Hammond Castle Museum - Gloucester, MA

I'm backkkkkk beaches!

I apologize readers, I came down with the 'vid for the second time in my life. The first time was two years ago in December (picture it: Christmas, 2021). But I'm finally on the mend and ready to write! You wouldn't believe how much Covid drains you of your energy, breath and CREATIVITY! I haven't actually wanted to sit down and break out my quill for far too long! You can ask my soul sister Rebecca - an amazingly artistic individual who uses all of her senses in her art (especially her nose in her apothecary!). She is actually will be popping up in many of my blog review posts in the future; as we love to swim together and get into shenanigans. And now I present one of our many adventures: Hammond Castle Museum.

When Rebecca and I first started tossing around the idea of a combined birthday celebration road trip to Massachusetts - I couldn't be more excited. Especially when she casually mentioned that we could visit a real-life princess-tower castle! My Disney princess arse was on board right away. I then remembered the name seemed familiar to me: Hammond Castle. It was one of the same stops my folk's and I made on my Scary Sweet Sixteen bus trip to Salem, Massachusetts! Because we were celebrating some milestone birthdays for this trip, I felt it appropriate that both us birthday mermaids set their sights on royal ground(ish). Well, let's just say a lot about my body and accessibility needs has changed since first getting my driver's license.

But more on that to come. Let me say: this place is stunning. The architecture in and of itself is exquisite and makes you feel like you've stepped into a real life storybook. I kept hoping to spot Prince Charming or even a knight in shining armor but alas, none to be found. I did however spy the grave of the original owner and mastermind of Hammond Castle, surrounded by his many pets in his poison garden. Sound strange? No judgement from this mermaid! You could feel the whimsy and beauty of the spirit energy emitting from the castle's stones. Inside the theming continues with rich reds and purples, the colors of royalty and medieval-aged prestige. The dark carved woodwork and works of art placed in precisely right spots makes you feel like you're a ladies maid to the queen!

Since I had terrible trouble even reaching the drawbridge to the entrance of the museum (yes, drawbridge complete with chain and empty moat), I asked Rebecca if she wouldn't mind visiting just the gardens outside and not the full tour of the inside. She agreed and as it was familiar ground for her, I didn't feel as guilty to ask. This is one trait about Rebecca that I appreciate the most: she is always understanding and accommodating when I'm having a hard time with my hip pain. Finding a friend who you know will never judge and always accept you for who you really are is truly more valuable than gold.

I was a bit disappointed at my own memories of the interior of the castle being so stair-heavy and not-bad-hip friendly. Please don't misread me - I totally understand that this is a realistic, replica-like medieval castle which means accessibility would be very minimum when it was built (yes I know it wasn't ACTUALLY built in the medieval ages... I'm not that blonde). But an extra thought once the humble abode was turned into a museum for those of us who need extra help getting around would have been nice to see.

Rebecca just reminded me of one the spiral staircases you will stumble upon during the tour of the museum. She say's its uneven, and was built that way on purpose by the original homeowner as a practical joke for his guests! You gotta love the guy's sense of humor! With that smile-inducing fun fact, I present my review for Hammond Castle - our very own Cinderella Castle in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Lady Needs-To-Sit's Starfish Guide

Restroom Rundown

Since Rebecca and I didn't do the full, complete tour of the castle - I can't speak to more than the restroom near the enterance and gift shop. This was a small, ocean-front bathroom with three stalls (one being larger for those who are handicapped). This huge window takes up almost an entire wall of the area, allowing you to watch the water while you wait to pee. And since there's only three stalls for however many guests (and bust trip patrons) it can be a long wait. I don't recall there being any other bathrooms available while you go through the rest of the museum - but I could be wrong!

Seating Situation

I will say this, there was no lack of seating at this destination! Even outside the enterance held plenty of large stone spots to rest any aching tails. Once inside, there were optimal wooden benches, chairs and thrones available for perching. Rebecca has verified my own goldfish memory, and indeed this is a trend to be found throughout the interior tour of the museum. This is extremely helpful, especially after navigating one of the steeper staircases - don't worry I will elaborate further below.

Railings, Ramps & Elevators (Oh My!)

Beyond disappointed. From the moment Rebecca and I exited the parking lot, I knew I was in trouble. The gravel lot is at the top of a relatively steep hill; the only options to reach the front door being the paved driveway or the stone walking path, which included uneven steps. The driveway was pretty steep for me to securely walk down (and was also being used by cars assisting with setting up for an event later that day). The jagged steps with only large unfinished log railing, made it very hard to get my footing. Thankfully I had my staff Lucinda's assistance. No, not office kind of staff - a walking-stick-type staff. Without her and Rebecca's watchful eye, I would have never even made it to the gift shop!

Parking Lot Party

Hot mess express. The parking lot is immediately off the road, and the turn comes up really quickly even with GPS guidance! The lot is gravel, but relatively flat and even. Once you exit the parking lot, as you've read, is where the real trouble begins. One other issue I found with the parking arrangements for the museum was the lack of spots for vehicles! The lot was extremely tiny for the amount of guest's trying to visit the castle at one time. This wasn't helped either by the increase of longer-than-normal attendance for the wedding that was being hosted shortly after the museum closed. I wish there was another solution, and understand the lack of space the museum has to work with, but it would be a nice upgrade.

Will I return?

This is a hard one for me to answer, because on a good-hip day I could potentially tour the interior of the castle. However, I think it would also be an activity that would require me to rest and recoup for days afterwards. Being on vacation and not wanting to over-exert my spoon allocation, I don't think another trip to Hammond Castle will be warranted for me. It's a beautiful destination, and I do overall recommend it to those who are visiting Gloucester! For me personally, I will enjoy looking back on photos and my own memories when remembering my time spent at a fairytale-worthy castle.

Swimmingly yours,

LNTS

Local Coffee Cove

Ok, who here joins this mermaid in her love of fig bars? I happen to think a baker named Mr. Newton made them excellent (ha, puns)! Rebecca and I agreed early on in trip planning that we wanted to support the small businesses that were aplenty in the town of Gloucester. We loved this adorable Italian bakery, Caffe Sicilia, so much that we visited twice! Once for coffee and a baked good (photo of my yummy choice below), and again for gelato - which was the PERFECT treat at the end of the sweltering summer day. I was super excited when I saw this XXL fig bar and purchased one with my interesting but super scrumptious peanut butter-flavored iced latte!

Make sure to stop in and check out Caffe Sicilia and their extensive menu if you're ever swimming through Gloucester, Massachusetts!

https://www.instagram.com/caffesicilia01930/