Side Trips from Boston - Boston 2009 - page 268

WHERE TO STAY
Gloucester abounds with B&Bs; for guidance, check with the Cape Ann Chamber of
Commerce ( & 978/283-1601 ) or consult one of the agencies listed on p. 70.
Atlantis Oceanfront Motor Inn This motor inn with an outdoor pool and help-
ful staff sits across the street from the water, affording stunning views from every win-
dow. The good-size guest rooms are decorated in comfortable, contemporary style;
about half were renovated before the 2008 season, and the rest will follow before the
2009 season. Each room has a terrace or balcony and a small table and chairs. Second-
floor accommodations are slightly preferable because the view is a little better. The
Atlantis doesn't have the resort feel of its more expensive neighbor, the Bass Rocks
Ocean Inn, but the views are the same. Beach parking discount vouchers are available
to guests.
125 Atlantic Rd., Gloucester, MA 01930. & 800/732-6313 or 978/283-0014. Fax [phone]. www.atlantis
motorinn.com. 40 units, 7 with shower only. Late June-Labor Day $165-$195 double; spring and fall $140-$170 dou-
ble. Extra person $10. Rollaway or crib $15. Children under 13 stay free in parent's room. Minimum stay may be
required. Off-season midweek discounts available. AE, MC, V. Closed Nov-late Apr. Take Rt. 128 to the end (Exit 9,
East Gloucester), turn left onto Bass Ave. (Rte. 127A), and follow it 1 ⁄ 2 mile. Turn right and follow Atlantic Rd. Ameni-
ties: Coffee shop (breakfast only); heated outdoor pool. In room: A/C, TV, wireless Internet access, fridge, cof-
feemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Best Western Bass Rocks Ocean Inn The Bass Rocks Ocean Inn offers gorgeous
ocean views, spacious guest rooms, a heated pool, and modern accommodations.
Across the road from the rocky shore, the sprawling, comfortable two-story motel has
been a family operation since 1946. A Colonial Revival mansion built in 1899 and
known as the “wedding-cake house” holds a handful of one-bedroom suites and the
public areas, including a billiard room and a library. The 1960s-era guest rooms are
up-to-date, but overall the property feels like an old-fashioned resort, which distin-
guishes it from the neighboring Atlantis. Each motel room has sliding glass doors that
open onto a balcony or patio, and a king bed or two double beds. Second-floor rooms
have slightly better views. In the afternoon, the staff serves coffee, tea, lemonade, and
chocolate-chip cookies.
107 Atlantic Rd., Gloucester, MA 01930. & 800/WESTERN or 978/283-7600. Fax [phone]. www.bassrocks
oceaninn.com. 48 units. Summer $239-$350 double; $450 suite. Spring and fall $159-$229 double, $300-$350 suite.
Extra person $10. Children under 13 stay free in parent's room. Rollaway or crib $12. Rates include continental break-
fast, afternoon refreshments, and use of bikes. Minimum 3-night stay summer weekends, some spring and fall week-
ends. AAA and AARP discounts available. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Closed Nov-late Apr. Follow Rte. 128 to the end (Exit
9, East Gloucester), turn left onto Bass Ave. (Rte. 127A), and follow it 1 ⁄ 2 mile. Turn right and follow Atlantic Rd.
Amenities: Heated outdoor pool; game room. In room: A/C, TV/VCR, wireless Internet access, fridge, coffeemaker,
hair dryer, iron.
WHERE TO DINE
See “A Detour to Essex,” on p. 266, for information about the celebrated Woodman's
of Essex, which is about 20 minutes from downtown Gloucester. The Stage Fort Park
snack bar, the Cupboard, 41 Hough Ave. ( & 978/281-1908 ), serves excellent fried
seafood and blue-plate specials in the summer. Lobsta Land, 10 Causeway St., near
Exit 12 off Route 128 ( & 978/281-0415 ), is a summer-only destination for familiar
and unusual seafood dishes and amazing french fries. If you're in town just for a day,
consider sticking around for dinner at the Franklin Cape Ann, 118 Main St. ( & 978/
283-7888; www.franklincafe.com). It serves excellent bistro cuisine daily from 5pm
to midnight (but unfortunately not at lunch). Ned's Groceria, 24 Washington St.