Fall is great for smooth sailing around Boston
Being a new boat owner this summer, my husband held out as long as he could. But the first week of October, it was clear it was time, and he pulled the boat out of the water and put it away for the winter. It was the last pleasure boat to leave our harbor.
“I’m going to miss being out on the water,” he said.
“Fear not,” I answered. “We’ve got options.
And so do you. Just because the main boating season has ended does not mean there aren’t cool and fun ways to head out onto the water this time of year. Grab your sweater, scarf, binoculars and spirit of adventure and consider these options for a fresh air, fun-filled autumn adventure.
The Provincetown Fast Ferry: Sure, you’ve seen the crowds line up for this great ferry ride to P-town and back in the summer months. But Bay State Cruise Co. now runs this ferry right through until December and P-town’s famed Holly Folly on Dec. 8.
What’s it like out there? Quieter. With less pleasure boat traffic, you’ll feel like Massachusetts Bay belongs to you. Colder water means a deeper blue (and this helps too: the way the sun slants in the sky in the fall makes the sky and water look a deeper, breathtaking azure). Colder water also means more seals in the area, with more of a chance for you to spot marine life as you chug along to P-town and back.
The ferry is quieter this time of year as well. Instead of a bustling crowd, you’ll find plenty of room to sit (and enjoy the fully stocked bar if you so desire), and plenty of hand rail space to stand at and take it all in. You’ll need warm clothing, of course, but rosy cheeks look good on everyone. And the coastline? Foliage hues hold on for a long time, giving you plenty of photo-worthy moments.
The ferry runs through Dec. 8 on a weekend schedule. On Fridays, it departs Boston at 5:30 p.m. and leaves from Provincetown to Boston at 7:30 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, it departs Boston at 8:30 a.m. and departs Provincetown at 3 p.m. That means a day trip either weekend day is a snap, as is a visit with an overnight stay. Or, should you just want to be out on the water and away from it all, head down and back Friday, enjoying the twinkling lights of the coast (and lighthouses) along the way. You can learn more and book passage at baystatecruisecompany.com. One side note: Should there be inclement weather (as in high seas, which happens any time of the year but there’s a tiny bit more of a risk in the fall), they’ve got you covered. Luxury coaches roll in to deliver you in comfort. Because: nature.
Classic Harbor Line: For a “toodle” around Boston harbor (as boaters like to call it), consider a brunch, lunch, foliage or sunset cruise aboard one of the Classic Harbor Line’s unique ships — Adirondack III, a majestic schooner, and Northern Lights, a luxury 1920s-style motor yacht. Cruises depart from Rowes Wharf Thursdays through Sundays until Nov. 4, giving you plenty of time to get out on the sea for a few hours of ocean fun.
All the cruises wind throughout Boston’s 34 harbor islands, getting close enough to see the beauty, and take you all the way out to Boston Light. For foliage views, Long Island and Peddocks Island display the most dramatic views of color, and are always a hit for passengers. And while you are close enough to the city for the skyline to remain a backdrop, you’re deep in nature too. Seals love the area around those islands, particularly in the fall.
Gourmet menus are featured at each meal, and the luxury ships allow you to sit and dine while soaking it all in. But do bring that sweater and hat — you’ll want to get out on the deck to breath in the perfection of autumn salt air. You can learn more at boston-sailing.com.
There’s a cruise just waiting for you and your brisk-air loving and sea-worthy legs.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2JeGGfS
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