Inn Magnolia

A charming inn in a lovely, quiet, historic section of Gloucester (the grand old hotels used to be in Magnolia). Inn Magnolia is a 1880 Georgian-style mansion with elegant common areas, period furniture, beautiful woodwork and plaster moldings, and magical gardens. We also have a spacious motel wing with eclectic, fun, beachy decor.
 

We are walking distance to a private beach, breathtaking conservation land, several shops and restaurants, and many other amenities. In downtown Gloucester there are terrific restaurants and bars that frequently feature great local music; whale watch boats; deep sea fishing charters; art and maritime museums and galleries, including the Rocky Neck Art Colony, the oldest continuously operating art colony in the country, recently designated a Cultural District by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  In the summer there are frequent free outdoor events with music, art, crafts, sporting events, and culinary offerings.

The inn is located about 3-1/2 miles from downtown Gloucester and Manchester-by-the-Sea, about 8 miles from Rockport, and 12 miles from Salem along beautiful coastal route 127.


 

A short, scenic drive to Manchester Harbor, Hammond Castle, historic downtown Gloucester, Good Harbor Beach, the Man at the Wheel statue, St. Peter's Square (where Fiesta is held), whale watching & charter boats, restaurants, shops and museums. Rocky Neck Art Colony is just across town, and picturesque Rockport is nine miles away.

Easy access to Boston (33 miles) and Salem (12 miles) by car or by very pleasant commuter rail.  No stop lights and very little traffic from 128 to our convenient location.

Very reasonable rates, and free wifi.    

Charming rooms are available in both the Main House and the Annex.

The Main House is eclectic: each room has a different personality. Most have period furniture, beautiful bed frames, and some have fireplaces. Some share a bath and several of these can be configured as suites for a family or other group traveling together.
 

In the Annex, each room has a private bath, comfortable seating area, and two chairs out on the front deck. All rooms have  individually controlled heat and air conditioning units and (basic) cable TV. Please note that there are no phones in the rooms.

All room rates include a substantial continental breakfast and free wireless internet access.

The Arts

Hammond Castle Museum
A mile down the road toward Gloucester is the Hammond Castle. John Hays Hammond, Jr., built his medieval-style castle between 1926 and 1929 to serve as his home and as a backdrop for his collection of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. Visitors to Hammond Castle Museum are welcome to explore the castle on guided or self-guided tours of many rooms. Visitors may also enjoy the beauty of the castle grounds and a view of the Atlantic shoreline.

Cape Ann Museum
The Cape Ann Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in downtown Gloucester. Cape Ann has been a leading center for artists since the 19th century, the oldest seaport in the country, and the source of granite for building projects up and down the East coast. The Museum maintains and exhibits material relating to these major themes. In addition to its permanent collections, the Museum offers a rotating schedule of special exhibits throughout the year.

Rocky Neck Art Colony
America's oldest continuously operating art colony is one of the most charming spots on Cape Ann.  The picturesque galleries, coves, and wharves are not only home to many of the area's artists, but are inspirational to visiting artists. Just one mile from the end of Route 128, off Gloucester's East Main Street, you'll find Rocky Neck Avenue; turn right, park in the public parking lot and prepare to discover for yourself the charm and ambiance of the art colony. Rocky Neck has been luring artists to its picturesque shores for more than 200 years. Winslow Homer, Fitz Henry Lane, Childe Hassam, Edward Hopper, Maurice Prendergast, John Sloan, and Frederick Mulhaupt are but a few of the illustrious alumni. Contemporary paintings, both traditional and abstract, as well as many other specializations like batik, photography, jewelry, sculpture, and quilting, are available. Visitors are always welcome.

Beaches

Singing Beach, 295 Beach Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea
A wonderful beach, known for the unique sound of sand "singing" (actually it's more like a squeak) as you scuff your feet along the beach. It is said to be one of the few beaches in the world where this occurs.

Wingaersheek Beach, Atlantic Street, Gloucester
Situated in the western part of Gloucester on Atlantic Street off Rte. 133 and Concord Street, this beautiful, white sandy beach is situated along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay. It features white sands, crystal clear waters, tide pools, and huge rocks in the water that you can climb around at low tide. Wingaersheek is a favorite for families with children.

Good Harbor Beach, Route 127A, Gloucester
Good Harbor is one of the most popular beaches in New England. Even on very hot summer weekends the beach is not overly crowded because of its size and because the parking lots cannot handle enough people to allow the beach to become too crowded. Try to get there early because the parking lot fills up quickly on hot summer days.

More attractions coming soon!