The beauty of the Tri-Town is, in a word, idyllic. In Rochester, cranberry bogs of deep burgundy pave the landscape as you drive down the country roads. The forests of Marion are lush and pristine, home to endless walking trails and the constant accompaniment of countless birds.
The waterfront of Mattapoisett is by far one of the most popular spots for the people of the area to congregate. The centerpiece of it all is Shipyard Park, located across the street from the village, near the boat docks. It’s a place where families bring their kids for a hot dog, where people cast their fishing lines into the deep sapphire sea, or where folks from out of town stop, just to admire the view.
“We went to a car show up in Plymouth, and we’re just taking our time getting back,” said Fall River resident Charles Jacobson.
He and his wife, Gloria, parked their 1928 Ford Phaeton near the docks on Sunday afternoon on their return journey home. The Phaeton is a four-door convertible. “And it’s name is Grunt,” he said.
“We love coming here because the harbor is just so beautiful,” said Gloria.
The Jacobsons’ picked a great day for a jaunt through the countryside. The air was warm, the breeze firm and brisk, with clear blue skies, out-matched only by the rolling ocean, peppered with boats of every sort.
Alan and Gale Hudson, of Mattapoisett, had spent much of their day aboard their 30-foot catboat, the Summer Gale, performing maintenance.
“With a sailboat, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the trip. But having a nice destination at the end isn’t bad, either,” said Alan.
They spend the colder months of the year down in Florida.
“But he always talks about how nice it will be to get back to Mattapoisett when we’re down there,” said Gale.
“I’ve done a lot of traveling and I’ve never found a place on the east coast as pretty as Mattapoisett,” he said.
Back on land, at the gazebo, young children were running around with seemingly boundless energy. Local arborist Andrew Joseph, brought his kids out for a day of simple fun. “It was a nice day. We are going to fly kites at the lighthouse, but decided to stop for ice cream first,” he said as his two-year-old daughter, Zoe, played nearby.
Joseph has been a resident of Mattapoisett for 15 years.
“I like the atmosphere and the people. It’s a good place to own a business and it’s real easy once you get to know everybody. And it’s nice being down by the water.”
Shipyard Park will begin its summer band concert series on July 11, 2012. Each Wednesday, at 7:30 pm, the public can come and enjoy an evening of free music by the water. This year’s annual Harbor Days celebration will be held at Shipyard Park July 20-22, 2012.
By Eric Tripoli
