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| One of the fine views of NH Seacoast |
Well, we have gone through the hills, mountains and forests of Massachusetts and yes, New York. However, I live on the coast and New England is known for many things including its shoreline. So, today I went for a bit of joyride on the fine roads of Southern New Hampshire and Northeast Massachusetts. I started out with some of the fine beaches of the NH Seacoast (Hampton, N. Hampton, Rye, etc.); then doubled-back into MA to Newburyport, Plum Island and finally Cape Ann to Gloucester and Rockport.
The theme of this drive can be explained pretty simply: rocky coasts and salt marshes with old colonial New England in between. I set off solo this time at 5:30am because it is post Memorial Day and these areas are tourist destinations and therefore a lot of cars, cyclists and pedestrians. Upside is it's already nice and bright this time of year so it all works out well. The route of choice for the entire trek was Route 1-N to 1A-S; then 1/1A-S to Route 133-E. The Rt 127 and 127A. Places of note along the route are Salisbury, MA and Seabrook, NH. Salisbury is nice with cool beaches and an entertainment district, but personally I don't like driving through there. However, it is only about 2 miles to the NH border and Seabrook. Seabrook has fine seafood shacks, parks and nice marshes in it's own right and is populated by Seabrook Nuclear PowerPlant. I will let those more enlightened about such issues to discuss the intermixing of nuclear plants, awesome salt marshes, marine life and people.
In any event, let it be known that this area of NH Seacoast is not for the speed demon.
(Video of NH Seacoast) Roads can be rough and some areas are under construction at this time. Also, do not forget the afore mentioned pedestrians. Nevertheless, large stretches of the road hug the coast line and you get an awesome view of the ocean. Enjoy the corners, but you are facing a tough sun "northbound" if you go early. Still, if you like to watch surfers and wonder what goes on behind the closed doors of grand homes, this is the stretch of road for you. You can make the run to the Maine border but I gave up the ghost after Rye and Odiorne Point as I didn't want to fuss with detours; so it was back south to try my hand at Plum Island.
It is pretty easy to get to from Hampton Beach, but honestly not much to say. I didn't like going through here and there is little for the driver. Nevertheless, the coastline, salt marshes and wild life refuge are destination points. However, you might encounter countless cars and occupied beach-houses if you dare. So, I left this area pretty quickly and left Newburyport and made my way to Gloucester.
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| Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Memorial |
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I had only done this route in pieces in the past, but in its entirety, it was quite the highlight from a driving perspective and a nice surprise. The road begins to open up and you begin your time warp odyssey. You go to Rowley from Newbury and old farms, both working and derelict and old New England houses. The road has decent speed limits with plenty of sweepers and you can potentially get a little aggressive with the throttle; this characterizes the entire run which also runs through Ipswich and Essex before entering Gloucester. Essex was once a great hub for shipbuilding, so if you do pass through there: eat at Woodman's and go to the Shipbuilding Museum which are both on 133. There are a few downsides. Watch for crossing wild turkeys and there are no pass zones on Route 133; so if you get caught behind someone who chooses to cruise 10 mph below the limit, you have to get creative or "abandon the lap and get a gap" or stop to buy a coffee. Also, I am unfamiliar with the enforcement in this area; so use liberal amounts of your right foot at your own risk. However, if you get the entire run from Newbury to Gloucester (via Route 1A and Route 133) free of slow traffic, it is a rather enjoyable experience without the risk of pushing the limits and with the benefit of now being in Gloucester. I visited twice today...once at low tide and again at high tide....awesome.
The Groton's Fisherman, The Perfect Storm comes to mind but those are caricatures. Do some research and go there.
(Video of Gloucester to Rockport run) Colonial history, maritime industry and history, the arts, and obvious destination points will all satisfy your curiosity. Also, you will not be disappointed by the food and the postcard scene of a drive from Rocky Neck to Rockport. You will then learn why the area has its name and why countless people come to this area every year. Overall, this drive is a great way to spend the day and see everything you would equate with New England with a little pace to boot.
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| Atlantic Rd. in Gloucester, MA |
As a personal anecdote, during this part of the year these areas are spectacular. This is clearly evidenced by the fact people flock to these areas year after year. However, having traversed some of these places at different points of the year on multiple occasions, I think the off-season is a much more pleasurable experience for the driver. The roads are still there and the areas become less populated. Moreover, you get a more visceral experience of the ocean's power at high tide in mid January...electric if you ask me. Round trip door to door including some stops...about 4.5 hours. Get out and go somewhere.
YouTube Sunday Driver Playlist
Visit New Hampshire
Plum Island
Discovery Gloucester
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