QMBC Beach Day

 

When? Saturday, August 20, 2011

Where? The Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea

Weather? Perfect?

 

The "Singing Beach" is one of the prettiest beaches on the North Shore, just south of Gloucester, and is easily accessible by public transportation. It also has a full service snack bar and changing house.

 

$$$: Because Mike and I did not budget for a trip this year, we're going to go "Dutch Treat," meaning every one pays for him or her self. The T-ride to North Station is $1.70 each way (if you have a plastic "Charlie Card"; $2 otherwise), the commuter rail is $6.75 each way, and there is a $5 daily beach use fee, giving a total cost of $21.90 (plus whatever you spend for lunch).

 

We'll take the Commuter Rail (Newbury/Rockport line) from North Station. There are multiple trains each way, but my plan would be to take the 10:15 a.m. train, arriving Manchester at 11:05 a.m. and then return on the 2:21 p.m. train arriving North Station at 3:10 p.m. If you plan to go down with the group, meet in front of Vanderbilt Hall at 9:00 a.m., and we'll leave for the Longwood stop on the 'E' line promptly at 9:15 a.m. It's about a half mile walk from the Commuter Rail stop to the beach.

 

Getting back at 3:10 p.m. will allow anyone interested to bop over to the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) to watch the "cliff diving" competition. The ICA is one of my favorite buildings in the city and has a wonderful collection. They're knocking $5 off of the admission price on Saturday in conjunction with the diving event.