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Escape to the Harbor Islands

By Maeve Rich

The arrival of summer brings with it the opportunity to get outside and experience all that our area has to offer. For some that means long, languid days spent at the beach. For others it may involve looking for new ways to spend precious days off.

For many Hull residents, the Harbor Islands are an untapped adventure, a source of endless hours of activity for individuals and families. They dot the coast, each of the thirty-four islands providing its own unique characteristics for enjoyment.

The largest and most popular is George's Island. Accessible from Hull, Boston and Quincy, George's Island hosts Fort Warren, whose ominous stairwells and entrances beckon to be explored. Tours of the fort, a National Historic Landmark, are also offered. From the top of the fort, one can see the stretch of sea leading to Boston's skyline. Boats motor across, lending the feel of a vacation just seven miles from the city. Justin Brinkmeyer, a Somerville resident originally from Ohio, brought a friend from out of town to George's Island for the day. "For two mid-western boys, both boats and islands can be pretty exciting in and among themselves," he said.

The ferry from Boston, Quincy and Hull also stop at five other islands; Spectacle, Lovells, Peddocks, Grape, and Bumpkin. These islands have life guarded beaches, free guided tours, and camping. A complete list and description of the islands is available at http://www.bostonislands.com/isle_profiles.html. With so much to do and ticket prices for the ferry ranging from just $7.00 to $12.00 (children under three are free), the Harbor Islands are exciting for the whole family - and secretly educational for those unwilling learners. Frank Austin, visiting George's Island with his wife and infant daughter, agrees. "This is a great way to spend a Saturday. My wife loves it because she's outside, she's walking around, she's watching the kids playing cricket. I love it because of the history. It's a win-win situation for us."

Other options are the Sunset and Discovery Cruises. The Sunset Cruise is a nice alternative for those seeking something romantic or peaceful to do during the evening. It leaves from Boston's Central Wharf (also accessible from Hull) at 7pm every evening and returns at 9pm. During the forty-five minute ride to George's Island, a ranger tells of the rich history of the island. Upon arrival, passengers visit Fort Warren then watch the sunset from the top of the fort. The Discovery Cruise is ideal for someone who wants the experience of all the islands, yet doesn't have the time to visit each. Leaving three times daily also from Central Wharf, a ranger describes each island's history. A stop at George's Island to explore Fort Warren is also included. Now that summer is almost here, make sure you include the Harbor Islands in your summer plans. Alice Walters is. "My boyfriend and I went to the Islands at least five times last year, and I'm sure we'll do the same this year. The only thing we didn't do last year that we want to do this summer is camp out. That should be pretty cool."

Ferries leave Hull from Pemberton Point, and parking is free across from Hull High School. For more information about the Islands, boat schedules, and ticket prices, go to http://www.bostonislands.com or call 781-925-1213. 

 

 

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