"Manchester-by-the-Sea" is on the receiving end of a lot of Hollywood buzz right now. The film has been raking in awards all season long, with many weighing in on its prospects as a Best Picture Winner at this year's Academy Awards. As the film's stars prepare to walk the red carpet this weekend, we take a look at some of the real-life highlights in this bucolic seaside town.
Manchester-by-the-Sea occupies a total of 18 square miles - nine of which are water - on Cape Ann in Massachusetts' Essex County and is known for scenic beaches, summer houses and ocean vistas. As far as New England coastal towns go, it hits all the marks.
Singing Beach
For movie-goers who fell in love with the rocky shores of this New England coastal town, head to Singing Beach. It's a popular stop for Bostonians in the summer as its easily accessible by public transit - just a half-mile walk from the MBTA station. The beach gets its name from the singing sand that squeaks as you walk along the shoreline.
Trask House Museum
History lovers will want to check out the Trask House Museum. In 1823, it was built as a general store by Abigail Hooper, who married a merchant ship captain by the name of Richard Trask. Now it's a museum and home to a collection of period furniture and artifacts as well as fine art. The town has a long maritime history as well as being a popular summer home destination where well-to-do Bostonians came during the Gilded Age and the museum's walls are adorned with memorabilia commemorating the era.
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Agassiz Rock
For those into taking a short hike, head to Agassiz Rock. The two rocks, known as erratics, were deposited in the area by glacial ice. There is a short loop trail that takes hikers to see the rocks. Little Agassiz is the more impressive of the two due to its location, perched precariously on a small stone. The 30-foot-tall Big Agassiz Rock pokes out from a forest of shrubs.
Coolidge Reservation
For a small town, Manchester-by-the-Sea sure has a lot of natural space. Head to the Coolidge Reservation, where a Georgian-style mansion known as the "Marble Palace" once stood. While it is no longer there, the home's grounds have been preserved and have been called Ocean's Lawn. It is another location recommended for its beautiful hiking opportunities, with views of the water through the forest.
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