARSKIN NECK RD
MUST VISIT
Rockport is one of those places that actually lives up to the hype - easy to walk, full of character, and exactly the kind of classic coastal New England town you hope it’ll be.
PAVILLION BEACH
HARBOR VIEWS
Small, scenic beach located on the eastern end of Stacy Boulevard in Gloucester. Great spot to find Sea Glass.
CORMORANT ROCKS
Bird WATCHING?
Beautiful scenic viewing point on the Cape Ann coast, and, as the name suggests, a lovely place to see hundreds of birds do bird things.
LONG BEACH
More Adventurous
Consistent rolling surf and a long, open shoreline that’s great for boogie boarding without the heavy crowds.
HALIBUT POINT
STATE PARK
If you like taking easy scenic walks this is a great place to explore. Bring a picnic, sit out on the beautiful golden rocks, & watch the waves from Cape Anne's northernmost point.
CRANE BEACH
Off THE BEATEN PATH
Back on the mainland and about a 20-minute drive, this is the largest beach on the list, with great swimming and plenty of room to spread out away from the hectic island crowds.