Seaside Sitting & Eating
By Peter J. Hanlon, Massachusetts Bays Program

Man, you people are busy—sailing and fishing and playing water polo or whatever it is you do at the beach. The coast doesn’t always demand your sweat and energy. Please, come have a seat. Enjoy a sandwich. Doesn’t that feel nice? Sometimes the magical combination of sitting and eating outside (or “picnicking”) is the best way to appreciate the ocean. Practice your looking skills on a bench at a rocky point with a ham-on-rye and a friend. You’ll be amazed how “Hmm, lots of seagulls on that island…” becomes an acceptable conversation starter...

A few suggested destinations:

Halibut Point, Rockport - A state park that encompasses an old granite quarry at the very tip of Cape Ann. Enjoy several short trails that lead to rocky ledges, offering uninterrupted views of the coast from Crane Beach up through the New Hampshire seacoast. Look east and consider how beyond the horizon is Portugal, where a serving of arroz de marisco could be ordered. Wouldn’t a delicious seafood and rice meal complement this spectacular view? Mmm.

Fort Sewall, Marblehead - An historic fort that offers spectacular views of Marblehead Harbor and the islands of Salem Sound. One can sit on a bench or spread a blanket out on the grassy field where continental soldiers once enjoyed some hearty stews. Perhaps you could splurge and bring a cup of delectable New England-style clam chowder? Yes, sir.

Stephens Field, Plymouth - Located near Plymouth Center and right next to Plymouth Harbor, Stephens Field provides the picnic benches, seasonal farmers market, and little league baseball. Still harbor waters to the east, abundant American history to the north, a delicious hot dog in hand, and little Timmy hitting one out of the park—my God, I love a picnic.

Demarest Lloyd State Park, Dartmouth - Surround yourself with marsh, 1,800 feet of sandy beach perfection, and warm, shallow Buzzards Bay water as you take a seat on the rambling hills of beach grass. Look around and marvel at the number of egrets, herons, and terns as they hunt for small fish in the salt marsh. Glad you remembered to pack that leftover striper and couscous? You bet.

These are just four possible locations where you can savor the sights and sounds of the sea while sitting and eating. But the possibilities for exploration are endless—all you need is a sandwich (or soup in an insulated container, unless you’d rather a simple cheese and cracker snack… of course a lightly-seasoned chicken with salad can be a real hit) and a seat (benches are good, as is just sitting on the ground, but be sure to bring a blanket because you wouldn’t want to get grass stains, and don’t forget a cushion if you plan on sitting on rocks). So get out there!

Photographs from CZM Archives